How Many Calories Are in 30 ml of Gin?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

A 30 ml serving of gin typically contains between 65 and 74 calories, depending on the proof. This information is crucial for anyone monitoring their calorie intake.

Quick Summary

A 30 ml shot of gin has approximately 65-74 calories, determined by its alcohol content. Distilled spirits, like gin, are free of carbohydrates and sugar.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A 30 ml shot of plain gin contains approximately 65 to 74 calories, depending on the proof.
Source of Calories: All calories in gin come from the alcohol itself; the spirit contains no carbs or sugar.
Mixer's Impact: The most significant variable for a gin cocktail's calorie total is the mixer used. Sugary mixers can drastically increase calories.
Low-Calorie Options: Using diet tonic water or soda water is the best way to keep your gin drink's calorie count at a minimum.
Empty Calories: The calories in gin provide energy but no significant nutritional value like vitamins or minerals.
Moderation is Key: To manage weight and maintain overall health, it is crucial to consume gin and all alcohol in moderation.

Understanding the Calorie Content of a 30 ml Gin Pour

For those who enjoy a gin-based cocktail or a simple gin and tonic, the calorie count of a standard pour is a common question. A 30 ml serving, also known as a nip or small shot, contains calories derived solely from the alcohol itself. Unlike beverages like beer or wine, which contain residual sugars and carbohydrates, distilled spirits like gin are carbohydrate-free. The calorie density of alcohol is high, with each gram containing approximately 7 calories. This makes it nearly as calorie-dense as pure fat, which contains 9 calories per gram.

Factors Affecting Gin's Calorie Count

While the 65-74 calorie range is a solid estimate, several factors can influence the final number for your 30 ml pour:

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): The primary factor is the proof, or alcohol by volume, of the gin. The higher the ABV, the more pure alcohol is present, and therefore, the more calories per volume. A standard gin often has an ABV of 40% (80 proof), while some craft gins and navy strength versions can be much higher.
Added Sugars in Flavored Gins: Standard London Dry gin contains no sugar. However, some newer flavored gins, such as sloe gin or pink gin, may have added sugars and flavorings that increase the calorie count. It is essential to check the nutritional information for these specific varieties if you are tracking your intake.

How Your Choice of Mixer Impacts Total Calories

While gin itself is a relatively low-calorie spirit, its mixers can add significant calories and sugar. A gin and tonic made with regular tonic water is a classic example. Regular tonic water contains sugar, which can add substantial calories to your drink.

To minimize added calories, consider these mixer options:

Diet Tonic Water or Slimline Tonic: These options are sweetened with artificial or non-caloric sweeteners, making them a near-zero calorie mixer.
Soda Water or Club Soda: Plain soda water or club soda is calorie-free and a great way to enjoy the flavor of the gin without added sugars.
Fresh Citrus: Garnishing with a fresh slice of lime, lemon, or cucumber adds flavor and aroma with minimal calories.

Calorie Comparison: Gin vs. Other Popular Drinks

To put the 30 ml of gin's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison with other common alcoholic beverages. Note that serving sizes vary, which is crucial to consider when comparing overall caloric impact.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Calorie Source
Gin	30 ml (single shot)	65-74	Alcohol
Vodka	30 ml (single shot)	65-70	Alcohol
Red Wine	150 ml (medium glass)	125	Alcohol, residual sugar
Regular Beer	355 ml (can/bottle)	153	Alcohol, carbs
Gin & Regular Tonic	~200 ml (30 ml gin + tonic)	~140+	Alcohol, sugar from tonic

Mindful Consumption Tips

Measure your pours: Using a jigger or measuring tool ensures you stick to a standard serving size and helps manage calorie intake.
Dilute with calorie-free mixers: Use soda water, diet tonic, or simply ice to stretch your drink without piling on calories.
Focus on the botanicals: High-quality gins often have complex flavors from their botanicals. Enjoy them by pairing with a simple, low-calorie mixer to appreciate the nuances.
Alternate with water: Having a glass of water between alcoholic drinks helps with hydration and can naturally reduce the total number of drinks consumed.

Health Considerations and Responsible Drinking

While gin offers a relatively low-calorie option among alcoholic beverages, it's important to be mindful of overall consumption. The calories in gin are considered "empty calories," as they provide no significant nutritional value. Excessive alcohol intake can have serious health consequences, regardless of the calorie count. Chronic heavy drinking can increase the risk of liver damage, heart disease, and other health issues.

Furthermore, for individuals managing their weight, regular alcohol consumption can impede progress. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other nutrients, which can affect overall fat metabolism. A key takeaway is that moderation is crucial. Sticking to recommended guidelines—such as the one-to-two drinks per day limit for men and one drink for women—is the safest approach to enjoying gin while maintaining overall health. A doctor or registered dietitian can provide personalized advice on alcohol consumption and its effects on your diet.

Conclusion

A 30 ml shot of plain gin is a relatively low-calorie spirit, containing approximately 65 to 74 calories. Its primary appeal for calorie-conscious drinkers is that it is free of carbohydrates and sugar, unlike many other alcoholic drinks. However, the total caloric impact of a gin cocktail hinges on the mixer. Opting for sugar-free mixers like diet tonic or soda water is the most effective way to keep your drink light. As with all alcoholic beverages, mindful and moderate consumption is key to enjoying it without negatively affecting your health and weight management goals. Understanding the source of these calories and making informed choices about mixers allows you to enjoy your gin responsibly while staying on track with your nutritional targets. For further information on managing alcohol intake, authoritative resources are available, such as the guidance provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

A 30 ml measure is considered a standard single shot or nip in many regions. However, standard pour sizes can vary, with some regions using 25ml or 45ml (1.5oz) for a single shot.

Yes, different brands of gin with varying proofs (alcohol by volume) will have slightly different calorie counts per 30 ml serving. Higher-proof gins will contain more calories per volume.

No, plain distilled gin contains no carbohydrates, sugars, or fat. All the calories come from the ethanol content, which is removed from the sugar and grain bases during distillation.

The calorie difference between gin and vodka is minimal and depends on the proof. A 30 ml serving of vodka is typically very similar in calories to a 30 ml serving of gin, often falling in the 65-70 calorie range.

Since diet tonic water contains virtually no calories, a 30 ml gin and diet tonic would contain approximately the same number of calories as the gin alone, around 65 to 74 calories.

Some flavored gins, particularly those with added sugars like sloe gin, will have a higher calorie count. However, many pink or botanical-infused gins use natural flavorings without adding significant calories.

The best low-calorie mixers are those with zero sugar, such as diet tonic water, soda water, or plain water. A splash of fresh citrus juice also adds flavor with minimal calories.

Gin is not inherently healthier than other alcoholic drinks, although it is a lower-calorie and zero-carb option compared to beer or sugary cocktails. The overall health impact depends on responsible and moderate consumption.