There is no greater pressure than the moment the bartender is staring at you, her hands confidently on the bar, awaiting your reply to the question, “What’ll you have?” It is important to know that we have all been there. Atmdesk driver. A common reply is to ask the ‘tender, “What do you recommend?” While an honest question, nothing holds a bartender up more than going through a verbal drink menu. Another staple response in this scenario is to immediately put the pressure on a friend by saying, “Well what’re you having?” This is not fair to your friends or loved ones, as they could be in the same predicament. If you ask any bartender, they will tell you that when the perceived pressure to order is high, most folks go with an easy standard like rum and coke, or vodka and soda. There is nothing wrong with these combinations at all, but do you even know what rum or vodka really is? How are they similar? Why do they look so different?

It is time to take back the moment of ordering a cocktail. It is time to build confidence so you can approach the bar full of knowledge and expertise. Not only should you be able to order for yourself, you should be able to order for anyone who needs assistance from one who knows the difference between spirits. Let’s build your knowledge and take a look at the answers to the questions regarding what makes rum and vodka, well, rum and vodka.

Rum vs. Vodka: What are They Made Of?

Vanilla, coffee, and chocolate notes dominate and the finish is on the smokier end of the spectrum. If you prefer a sipping rum that's slightly sweeter, you should go with this Zaya Gran Reserva. Founded by bartenders Nicholas Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2009, Bittercube uses all naturally sourced, raw ingredients in their blends. Their Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters, which uses an aged-whiskey base, is a favorite of Aaron Polsky, the Bar Manager of Harvard & Stone in Los Angeles. “The medium- and high-toned. Vodka: What are They Made Of? The popular ingredient in rum is molasses, and coming in close second is sugarcane. As rum is often made on Caribbean islands, this ingredient list makes sense. It is important to note that the ingredients will ultimately impact the flavor profile of a spirit or cocktails made with it.

The popular ingredient in rum is molasses, and coming in close second is sugarcane. As rum is often made on Caribbean islands, this ingredient list makes sense. It is important to note that the ingredients will ultimately impact the flavor profile of a spirit or cocktails made with it.

Vodka, from the Slavic word “voda” meaning water, is made primarily from potatoes or grains (think: wheat). Vodka is sometimes infused with herbs or fruit to alter its flavor but because of its ingredients does not have an overwhelming flavor. There is a reason the “loaded baked potato” was invented!

Rum is fermented, and distilled, using the molasses and sugar cane combination. While molasses is typically dark in color, the liquid after distillation is still clear. Well, how does rum get its typical coloring? That comes from its aging process. Rum is aged in oak casks (think: wine barrel). It takes on the coloring and, depending on the type of cask, some flavor from the barrel as it ages. The compounds that are absorbed from the barrels are called vanillin and tannins.

Vodka, like rum, is fermented and distilled. The potato or wheat ingredient is fermented and then ethanol (alcohol) is added for distillation. There is no barrel aging process, leading to the clear color and virtually tasteless end product, hence the name stemming from a word meaning water.

Rum vs. Vodka: How do They Taste?

As for anything one puts in their mouth, taste is ultimately the most important factor. Well, then it is important to know how each spirit tastes. It is worth noting that while rum and vodka have a general taste, each brand and rendition can have its own subtle nuances. This is one reason you will hear people suggest to avoid “the cheap stuff”, as it can taste of a little less quality at times.

Rum, generally speaking, is a sweeter spirit. As we mentioned earlier, the prevailing ingredients are molasses and sugarcane. Quite obviously, this leads us to think of something sweet. Now, rum has some nuances throughout its genre, as there are rums that are obviously much lighter than others. Bacardi, for example, is typically a lighter rum than Captain Morgan. Each brand has a myriad of flavor options but at the end of the day, rum will have some sweetness to it.

Vodka, on the other hand, is far different tasting. In fact, in many brands, it has very little taste at all. The “cheap stuff” in the world of vodka can leave a strong burning sensation when taken “neat”, or as just vodka in a glass. Better vodka brands like Stolichnaya and Svedka have little flavor in their traditional vodkas. This lack of overwhelming flavor is why vodka is commonly used in cocktails, as it provides the benefits of alcohol while not overriding other flavors.

Rum vs. Vodka: Which is Right for Me?

Ask yourself, “Do I want sweet or do I want savory?” If savory, then rum is out of the question. If sweet is your reply then the next question to answer is whether you want to taste the liquor in your drink or not. If yes, rum is in! If no, give a vodka drink a try. In either case, now you have the knowledge to confidently choose as opposed to blindly going with someone else’s preference. Stride on up to that bar, look that bartender in the eye, and order with suave! Here is a handy chart to help you choose from a few drinks that will make you look like a pro.

Cocktail Name	Liquor Taste/Strength
Rum	High	Low
Mojito	Moderate
Rum	High	High
Moscow Mule	Moderate
Vodka	Low	Moderate
Vodka Martini	High

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