Is flavoured gin high in sugar? The surprising truth behind the sweetness

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 report cited by the Craft Gin Club, some popular flavoured gins can contain up to 65g of sugar per full bottle, although many others are sugar-free. This wide variation means the sweetness in your drink is not always what it seems.

Quick Summary

The sugar content of flavoured gin varies dramatically by brand, ranging from zero added sugar to significant amounts used for flavouring. Unlike traditional distilled gin, which is sugar-free, flavoured versions are sweetened after distillation, and are distinct from sweeter gin liqueurs. Always check labels to understand a product's nutritional profile.

Key Points

Not all flavoured gins are high in sugar: The sugar content varies dramatically between brands, with some containing zero added sugar while others have significant amounts.
Distillation removes sugar: Traditional, unflavoured gin is naturally sugar-free due to the distillation process, but sugar is often added afterwards to flavoured versions.
Flavoured gin differs from gin liqueur: Flavoured gins maintain a standard gin ABV (37.5%+) and may or may not be sweetened, whereas gin liqueurs have a lower ABV and are intentionally sweeter.
Mixers are a major sugar source: Even with a low-sugar gin, a sugary mixer like regular tonic can add a large amount of sugar to your drink.
Check for 'no added sugar' labels: Look for brands that explicitly state their low or zero-sugar content, or consult the manufacturer's website for nutritional information.
Lower-sugar options exist: Brands like Greenall's Wild Berry offer sugar-free options for those watching their intake.

The Sugar Surprise in Flavoured Gins

For years, gin has been celebrated as a relatively low-calorie, low-sugar spirit. Traditional London Dry Gin is made by distilling neutral grain alcohol with botanicals, and any sugars present in the initial ferment are left behind during this process. This results in a spirit that is naturally free of sugar and carbohydrates. However, the modern explosion of flavoured and 'pink' gins has complicated this simple fact. While the alcohol itself remains sugar-free, the added flavourings often come with a hidden sugar load, which can turn a health-conscious choice into a sugary cocktail.

Many consumers are unaware of this disparity. Research has revealed that a significant portion of the public is in the dark about the sugar content of their favourite flavoured gins, and the lack of mandatory nutritional labelling on alcohol products exacerbates the issue. This can lead to a deceptive 'sugar roulette' where some brands contain minimal or no added sugar, while others pack a surprising number of grams into each bottle. To make an informed choice, it's essential to understand the different types of flavoured gins and where the sweetness comes from.

How Sugar is Added to Flavoured Gin

When a distiller wants to create a flavoured gin, they add ingredients after the distillation process. This is where the introduction of sugar occurs. There are two main methods for producing a flavoured gin, which result in very different sugar profiles.

Distilled vs. Compound Flavoured Gin

Some producers create a flavoured gin through a process of re-distillation with the flavouring ingredients, or through natural infusion, which can result in a drier, lower-sugar product. The sweetness in these cases often comes from the natural sugars in the fruit, with no additional sugar added, and the result is a complex, balanced flavour profile. Brands like Greenall's Wild Berry and BLOOM Jasmine & Rose are examples of flavoured gins with zero added sugar.

In contrast, other brands produce 'compound' flavoured gins, where flavourings and often large amounts of sugar are added after distillation. This method is typically quicker and less expensive than re-distillation and can be used to balance tart flavours or simply to create a sweeter, more commercially appealing product. Common sweeteners can include:

Cane sugar
Corn syrup
Honey or agave nectar
High-sugar fruit juices or concentrates

The sweetness profile of these gins can vary widely, with some containing a few grams per serving and others accumulating a significant sugar count, especially in a full bottle.

Flavoured Gin vs. Gin Liqueur: Know the Difference

This is a crucial distinction for consumers to understand. While both are sweet, they are legally defined and regulated differently.

Flavoured Gin: Must have a minimum alcohol by volume (ABV) of 37.5% and a prominent juniper flavour alongside other botanical additions. While some can be sweetened, it is not a requirement, and many are dry.
Gin Liqueur: Has a lower ABV (less than 37.5%) and a higher sugar content, making it significantly sweeter. The juniper character is often less pronounced. Sloe gin, for instance, is a traditional gin liqueur and is intentionally sweetened. If a product is labelled as a liqueur, you can expect it to be much higher in sugar than most flavoured gins.

How to Identify Low-Sugar Flavoured Gins

Since full nutritional information is not legally required on alcohol labels in many countries, finding low-sugar options can be tricky. However, there are clues to look for:

Check the label for keywords: Look for terms like 'sugar-free', 'zero sugar', or 'no added sugar'. Some companies are transparent about their lower sugar content to attract health-conscious buyers.
Research brand information: Many brands will provide nutritional information on their websites or in press releases. It's often the best way to get a definitive answer.
Consider the flavour profile: Drier-flavoured gins, often infused with natural botanicals, tend to be lower in sugar than those with a very sweet or candy-like taste.
Buy a known brand: Some brands are specifically marketed for their low-sugar content, such as Greenall's Wild Berry and BLOOM Jasmine & Rose, which contain zero added sugar.

The Hidden Sugar in Your Mixers

Even if you choose a low-sugar flavoured gin, the mixer can dramatically increase your total sugar intake. Regular tonic water can contain 16-18g of sugar per 200ml serving, and lemonade can contain even more. To keep your drink sugar-smart, consider these alternatives:

Diet or 'slimline' tonic water
Soda water with a squeeze of fresh citrus
Sparkling water infused with fresh berries or herbs
Freshly squeezed fruit juice instead of concentrated options

Comparison of Popular Flavoured Gins


Brand	Flavour	Sugar Content (per 50ml serving)	Notes
Gordon's Premium Pink	Strawberry	~3.6g	A popular choice with moderate sugar.
Beefeater Pink Strawberry	Strawberry	~2.3g	Lower in sugar than some competitors.
Greenall's Wild Berry	Wild Berry	0g	Known for being a sugar-free flavoured gin.
Warner Edwards Rhubarb	Rhubarb & Ginger	~3.4g	A relatively sweet flavoured gin.

Note: These values are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the source and batch. Always check the manufacturer's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

While flavoured gins can add a delicious twist to your drink, they are not all created equal when it comes to sugar. The assumption that all gins are sugar-free is incorrect and can lead to unknowingly consuming a significant amount of sugar. The best approach is to be an informed consumer. Distilled gin remains a sugar-free choice, but with flavoured gins, the onus is on the buyer to research or seek out brands that explicitly state their low or zero-sugar content. By being mindful of both your gin and your mixer, you can enjoy a tasty cocktail without the unnecessary sugar load.

For more information on alcohol and your health, please visit the Drinkaware website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all flavoured gin is high in sugar. While some brands add a significant amount of sugar for flavouring, others, like Greenall's Wild Berry and BLOOM Jasmine & Rose, contain zero added sugar.

Since alcohol brands are not required to list ingredients or nutritional information on the label, the best way is to check the manufacturer's website or look for 'sugar-free' or 'no added sugar' claims on the bottle.

A flavoured gin has an ABV of 37.5% or higher and a prominent juniper flavour, with sugar content varying by brand. A gin liqueur has a lower ABV (below 37.5%) and is intentionally sweetened, making it higher in sugar.

Classic gin is sugar-free because the distillation process removes all sugars and carbohydrates from the fermented base. In contrast, sugar is added after distillation to many flavoured gins to balance flavours and enhance sweetness.

Not necessarily. The 'pink' colour often comes from berry infusions. Some pink gins, like BLOOM Jasmine & Rose, are sugar-free, while others, such as Gordon's Pink, contain added sugar.

To avoid adding extra sugar, use mixers like diet or slimline tonic water, plain soda water with fresh citrus, or naturally infused sparkling water.

No, relying solely on taste can be misleading. While sweeter gins likely contain more sugar, some distillers use natural infusions or other methods to achieve sweetness without adding sugar. Checking the manufacturer's information is the most reliable method.