At some point when at the liquor store or out for a drink, you might see a bottle of clear liquor that says rum or vodka. While the color of the liquor makes them seem similar, this couldn't be further from the case. You'll find that when you sip or shoot vodka and rum, there is a big difference in the alcohol content, flavor, and mouthfeel.
Vodka has a strong flavor but not much of a taste unless it's mixed with fruits or botanicals. Then, you’re dancing a fine line between vodka and gin. For this reason, vodka makes a great base for mixed drinks, but some people love it straight in a martini or with a dirty olive or two.
On the other hand, rum is a sweeter liquor because it's made with sugarcane and molasses. It's also a great base for mixed cocktails, but it's also great for sipping if you choose one that's aged in oak barrels.
Rum Vs Vodka: the Main Facts
Rum vs vodka comes down to what they're made with, what they taste like, and even where they're from. Starting with rum, you'll find that most types of rum liquor come from tropical regions that can grow sugarcane. Rum comes from these areas because sugarcane tends to grow there, and sugarcane needs to be broken down into molasses to make rum.
The rest of the rum-making process is about distillation of the mix, fermentation, and aging it if you’re looking at a darker rum. This results in a great-tasting liquor that's smooth and sweet. If you go for a dark rum, you'll find that it's a little more on the spicy side. However, it's a great choice for people who like whiskey and other dark liquors, so it may be worth a try.
Vodka is made in a similar way to rum but with different ingredients. It's made with grains like corn, potatoes, and even cereal grains. Then, they're fermented, distilled, and diluted before distribution. The result is a clear liquor that has a unique taste – almost like the water of alcohol.
Sometimes, botanicals and other ingredients are added to enhance the flavor of vodka.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Rum and Vodka?
The alcohol content of rum falls between 40 and 80 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) ABV. White rum tends to have a lower ABV than darker rums because the longer aging process increases the amount of alcohol in the rum. Vodka, on the other hand, has an alcohol content of 40 to 95 percent ABV. That said, most vodka sits at around 45 to 50 ABV.
What Is Rum and Vodka Made From?
Rum is made from sugarcane, which is then turned into molasses and combined with yeast for fermentation. From there, other ingredients may be added to increase the amount of spice, or the run might be added to an oak barrel for extended aging. This is how you end up with darker rums.
Vodka is made similarly, but potatoes, corn, or other grains are used instead of sugarcane. These grains are combined with yeast and water, then distilled and filtered to leave you with vodka.
What Is the Primary Ingredient of Rum and Vodka?
The primary ingredient in rum is molasses, which is produced by mashing sugarcane into a syrup. For vodka, the primary ingredient tends to change based on the type of vodka.
Some vodkas use potatoes, like Titos, while other brands may use corn or cereal grains. Regardless of the type, grains are involved in the process.
How Rum and Vodka Are Made
Rum and vodka are made in similar ways but using different ingredients. Depending on the type of rum and vodka, there may be some additional steps in the process. That said, we cover how run and vodka are made through the process of fermentation and distillation.
For vodka, base grains are fermented by combining yeast with potatoes, sugar beets, corn, and other types of grains. From there, the mash is distilled to produce a concentrated vapor that's filtered and refined.
In most cases, water is also added to the mixture to dilute the alcohol content. Botanicals and other spices may be added to rum or vodka to further enhance the flavor.
How Rum and Vodka are Distilled or Filtered
Rum and vodka are made in similar ways but with different ingredients and tools. With the right ingredients, the process for distilling and filtering rum tends to be the same. These steps include fermenting the base ingredients, distilling the ingredients into a vapor to remove the mash, filtration and refining the product, and then diluting it to reduce the alcohol content. For filtration, vodka and rum often pass through charcoal.
Can You Make Rum and Vodka Yourself?
Rum and vodka can be made from scratch, but only if you have the right tools. If you want to make vodka, you'll need plenty of space, a distilling tool, and access to fresh grains.
For rum, you'll need sugarcane and a tool to mash it into molasses for you to ferment to make it. While it's possible to do this at home, some states might have laws against where you can or can't make rum and vodka.
Choose Between Rum and Vodka Today!
Rum and vodka are different types of liquor, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy them both. Plus, if you’re a fan of clear liquor, you might not notice a big difference between some types of rum and vodka. For this reason, the idea of mixing things up and trying one or the other isn't a bad idea.
That said, if you’re someone who prefers dark liquor, you’re better off with rum. There are plenty of dark rum options that have a hint of spice and more flavor than your average rum or vodka drink.
