Does Gin Alcohol Have Calories? What You Need to Know

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

One 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof gin contains approximately 97 calories, with zero grams of sugar or carbohydrates. This fact answers the fundamental question: does gin alcohol have calories? Yes, it does, and understanding where these calories come from is crucial for anyone managing their intake.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled gin gets its calories from alcohol content alone, without any carbs, fats, or protein. The final calorie total for a drink depends heavily on sugary mixers like regular tonic water, which add significant amounts of sugar and calories.

Key Points

Pure Gin Has Calories: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof gin contains around 97 calories, with all calories derived from the alcohol itself.
Mixers are the Main Factor: The bulk of the calories in gin cocktails comes from sugary mixers like regular tonic water, fruit juices, and sweetened syrups.
Higher Proof, Higher Calories: The higher the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the gin, the greater its calorie count per serving will be.
Opt for Low-Calorie Alternatives: To reduce calories, use diet tonic, soda water, or fresh garnishes like lime and cucumber instead of traditional high-sugar mixers.
Empty Calories: Alcohol is a source of "empty calories" with no nutritional value, meaning they can contribute to weight gain without providing essential nutrients.
Comparable to Other Spirits: A shot of gin is calorically similar to other 80-proof spirits like vodka and whiskey, with the mixer being the key differentiator.

The Science Behind Gin's Calories

The fundamental truth is that alcohol, regardless of its form, contains calories. One gram of pure alcohol provides seven calories, which is almost as calorically dense as fat (nine calories per gram). Therefore, the higher the alcohol by volume (ABV), the more calories a spirit will contain per ounce. Gin, being a distilled spirit with a high alcohol content, is no exception. For instance, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) gin will have around 97 calories. This makes it a comparatively low-calorie base for a drink, as long as it's enjoyed neat or with a zero-calorie mixer.

Why Mixers Are the Real Calorie Culprits

While the calories in pure gin are relatively stable, the total calorie count of a mixed drink can skyrocket due to the mixers you choose. Tonic water is the most common mixer for gin, and a regular bottle can easily double or triple the drink's calorie content. A standard 200ml bottle of regular tonic water can contain around 55 calories, meaning a single gin and tonic could easily contain over 150 calories.

Sugary mixers that increase calories:

Regular Tonic Water: A significant source of hidden sugar.
Fruit Juices: Options like orange or cranberry juice add substantial sugar and calories.
Sweetened Syrups: These are used in many cocktails to add flavor but are packed with sugar.
Sodas: Standard colas and lemonades contain high-fructose corn syrup, drastically increasing calories.
Flavored Liqueurs: While they taste great, they often contain a lot of sugar.

Gin vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages: A Calorie Comparison

Understanding how gin stacks up against other popular drinks can help you make more informed choices. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of gin is on par with other 80-proof distilled spirits. The real divergence happens when you compare cocktails or fermented beverages like wine and beer.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Calorie Sources
Gin (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz	97	Alcohol
Vodka (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz	96	Alcohol
Red Wine	5 fl oz	125	Alcohol, residual sugar
White Wine	5 fl oz	120	Alcohol, residual sugar
Regular Beer	12 fl oz	153	Alcohol, carbohydrates
Light Beer	12 fl oz	103	Alcohol, lower carbohydrates
Gin & Tonic (Reg)	8.5 fl oz	165	Alcohol, added sugar in tonic

This table illustrates that while pure gin is comparable to other spirits, the mixer choice is what truly determines a mixed drink's caloric impact. A regular gin and tonic can have more calories than a glass of wine or even a regular beer.

How to Enjoy Gin on a Calorie-Conscious Diet

Fortunately, it's easy to enjoy gin while keeping your calorie count in check. The key is to control what you mix with it.

Here is a list of ways to reduce the calories in your gin drinks:

Use Sugar-Free Mixers: Opt for diet or slimline tonic waters that contain significantly fewer calories (often less than 5 calories per serving).
Choose Soda Water: Pairing gin with soda water and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon creates a refreshing, nearly calorie-free drink.
Add Fresh Garnishes: Muddle fresh herbs like mint or basil, or add slices of cucumber and berries for flavor without the sugar.
Try Infusions: Infuse your gin with fruits or botanicals at home to add natural flavor without extra calories.
Drink It Neat or On the Rocks: The lowest-calorie way to enjoy gin is to sip it straight or with ice, with no mixers at all.

The “Empty Calorie” Effect and Other Health Considerations

It is important to remember that the calories in gin are considered "empty calories" because they offer no nutritional value to the body. Unlike calories from food, which provide energy along with vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, alcohol calories provide nothing but energy. This means your daily caloric intake can increase significantly without any corresponding nutritional benefits. Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to weight gain and can lead to several health issues beyond the scope of this article, such as affecting sleep, mood, and liver health. For further information on responsible drinking, consult a reliable source on health and alcohol, such as the [MedlinePlus guide to low-calorie alcohol choices](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000732.htm).

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Gin and Calories

In summary, yes, pure gin contains calories, which are determined by its alcohol content. Standard 80-proof gin is a relatively low-calorie spirit base, comparable to other clear spirits. However, the total calorie count of a gin cocktail depends almost entirely on the mixer chosen. By opting for zero-calorie mixers like soda water or diet tonic, and utilizing fresh garnishes for flavor, you can significantly reduce the caloric impact of your favorite gin drinks. It's also crucial to remember that these are empty calories and that moderation is key for both calorie management and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof gin contains approximately 97 calories. For a smaller, 25ml measure, the calorie count is around 52-54 calories.

No, pure distilled gin, like other spirits, contains zero carbohydrates, sugar, fat, or protein. The calories come solely from the alcohol content.

The calories in a gin and tonic depend on the type of tonic used. A drink with regular tonic water can contain well over 150 calories, while using a diet or slimline tonic reduces the total to around 60 calories.

Drinking gin in moderation and with a low-calorie mixer can fit into a diet. However, it's important to account for the empty calories and avoid consuming excessive amounts, which can lead to weight gain.

Calorie counts can vary based on the gin's proof. Some flavored or sweetened gins, like pink gin or liqueurs, also contain added sugars that increase the calorie count.

Mix gin with soda water or diet tonic for minimal calories. You can also add fresh garnishes like a squeeze of lime, cucumber slices, or fresh berries for flavor without adding sugar.

For the same proof (alcohol content), gin and vodka have almost identical calorie counts per serving. The mixer is the key factor that determines which drink is higher in calories.