How many calories are in slim gin? A comprehensive guide

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

A single serving of a gin and slimline tonic can contain as few as 55 calories, according to research. Many people wonder how many calories are in slim gin, mistakenly thinking it's a special type of gin when the 'slim' refers to the low-calorie mixer used. This popular option drastically reduces the calorie count compared to a standard gin and tonic.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 'slim gin' depends entirely on the mixer, not the gin itself. A single measure of gin contains around 55 calories, and combining it with a sugar-free or 'slimline' tonic minimizes the total caloric intake.

Key Points

Slim Gin Defined: 'Slim gin' is not a product but a drink made with standard gin and a low-calorie or diet tonic.
Gin is Low Calorie: A single 25ml shot of neat gin contains approximately 52-59 calories, with zero sugar or carbs.
Mixer is the Key Factor: The calorie content of the final drink is heavily dependent on the mixer, not the gin itself.
Swap to Reduce Calories: Swapping regular tonic for slimline/diet tonic can reduce a drink's calories from over 100 to around 55-62.
Consider Soda Water: For the lowest-calorie option, use soda water with gin, as it contains zero calories.
Moderation is Essential: Alcohol provides empty calories and can hinder weight loss efforts, so mindful consumption is always recommended.

Demystifying 'Slim Gin'

First and foremost, it's important to clarify that 'slim gin' is not a specific type of gin produced by a distillery. The term simply refers to a standard gin combined with a slimline or diet mixer, most commonly a diet tonic water. The gin itself is a distilled spirit with no carbohydrates or sugar, meaning its calorie count is directly related to its alcohol content.

The Calorie Breakdown

The key to understanding the calorie difference lies in the choice of mixer. A standard 25ml measure of gin typically contains between 52 and 59 calories, depending on its alcohol by volume (ABV). The real difference comes from the mixer:

Standard tonic water: A standard 150ml can of regular tonic can add around 40-50 calories due to its sugar content. Other sugary mixers like juice or soda can add even more.
Slimline tonic water: In contrast, a 150ml can of slimline or diet tonic contains as little as 3 calories, drastically cutting the total calorie count of your drink.

Therefore, a single 'slim gin' and tonic, consisting of 25ml of gin and 150ml of slimline tonic, will have approximately 55-62 calories, making it a far lighter option than its full-sugar counterpart.

Comparison of Drinks

To illustrate the impact of your mixer choice, here is a comparison of different gin-based drinks and other popular alcoholic beverages.


Drink (Single Measure)	Approx. Calories	Notes
Gin & Slimline Tonic	55-62	Low in sugar, depends on the gin's ABV.
Gin & Regular Tonic	97-120	Calories increase significantly due to sugary tonic.
Gin & Soda with Lime	~55	One of the lowest-calorie options, uses calorie-free soda water.
Glass of Wine (175ml)	125-200	Varies by sweetness and type (e.g., white vs. red).
Pint of Beer (330ml)	140-150	Lighter options exist, but often higher in calories than a slim gin.
Rum & Regular Coke (235ml)	~185	High in calories due to sugary soda.

Tips for Keeping your Gin Low-Calorie

Stick to diet mixers: Always specify a 'slimline' or 'diet' tonic, or opt for calorie-free soda water.
Watch your pour size: When making drinks at home, use a measuring cup to pour a single 25ml or 45ml measure. It's easy to accidentally overpour.
Infuse your own flavor: Add fresh garnishes like cucumber, fresh berries, or a lemon twist instead of sugary syrups. You can also infuse gin with fruits or botanicals.
Try other clear spirits: If you're exploring alternatives, clear spirits like vodka or white rum with a diet mixer also offer low-calorie options.

The Wider Context of Alcohol and Weight

While opting for a 'slim gin' is a good strategy for reducing calories in a single drink, it's essential to understand alcohol's broader impact on weight management. Alcohol provides what are often called 'empty calories'—calories that offer no nutritional value to the body. Additionally, alcohol can slow down your body's fat-burning process as your liver prioritizes processing the alcohol over other calories and nutrients. This means that frequent, heavy drinking can hinder weight loss efforts, even if you are choosing lower-calorie drinks. Moderation is key, and balancing alcohol consumption with a healthy diet and regular exercise remains crucial for overall health.

Mindful Drinking for Health

Making mindful choices about your alcohol consumption can support your health goals. Consider having non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic ones to slow down consumption and stay hydrated. Eating a balanced meal before drinking can also help you feel full and make better choices throughout the evening.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no separate product called 'slim gin,' but rather it is a term for a standard gin served with a slimline or diet tonic. The low calorie count of a 'slim gin' is achieved by replacing a high-sugar mixer with a low-calorie alternative. By being mindful of your mixer choice, you can significantly reduce the caloric impact of your beverage, helping you stay on track with your health and weight management goals. While this is a healthier option, remember that moderation is always key when it comes to alcohol consumption.

For more information on alcohol and health, consult resources from authoritative sources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or MedlinePlus.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

A regular gin and tonic can have over 100 calories due to the sugar in standard tonic water, while a 'slim gin' (with slimline tonic) typically contains around 55-62 calories per single serving.

No, a standard distilled gin does not contain any sugar or carbohydrates. Its calorie content comes solely from the alcohol itself.

Choosing a 'slim gin' over a regular gin and tonic can reduce your calorie intake, but weight loss depends on overall diet and exercise. Alcohol contains empty calories and can slow down your metabolism, so moderation is key.

The term 'slim' refers to the mixer, not the gin. The gin itself is a clear spirit and naturally low in calories, but the final drink is only 'slim' if a low-calorie mixer is used.

For low-calorie drinks, use mixers like soda water, fresh lemon or lime juice, or calorie-free flavored seltzers.

A double 'slim gin' and tonic, using a 50ml measure of gin and a slimline tonic, would contain approximately 108-112 calories.

Alcohol is a highly concentrated source of calories, containing 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as much as pure fat (9 calories per gram).