How Many Calories Does Gin Have? Your Guide to Enjoying Gin Mindfully

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Pure, unflavored gin contains zero carbs and zero sugar, with a standard 1.5 oz (44ml) serving of 80-proof gin typically containing around 97 calories. However, the total number of calories in gin-based drinks can vary significantly depending on the proof and, most importantly, the mixers you choose.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled gin is a relatively low-calorie spirit, with its caloric content determined by its alcohol proof. The total calorie count of a gin cocktail is heavily influenced by mixers like tonic water, syrups, and fruit juices. Opting for diet or sugar-free mixers can significantly reduce the overall calories of your drink.

Key Points

Alcohol Content is Key: The number of calories in pure gin is determined by its proof, with higher-proof gins containing more calories due to the higher alcohol content.
Mixers Impact Calories Most: While pure gin is relatively low in calories, sugary mixers like regular tonic water or syrups can dramatically increase the total calorie count of a cocktail.
Zero Sugar, Zero Carbs: Traditional, unflavored gin contains no carbohydrates or sugar, making it a good choice for those on low-carb diets like keto.
Go for Sugar-Free Mixers: To keep your gin drink low in calories, opt for mixers such as soda water, slimline tonic, or fresh citrus juice instead of regular, sugary options.
Beware of Flavored Gins and Liqueurs: Flavored gins and especially gin liqueurs often contain added sugars, which increases their caloric and carbohydrate content compared to traditional gin.
Practice Moderation: Even low-calorie gin drinks contribute to overall intake. Limiting consumption and balancing it with a healthy diet and exercise is crucial.

The Calorie Breakdown of Pure Gin

At its core, gin is a distilled spirit, which means its calories come almost exclusively from the alcohol itself, not from carbohydrates or sugar. The proof of the gin is the key factor that determines its caloric content. Alcohol contains approximately seven calories per gram, making it more calorie-dense than carbohydrates or protein, but less so than fat.

80-Proof Gin (40% ABV): A standard 1.5-ounce shot contains approximately 97 calories.
94-Proof Gin (47% ABV): A 1.5-ounce shot of this higher-proof gin contains around 116 calories.

Unlike many other alcoholic beverages, pure gin is naturally sugar-free, carb-free, and fat-free due to the distillation process. This makes it a popular choice for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets, provided they pair it with appropriate, non-sugary mixers.

The Mixer Effect: Where Gin's Calories Add Up

While neat gin is a low-calorie option, most gin is enjoyed in cocktails, and the mixers are where the hidden calories often lie. A single gin and tonic can contain a surprising number of calories if you're not careful with your mixer selection.

Regular Tonic Water: Standard tonic water contains sugar to balance its bitterness, and a typical 150ml serving can add up to 120 calories, bringing a single gin and tonic to around 170-190 calories.
Slimline or Diet Tonic Water: Switching to a diet version drastically reduces the calorie count. A gin and diet tonic can contain as few as 55-60 calories per serving.
Sugary Juices and Syrups: Cocktails like a Gin Fizz or a Tom Collins that include sugary simple syrups and fruit juices will have a significantly higher calorie count. For example, a Gin Fizz can contain around 140 calories or more.

Low-Calorie Mixer Alternatives for Gin

For those looking to enjoy gin without the extra calories, several simple alternatives can make a big difference:

Soda Water: This is a zero-calorie option that lets the botanicals of the gin shine. Add a squeeze of fresh citrus like lime or lemon for extra flavor without the sugar.
Diet Tonic Water: The classic choice for a lower-calorie G&T. Many brands offer a variety of flavors beyond the standard for more complex drinks.
Flavored Seltzers: Zero-calorie flavored seltzer waters can add a new dimension to your gin without adding calories.
Fresh Citrus Juice: A splash of freshly squeezed lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice adds brightness with minimal calories compared to bottled mixers.

Flavored Gins and Liqueurs: A Word of Caution

With the rise of craft distilleries, flavored gins and gin liqueurs have become very popular. However, these can come with added sugars and, consequently, more calories. Pink gins, for example, often use red fruit infusions that increase the sugar content. Gin liqueurs, which have a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) but are much sweeter, contain considerably more carbs and calories per serving. If you are counting calories or carbs, it is crucial to check the label on these products, as the nutrition facts will differ significantly from a traditional London Dry Gin.

Comparison Table: Gin vs. Other Spirits

To put gin's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison with other common distilled spirits and alcoholic beverages based on a standard 1.5 oz (45 ml) serving of 80-proof (40% ABV) alcohol.


Beverage	Serving Size (1.5 oz / 45ml)	Approx. Calories	Notes
Gin (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz	97	Zero carbs, zero sugar
Vodka (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz	97	Zero carbs, zero sugar
Whiskey (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz	97	Zero carbs, zero sugar
White Rum (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz	97	Zero carbs, zero sugar
Red Wine	5 fl oz (145 ml)	125	Contains carbohydrates and sugars
Regular Beer	12 fl oz (355 ml)	153	Contains carbohydrates from malt

As the table shows, pure gin has a similar caloric footprint to other clear distilled spirits. The calorie content is determined by the alcohol proof, with higher proof spirits having more calories. The real variations in total drink calories arise from the mixers used.

Strategies for Enjoying Lower-Calorie Gin Drinks

For those watching their calorie intake, enjoying gin doesn't have to be off-limits. By being strategic with your choices, you can create delicious, flavorful drinks that won't derail your health goals.

Prioritize Dry Gin: Stick to traditional London Dry styles, which have no added sugar post-distillation.
Use Calorie-Free Mixers: Opt for soda water or slimline tonic. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavored seltzers for variety.
Add Natural Flavor: Infuse your drinks with fresh herbs like basil or mint, or add fresh fruit slices like cucumber or lemon to enhance flavor without adding sugar.
Control Portion Sizes: A smaller serving of gin or a single shot instead of a double can halve the number of calories from the alcohol itself.
Look for Lighter Options: Some brands offer lighter gins with a lower ABV, resulting in fewer calories per serving.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in gin is directly tied to its alcohol content, with an average 1.5 oz pour of 80-proof gin containing about 97 calories. Pure gin contains no carbs or sugar, making it a favorable base for low-calorie drinks, particularly for those on low-carb diets. The total calorie impact of a gin cocktail, however, hinges entirely on the mixers added. By choosing sugar-free options like diet tonic or soda water, and infusing with natural ingredients, you can significantly reduce your caloric intake. Understanding the distinction between the calories in the spirit itself and the mixers is key to enjoying your favorite gin drinks mindfully and responsibly.**

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5-ounce (44ml) shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) gin contains approximately 97 calories. This can vary slightly based on the brand and the exact alcohol by volume.

Pure, unflavored gin contains zero sugar due to the distillation process. However, some flavored gins and gin liqueurs have sugar added after distillation, so it is important to check the label for nutritional information.

The calories in a gin and tonic vary significantly depending on the mixer. A single gin with regular tonic water can have around 170-190 calories, while a gin with slimline or diet tonic water can have as little as 55-60 calories.

Yes, pure gin is an excellent choice for low-carb or keto diets because it contains zero carbohydrates. The key is to mix it with zero-carb alternatives like diet tonic water or soda water instead of sugary mixers.

The lowest calorie gin drink is pure gin served neat or on the rocks. If you prefer a mixer, a gin mixed with plain soda water and a squeeze of fresh lime is one of the lowest calorie options.

No, while pure, unflavored clear spirits like vodka, rum, and tequila (at the same proof) have a very similar calorie count to gin, there can be slight variations. The primary factor is the alcohol proof, as all calories in these spirits come from the alcohol.

Great low-calorie mixers for gin include diet tonic water, plain or flavored soda water, and a splash of freshly squeezed citrus juice. You can also add natural, zero-calorie flavors with cucumber slices, mint leaves, or other fresh herbs.