How Many Calories Are in One Shot of Pink Gin?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A 25ml serving of Gordon's Premium Pink Distilled Gin contains approximately 56 calories. For those monitoring their intake, understanding how many calories are in one shot of pink gin is key to enjoying this popular spirit without compromising health goals. The calorie count can vary by brand and serving size, but a pure shot of pink gin is surprisingly comparable to its clear counterpart, with the mixers being the primary source of extra calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single shot of pink gin is primarily influenced by its alcohol content and potential added sugars. Popular brands range from approximately 56 to 70 calories per 25ml or 1.5oz serving. The mixer used is often the biggest contributor to the total calorie count, with diet options being a low-calorie alternative.

Key Points

Standard Calories: A typical 1.5 fl oz shot of pure pink gin contains approximately 97 to 110 calories, depending on the proof.
Mixer Impact: The mixer, not the gin itself, is the most significant factor influencing the total calories. Regular tonic or lemonade adds many more calories than diet versions or soda water.
Pink Gin vs. Liqueur: True pink gin typically has no added sugar and a similar ABV to regular gin, whereas a pink gin liqueur is sweeter, lower in alcohol, and contains more sugar.
Brand Variations: Calories can vary slightly by brand and ABV. For instance, Gordon's Premium Pink Distilled Gin has 56 calories per 25ml serving.
Low-Calorie Options: Choosing diet mixers and using fresh fruit garnishes can create a low-calorie pink gin drink, often under 100-110 calories per serving.
Calorie Source: The calories in a pure shot of gin, whether pink or clear, come entirely from the alcohol content, as distilled spirits contain no carbohydrates, sugars, or fat.

Understanding the Calories in a Shot of Pink Gin

When you're curious about the calorie content of your favorite drink, the answer for pink gin is more nuanced than a single number. While the main source of calories in any spirit is the alcohol itself, pink gin's flavored nature adds an extra layer of consideration. For pink gin specifically, the total calorie count in a shot depends on the brand and whether it is a true gin or a lower-alcohol liqueur.

The Standard Shot Breakdown

The size of a standard 'shot' can vary by region. In the US, it is typically 1.5 fluid ounces (44ml), whereas in the UK, a single measure is often 25ml. It's crucial to know your serving size when calculating calories accurately.

A 25ml UK measure of pink gin (e.g., Gordon's Premium Pink) is typically around 56 calories.
A 1.5 fl oz US shot (44ml) of pink gin is approximately 97–110 calories, depending on the proof.

Alcohol Strength and Calories

Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which is a major factor in the final calorie count of a spirit. The Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is directly related to the calorie content. A pink gin with a higher ABV will have more calories per shot than one with a lower ABV, assuming no extra sugar is added. For example, a 90-proof gin will have more calories than an 80-proof one. Some spirits marketed as pink gin are actually liqueurs, which have a lower ABV and sometimes more added sugar, altering the calorie profile significantly.

The Difference Between Pink Gin and Gin Liqueurs

Not all pink spirits are created equal. Knowing the distinction is vital for controlling your calorie intake.

Pink Gin: These are proper gins that are infused with fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or redcurrants after distillation. The coloring comes from the fruit, and they typically contain no added sugar, having a similar calorie count and ABV to their traditional counterparts.
Gin Liqueurs: These are sweeter, lower-ABV spirits with significant added sugar. A 50ml measure can contain 85-100 calories, which is often more calorific per volume than a shot of true pink gin.

The Impact of Mixers and Garnishes

While the pure gin contains the calories from alcohol, what you mix it with can dramatically increase the total. Choosing your mixers wisely is the easiest way to manage your overall calorie consumption.

Calorie Comparison of Pink Gin Drinks


Drink Combination	Approximate Calories (1.5oz Pink Gin)	Notes
Pink Gin Neat	~100 calories	No mixers, pure spirit calories.
Pink Gin & Diet Tonic	~100–105 calories	Diet tonic adds almost zero calories.
Pink Gin & Regular Tonic	~180–200 calories	Regular tonic contains significant sugar.
Pink Gin & Soda Water	~100 calories	Simple and low-calorie.
Pink Gin & Lemonade	~150–180 calories	The sugar in lemonade adds substantial calories.
Pink Gin Cocktail	Varies widely	Depends heavily on other sugary liqueurs, juices, or syrups used.

Making Informed Choices for a Lighter Drink

Here are some tips to reduce the calories in your pink gin cocktail without sacrificing flavor:

Use Sugar-Free Mixers: Opt for diet tonic water, soda water, or sparkling water instead of regular, sugar-filled versions.
Focus on Fresh Garnishes: Add slices of strawberry, raspberries, or a twist of citrus to enhance flavor naturally without adding significant calories.
Check the Label: Always confirm whether you are buying a full-strength gin or a lower-ABV, higher-sugar liqueur, especially if you are concerned about your intake.
Consider Low-Calorie Alternatives: Brands like CleanCo offer non-alcoholic pink gin alternatives with very low calories for those who want to avoid alcohol altogether.

Conclusion

In summary, one shot of pink gin is similar in calories to a shot of regular gin, with the primary calorie content coming from the alcohol. The biggest variable in the total calorie count of a pink gin drink is the mixer. By choosing sugar-free mixers and focusing on natural, fresh garnishes, you can enjoy the popular taste of pink gin while keeping your calorie count in check. It’s always best to check the specific brand's nutritional information, especially since some products marketed as pink gin are actually higher-sugar liqueurs.

For more information on alcohol and nutrition, see the official health guidelines on sites like the NHS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Most modern pink gins are infused with fruit flavors without adding extra sugar, so their calorie count is comparable to regular gin. The primary source of calories comes from the alcohol itself, and any difference is typically minimal.

Pink gin is a full-strength spirit with a similar calorie profile to regular gin. A pink gin liqueur, however, is a lower-alcohol spirit with added sugar, making it much sweeter and potentially higher in calories per ounce due to the sugar content, despite having a lower ABV.

To make a low-calorie pink gin and tonic, use a standard pink gin and pair it with a diet or 'slimline' tonic water. This combination will dramatically reduce the sugar and total calories compared to a drink made with regular tonic.

The calories in a pure shot of pink gin come exclusively from the alcohol (ethanol). Distilled spirits like gin contain no carbohydrates, sugars, or fats before any mixers or liqueurs are added.

No, the calorie content can vary by brand, mainly due to differences in alcohol by volume (ABV) and whether any sugar has been added. It's always best to check the nutritional information for the specific brand you are consuming.

Standard shot sizes vary internationally. In the US, it's typically 1.5 fluid ounces (44ml), while in the UK, a single measure is 25ml.

Yes. While pure pink gin is relatively low in calories, mixing it with high-sugar fruit juices or regular lemonade can add a significant number of calories to your drink.