How Many Calories Are in a Gin and Tonic with Diet Tonic Water?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, a standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof gin contains approximately 97 calories. When paired with a zero-calorie mixer, a gin and tonic with diet tonic water becomes a significantly low-calorie beverage, making it a popular choice for those mindful of their caloric intake.

Quick Summary

A gin and tonic made with diet tonic water is a low-calorie drink, with most calories coming solely from the gin itself. The calorie count can vary based on the proof and amount of gin used, but typically ranges from around 100 to 120 calories for a standard serving. Choosing diet tonic water eliminates the added sugar and high calorie count of a traditional G&T, making it a diet-friendly alternative.

Key Points

Calories from Gin: A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof gin contains approximately 97 calories, with all calories coming from the alcohol itself.
Zero-Calorie Mixer: Diet tonic water is sugar-free and calorie-free, meaning it adds no extra calories to your drink.
Total Calorie Count: A standard gin and diet tonic contains between 100-120 calories, depending on the proof and amount of gin used.
Healthier Alternative: Swapping regular tonic for diet makes a significant difference, saving a considerable number of calories and a large amount of sugar.
Mindful Moderation: While lower in calories, the overall impact of alcohol consumption should still be considered for weight management.

Understanding the Calories in a Gin and Tonic

When considering the calories in any alcoholic beverage, it's crucial to break down the components. For a gin and tonic, the two primary ingredients are gin and tonic water. By using diet tonic water, you effectively remove one of the major sources of sugar and calories. While standard tonic water can add upwards of 80 calories or more per serving, diet tonic water provides zero calories due to the use of artificial sweeteners.

The Caloric Contribution of Gin

All calories in a gin and diet tonic come from the alcohol itself, which contains roughly 7 calories per gram. The total calorie count for your drink will depend on the amount and proof of gin you use. For example, a standard 1.5 oz shot (45 ml) of 80-proof gin (40% ABV) contains approximately 97 calories. Stronger gin, such as 94-proof (47% ABV), will contain more calories per serving, around 116 for the same 1.5 oz measure. Therefore, controlling your pour size is the most significant factor in managing the calories in this drink.

The Zero-Calorie Mixer Advantage

Opting for diet tonic water is the simplest way to create a low-calorie G&T. The flavor profile remains similar to a regular gin and tonic, but without the caloric penalty. Most major brands of diet tonic water contain zero calories and zero sugar per serving. This makes it a perfect pairing for those watching their waistline or managing sugar intake due to conditions like diabetes. Other calorie-free mixers include club soda or plain sparkling water, which can also be used to create an even more minimalist cocktail.

The Impact of Garnish and Presentation

While the gin and tonic water are the main components, don't forget about the garnish. A fresh squeeze of lime or a slice of cucumber adds negligible calories, typically less than 5. However, some variations might add small amounts of fruit juice or muddled herbs, which could increase the overall calorie count. Staying with simple, classic garnishes ensures the drink remains as low-calorie as possible.

Low-Calorie Drink Alternatives

For those seeking other low-calorie alcoholic options, the world of clear spirits mixed with sugar-free beverages offers a lot of variety. The key is to avoid high-sugar mixers like fruit juices, simple syrups, or sodas with sugar. The table below compares the calories in a gin and diet tonic to other popular low-calorie choices.


Drink (Standard 1.5 oz pour)	Mixer Used	Approximate Calories
Gin and Diet Tonic	Diet Tonic Water	97-116
Vodka and Soda	Club Soda	97-116
Tequila and Soda	Club Soda	97-116
Rum and Diet Coke	Diet Cola	~100
Wine Spritzer	White Wine & Club Soda	~100-120
Light Beer	N/A	~100

Practical Tips for Enjoying a Low-Calorie G&T

Measure your pour: Eyeballing your gin can lead to an over-pour. Use a jigger to accurately measure a single (1.5 oz) or double (3 oz) shot to keep calories in check. A double gin and diet tonic would typically contain around 194 calories.
Customize your flavor: If you miss the sweetness of regular tonic, try adding a few muddled berries or a slice of orange to your drink. The small number of calories from the fresh fruit is a good trade-off for added flavor without the sugar.
Be mindful of alcohol's impact: Remember that even though you've minimized the calories from the mixer, alcohol itself contains calories and can impact weight management. Drinking in moderation is key.

Conclusion

A gin and tonic made with diet tonic water is one of the most calorie-efficient alcoholic beverages available. By understanding that the vast majority of the calories come from the gin itself, you can easily control your intake by measuring your spirit. This makes it a smart and refreshing choice for anyone keeping an eye on their weight or sugar consumption, while still enjoying a classic cocktail. Compared to mixed drinks loaded with sugary syrups, this simple combination offers a guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious drinkers.

For more detailed nutritional information on various food items, consult reliable resources like the MedlinePlus calorie guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, diet tonic water typically contains zero calories and zero grams of sugar, making it a calorie-free mixer option for cocktails.

A gin and diet tonic can have half the calories or less compared to a regular gin and tonic. Regular tonic water is high in sugar and calories, while diet tonic is not.

It can be a better choice for weight management compared to high-sugar cocktails. As with any alcohol, moderation is key, as all alcohol contains calories.

A double gin and diet tonic, made with 3 oz (90 ml) of 80-proof gin, would contain approximately 194 calories, as the diet tonic adds no calories.

Yes, other low or zero-calorie mixers like club soda, sparkling water, or sugar-free flavored sparkling water work well and keep the drink's calorie count low.

Gin contains juniper berries, which have some antioxidant and diuretic properties. However, these are minor, and the drink should still be consumed in moderation due to the health risks associated with alcohol.

Generally, no. Most reputable brands of diet tonic water list zero calories and zero sugar per serving. Always check the nutritional label to be sure.