How many calories are in a shot of gin?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a standard 1.5 oz (45 ml) shot of 80-proof gin contains approximately 97 calories. The exact number of calories can vary based on the gin's alcohol content (ABV), as alcohol itself is the primary source of calories in distilled spirits. Understanding this helps inform healthier beverage choices.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a shot of gin depends largely on its alcohol by volume (ABV), with higher proof gins containing more calories. Pure gin has no carbs or sugar, but flavored varieties and mixers significantly increase the calorie and sugar content. Opting for diet mixers or sparkling water is the best way to reduce overall calorie intake from gin cocktails.

Key Points

Calorie Source: Calories in a shot of gin come almost exclusively from the alcohol, as pure gin contains no carbs or sugar.
Proof Matters: A higher proof (ABV) gin will contain more calories per shot than a lower proof one; for example, 94-proof gin has more calories than 80-proof.
Mixer Impact: The choice of mixer is the most significant factor affecting the overall calorie count of a gin cocktail, with sugary mixers adding substantial calories.
Low-Calorie Options: To minimize calories, opt for gin with zero-calorie mixers like diet tonic, soda water, or sparkling water.
Flavored Gins vs. Liqueurs: While many flavored gins have a similar calorie count to dry gin, gin liqueurs typically contain more sugar and calories due to their sweeter profile.
Nutritional Value: Alcohol provides "empty calories" with no nutritional value, meaning the calories from gin do not contribute to a healthy diet.

The Core Science Behind Gin's Calories

The number of calories in a shot of gin is directly tied to its alcohol content, or Alcohol by Volume (ABV). This is because distilled, unsweetened spirits like gin, vodka, and whiskey contain no fat, protein, or carbohydrates, and derive nearly all their energy from ethanol. Ethanol provides approximately 7 calories per gram, which is a key factor in calculating the total energy content.

How Alcohol Content Influences Calorie Count

A standard 1.5 oz (45 ml) shot of 80-proof gin (40% ABV) contains around 97 calories. In contrast, a higher-proof navy strength gin (57% ABV) would contain more calories for the same volume because of its greater alcohol concentration. This relationship is consistent across all distilled spirits, meaning a higher ABV always translates to a higher calorie count per serving. This is an important consideration for anyone monitoring their intake.

Example Gin Calorie Counts by ABV

80-Proof Gin (40% ABV): A 1.5 oz shot contains approximately 97 calories.
94-Proof Gin (47% ABV): A 1.5 oz shot contains approximately 116 calories.
Navy Strength Gin (57% ABV): A 1.5 oz shot contains a proportionally higher number of calories compared to standard gin.

The Impact of Mixers and Added Flavors

While neat gin is relatively low in calories, the mixers used to create cocktails can dramatically increase the total calorie count. For example, a gin and tonic with regular tonic water can be significantly more caloric than a gin and soda with a splash of lime. Flavored gins and gin liqueurs are another factor to consider, as many contain added sugars.

Common Mixers and Their Caloric Effect

Standard Tonic Water: A 200ml bottle can add around 43-74 calories, depending on the brand.
Slimline/Diet Tonic Water: These mixers contain virtually no calories or sugar, making them an excellent choice for a lower-calorie G&T.
Soda Water: This is a zero-calorie mixer that enhances the gin's botanical flavors without adding sugar.
Fruit Juice: Mixing gin with juice, such as orange or cranberry, can easily double the calorie count of the drink due to high sugar content.

Flavored Gins and Liqueurs

Flavored gins, especially those marketed as 'pink gin,' do not automatically have more calories than a traditional dry gin. Their color often comes from natural fruits with minimal added sugar. However, gin liqueurs, with a lower ABV and higher sugar content, are a different story. A 50ml measure of a gin liqueur can contain anywhere from 85 to 100 calories, which is comparable to a single measure of gin with a regular mixer. Always check the bottle for specific nutritional information.

Calorie Comparison: Gin vs. Other Spirits

When comparing calorie counts, gin is generally on par with other clear spirits like vodka and whiskey when looking at similar proof levels. It's the mixer that makes the difference. This comparison is useful for those watching their weight and wanting to make informed decisions about their drinks.


Beverage (1.5 oz/45ml Shot)	Alcohol by Volume (ABV)	Approximate Calories	Carbohydrates (g)	Key Factor Influencing Calories
Gin (80 proof)	40%	97	0	Alcohol content
Vodka (80 proof)	40%	97	0	Alcohol content
Whiskey (80 proof)	40%	97	0	Alcohol content
Rum (80 proof, clear)	40%	97	0	Alcohol content
Gin (94 proof)	47%	116	0	Higher alcohol content
Gin Liqueur (e.g., Pink Gin)	Lower (~20%)	85-100 (50ml)	Varies	Added sugars and lower alcohol

Making Health-Conscious Gin Choices

For those on a diet or simply monitoring their calorie intake, gin offers a flexible option. The key is to be mindful of what you mix with it. Drinking gin neat or with zero-calorie mixers is the most effective way to keep the calorie count low. For a flavorful experience without the added sugar, try adding a squeeze of fresh citrus or a sprig of fresh herbs like mint or rosemary.

Practical Tips for Lower-Calorie Gin Drinks

Go for zero-calorie mixers: Use slimline tonic water, soda water, or sparkling water instead of regular, full-sugar options.
Enhance with natural garnishes: Fresh citrus slices (lemon, lime, grapefruit) and cucumber can add flavor and aroma without extra calories.
Stick to standard dry gin: While flavored gins can be low in sugar, a classic dry gin is a safe bet for a zero-carb, no-added-sugar option.
Measure your pour: Accurately measuring your gin serving prevents accidental over-pouring and ensures you know the exact calorie count.

Conclusion

In short, a shot of gin contains approximately 97 to 116 calories, depending on its alcohol proof. Since pure distilled gin contains no carbohydrates or sugars, these calories are derived almost entirely from the alcohol itself. The total calorie count of your drink hinges on your choice of mixer, with sugary tonics and juices significantly increasing the final number. By opting for zero-calorie mixers and being mindful of serving size, gin can be an excellent choice for a low-calorie alcoholic beverage.

Visit Drinkaware for more information on units and calories in alcoholic drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5 oz (45 ml) shot of 80-proof gin contains approximately 97 calories.

Yes, higher proof gin has more calories because it has a higher concentration of alcohol, and alcohol is the source of the calories in pure spirits.

Some flavored gins can be, but it depends on whether they have added sugar. Many use natural fruit flavors without extra sugar. Gin liqueurs, however, generally have more sugar and calories.

To make a low-calorie gin and tonic, use a slimline or diet tonic water instead of regular tonic. You can also use soda water for a zero-calorie mixer.

Pure distilled gin (such as London Dry) contains no sugar or carbohydrates. All of its calories come from the alcohol content.

As a pure spirit, gin is a relatively low-calorie alcoholic option, especially when mixed with zero-calorie alternatives. However, moderation is key as alcohol provides only 'empty' calories.

At the same proof, a shot of gin has almost the same number of calories as a shot of vodka, with both being around 97 calories for an 80-proof, 1.5 oz serving.