Does pink gin have more calories than gin?

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

While it may seem counterintuitive, pink gin typically does not have significantly more calories than clear, standard gin. The primary source of calories in both is the alcohol itself, with the subtle flavour and colour of modern pink gins often coming from fruit infusions rather than added sugar, which would increase the calorie count.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a standard pink gin is comparable to that of a regular gin, with the alcohol content being the main determinant. Any slight variation often comes from fruit infusions, not heavy added sugars. The choice of mixer has a far greater impact on the total calorie count of a mixed drink than the type of gin used.

Key Points

Source of Calories: The primary source of calories in both pink and regular gin is the alcohol content, not the flavouring or colour.
Negligible Difference: Standard pink gins typically contain a comparable number of calories to regular gin, as their alcohol by volume (ABV) is usually the same.
Mixer Matters Most: The mixer added to the gin, such as tonic or lemonade, is the main determinant of the final drink's total calorie count.
Avoid Liqueurs: True pink gins are different from gin liqueurs, which have a lower ABV and high levels of added sugar, resulting in a higher calorie count.
Healthier Alternatives: Non-alcoholic pink gin alternatives and using diet mixers offer options for enjoying the flavour with fewer, or zero, calories.

Unpacking the Calorie Myth: Pink Gin vs. Regular Gin

Many consumers are drawn to pink gin for its aesthetically pleasing colour and sweeter, fruitier flavour profile. However, this often leads to the assumption that its sweetness equates to a higher calorie content. The truth is more nuanced, and understanding the differences between pink gin and regular gin is key to understanding their nutritional profiles.

The Source of Calories: Alcohol, Not Colour

The fundamental source of calories in any distilled spirit, including both pink and regular gin, is the alcohol itself. A standard serving of neat gin, which is typically 80 proof (40% ABV), contains approximately 50 to 70 calories, with higher-proof gins having slightly more. Since most modern pink gins are simply fruit-infused variations of dry gin and maintain a similar alcohol by volume (ABV), their core calorie content remains almost identical. The pink hue comes from the infusion of fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or rhubarb, which impart flavour and colour without adding significant calories.

The Real Culprit: The Mixer

For any gin enthusiast monitoring their calorie intake, the real focus should be on the mixer. The addition of sugary tonics, lemonades, or other sweetened sodas can dramatically increase the total calorie count of a drink. A gin and tonic made with a standard tonic can contain over 90 calories for a single measure, whereas using a slimline or diet tonic keeps the calorie count significantly lower. For instance, a single gin with a diet tonic could be as low as 54 calories, almost matching the neat spirit's value.

Distinguishing Liqueurs from Gins

A critical distinction exists between true pink gins and gin liqueurs. While both can be pink, liqueurs are deliberately sweetened and have a lower ABV, often around 20%. This added sugar dramatically increases the calorie and carbohydrate content. Always check the label: if it says 'gin liqueur', it will be sweeter and more calorific than a standard-strength pink gin.

Navigating Choices for Lower-Calorie Gin Drinks

For those looking to enjoy a gin drink with fewer calories, here are some actionable tips:

Stick to spirit, not liqueur: Choose a standard pink gin (37.5% ABV or higher) over a sweeter gin liqueur.
Embrace diet mixers: Use slimline or diet tonic water, or sugar-free lemonades. Soda water is an even better zero-calorie option that highlights the gin's flavour.
Garnish naturally: Instead of using sugary syrups, garnish your drink with fresh fruit slices like strawberries, raspberries, or a twist of citrus rind.
DIY infusions: Create your own pink gin by infusing a high-quality dry gin with fresh berries. This gives you complete control over the sugar content.

Comparison Table: Pink Gin vs. Regular Gin vs. Liqueur


Feature	Regular London Dry Gin	Modern Pink Gin	Pink Gin Liqueur
Appearance	Clear	Pink or rose	Pink or rose
Flavor	Juniper-forward, botanical, dry	Fruity, sweeter from natural infusions	Sweet, sugary, often syrupy
Alcohol Content (ABV)	Typically 37.5%-40%+	Typically 37.5%-40%+	Lower, often 20% or less
Calorie Content (per 25ml)	~50-70 calories	~56-70 calories	~70+ calories (or higher for 50ml serve)
Sugar Content	0g (carbs from botanicals are negligible)	Very low, from fruit infusion	High, from added sugars
Mixer Pairing	Standard or diet tonic, soda	Diet tonic, lemonade, soda	Soda, prosecco, or enjoyed neat

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Pink Gin Alternatives

For those who wish to avoid alcohol and calories entirely, the market now offers a range of high-quality non-alcoholic pink gin alternatives. Products like Gordon's Premium Pink 0.0% offer the flavour profile of pink gin without the alcohol or calories, using sweeteners instead of sugar. They can be mixed with diet tonic for a guilt-free drink that looks and tastes the part.

Conclusion: The Mixer is the Key Factor

In short, the answer to the question "Does pink gin have more calories than gin?" is generally no, not in its standard form. The key takeaway is to read labels carefully and understand what you are buying. The main difference in calorie count between most standard pink gins and regular gins is negligible, with the major calorie contribution coming from mixers and added syrups in cocktails. By opting for a high-quality pink gin, avoiding sweet liqueurs, and choosing a diet or sugar-free mixer, you can enjoy a delicious drink without compromising your calorie-conscious lifestyle. For a deeper dive into nutritional content and healthy drinking, resources like the NHS Eat Well Guide can be helpful.

The Final Sip: Making Smarter Choices

Making smarter choices is about being informed. The sweetness of pink gin is not an automatic sign of a high calorie count; rather, it indicates the presence of fruit infusions. The real impact on your drink's calorie load is overwhelmingly determined by your choice of mixer. So, enjoy your colourful cocktail responsibly, and remember that controlling the mixer gives you control over the calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Modern pink gins often get their flavour and colour from fruit infusions like berries or rhubarb without adding extra sugar. However, sweeter 'gin liqueurs' do contain added sugar.

Pink gin is typically a standard-strength gin infused with fruit for colour and flavour, while a gin liqueur has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) and significant amounts of added sugar.

To reduce calories, use a sugar-free or slimline tonic water instead of a regular one. You can also mix your gin with soda water and garnish with fresh fruit.

Yes, many non-alcoholic pink gin alternatives are calorie-free. Products like Gordon's Premium Pink 0.0% contain no calories and are sweetened with artificial sweeteners.

The sweeter taste of pink gin comes from the fruit infusions used to create its flavour profile, such as strawberries or raspberries. This doesn't necessarily mean there is added sugar.

A standard 25ml shot of neat gin typically contains between 50 and 70 calories, with the exact number depending on the specific brand and alcohol by volume (ABV).

While alcohol has its drawbacks, gin is one of the lower-calorie spirit options. The juniper berries it's made with are rich in antioxidants, but it should always be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.