Are there more calories in pink gin than normal gin?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Drinkaware, a single 25ml measure of a standard 37.5% ABV gin contains approximately 52 calories, a figure that provides the baseline for comparing pink and normal varieties. The primary driver of calories in any gin is the alcohol itself, and any significant differences usually come from added ingredients or sweeteners, not the core spirit.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of pink gin versus normal gin hinges on the specific brand and any added sugars, not the base spirit. A straight, unsweetened pink gin has a comparable calorie count to regular gin, but many popular commercial pink gins and liqueurs contain added sugar, increasing the calorie total. Ultimately, mixers are the biggest calorie contributor to any gin cocktail.

Key Points

Calorie Source: The majority of calories in any pure gin comes from the alcohol itself, which contains about 7 calories per gram.
Unsweetened Pink Gin: A pink gin that is naturally infused with fruits but not sweetened will have a similar calorie count to normal gin.
Sweetened Pink Gin: Many pink gin products are actually liqueurs with added sugar, which significantly increases their calorie count compared to standard gin.
Read the Label: Checking the bottle's label for sugar content and distinguishing between 'gin' and 'gin liqueur' is key to identifying potential calorie differences.
Mixer Impact: Your choice of mixer (e.g., regular tonic, soda water, juice) has a far greater impact on the total calories of your drink than the type of gin.
ABV Variation: The specific calorie count can also be affected by the alcohol by volume (ABV), with higher ABV spirits containing slightly more calories.

Understanding Gin's Calorie Composition

At its core, gin is a distilled spirit. The base alcohol, like ethanol, is the source of nearly all its calories in a standard, unsweetened form. A single gram of alcohol contains about 7 calories, making spirits relatively calorie-dense compared to other drinks but not significantly different from each other on a gram-for-gram basis. The fundamental difference between a clear, normal gin and a pink one lies in the flavouring and colouring added after distillation. This is where the calorie variation can occur.

The Flavoured Gin Factor: Sugar and Calories

Many modern pink gins get their colour and flavour from fruit infusions, like raspberries, strawberries, or rhubarb. Some distillers add these fruit elements without any additional sugar, keeping the calorie count very similar to a classic gin. However, some mass-market pink gins are essentially sweetened gin liqueurs, with a lower ABV and significant amounts of added sugar, dramatically raising the calorie content. It is crucial for calorie-conscious consumers to read the bottle's label, as the difference between a natural fruit-infused pink gin and a sugary pink gin liqueur is substantial.

The Calorie Impact of Mixers

Regardless of whether you choose pink or normal gin, your mixer choice will have the most significant impact on your drink's overall calorie count. A standard tonic water can add upwards of 40-50 calories per 100ml, while a fruit juice or sugary soda will contribute even more. Opting for a diet or 'slimline' tonic, or even a simple soda water, is the easiest way to significantly reduce the calories in your gin and tonic.

Pink Gin vs. Normal Gin: A Comparison

To illustrate the potential calorie differences, let's examine different scenarios. For a fair comparison, the alcohol by volume (ABV) and serving size must be consistent.


Feature	Normal (London Dry) Gin	Pink Gin (Unsweetened)	Pink Gin Liqueur (Sweetened)
Base Spirit	Standard juniper-led dry gin	Standard juniper-led dry gin	Standard juniper-led dry gin
Added Ingredients	Natural botanicals only	Natural fruit infusions (e.g., berries, rhubarb)	Fruit flavouring and added sugars
Typical ABV	37.5% - 40%	37.5% - 40%	Often lower, around 20%
Calorie Count (per 25ml)	~52-60 calories	~56-60 calories	Significantly higher due to sugar
Calorie Source	Almost exclusively from alcohol	Primarily from alcohol, with trace from natural fruit	From both alcohol and added sugar
Best For Calorie Control	Excellent, especially with diet mixers	Excellent, as fruit adds flavour without significant calories	Not ideal; sugar content adds many extra calories

The Case of the Pink Gin Cocktail

When a pink gin is used in a cocktail, the other ingredients contribute significantly to the total calorie count. For example, a Pink Gin and Tonic made with a sweetened pink gin and a regular tonic water will be far more calorific than a standard Gin and Tonic with a slimline tonic. This is why the specific brand and recipe are so important for calorie tracking. For those seeking a lower-calorie option, using a high-quality, unsweetened pink gin with a low-calorie mixer is the best approach.

Navigating Labels for Health-Conscious Choices

Reading the label on a bottle of pink gin is essential for making an informed choice. Look for language that indicates 'distilled' or 'infused' rather than 'liqueur' or 'sweetened.' Examining the sugar content per serving on the nutritional information panel, if available, can also provide a clear indication of how many extra calories are coming from sugar versus alcohol. A true gin, pink or not, contains virtually no carbohydrates or sugar in its distilled form.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of whether there are more calories in pink gin than normal gin has a nuanced answer. The core spirit of an unsweetened pink gin has a very similar calorie count to normal gin, with any slight variation often tied to the alcohol content (ABV). However, many products marketed as 'pink gin' are actually sweetened liqueurs, which do contain significantly more sugar and, therefore, more calories. The most powerful factor affecting the calorie load of your final drink is your choice of mixer, with regular tonics and juices adding far more calories than the difference between the gins themselves. For the lowest-calorie experience, opt for a clear or unsweetened pink gin paired with a sugar-free mixer.

Outbound Link

For further guidance on alcohol units and nutritional information, the NHS Eat Well website offers reliable advice on maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle and understanding alcohol consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a pink gin is not inherently higher in calories than a standard gin. The key factor is whether it is an unsweetened, fruit-infused gin or a sweetened gin liqueur, which contains additional sugar calories.

The primary factor that increases the calories in some pink gins is the addition of sugar. While some are coloured and flavoured with natural fruit infusions, many are sweetened liqueurs with a much higher sugar content.

You can check the bottle's label and nutritional information. Products marketed as 'gin liqueurs' are almost always sweetened. A pure distilled gin, whether pink or clear, will have no added sugar.

No, the colour of a pink gin does not add calories. The pink hue typically comes from natural fruit or botanical infusions, not from calorie-heavy ingredients.

For the lowest calorie option, choose a standard, unsweetened gin (clear or pink) and mix it with a calorie-free mixer like diet tonic water or soda water.

A standard 25ml measure of gin with a 37.5% ABV contains approximately 52 to 54 calories, with minor variations depending on the brand and ABV.

Yes, for the most part, all distilled spirits of the same strength (ABV) will have a very similar calorie count, as the calories come from the alcohol. Flavoured or sweetened versions, however, will differ due to added ingredients.