Is Gin Less Calories Than Vodka? Demystifying Your Liquor's Calories

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, a standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories, a number nearly identical to a comparable serving of 80-proof gin. This surprising fact challenges the common myth that one clear spirit is inherently lower in calories than the other.

Quick Summary

Pure, distilled gin and vodka have virtually the same calorie count per serving, with the actual difference in total beverage calories coming from mixers. The alcohol content, or proof, is the primary factor determining the caloric value of a standard pour, not the spirit type itself.

Key Points

Negligible Calorie Difference: Pure gin and vodka have almost the same calorie count per serving when compared at the same proof.
Mixers Matter Most: The biggest impact on a cocktail's total calories comes from the mixers and syrups, not the base spirit.
Proof Affects Calories: A higher-proof (higher ABV) spirit, whether gin or vodka, will contain more calories per ounce than a lower-proof one.
Low-Calorie Cocktail Options: To reduce calorie intake, pair spirits with zero-calorie mixers like diet tonic, club soda, or soda water.
Botanicals vs. Neutral Taste: Gin's built-in flavor from botanicals may lead to naturally lower-calorie drink choices, as it doesn't always need sugary mixers for taste, unlike neutral vodka.
Focus on Moderation: Responsible drinking and portion control are more important for calorie management than choosing between gin and vodka.

Debunking the Low-Calorie Liquor Myth

For years, many people on calorie-conscious diets have debated which clear spirit is the 'better' choice for their waistline. The assumption that gin or vodka holds a significant caloric advantage over the other is a widespread misconception. The reality is that for similarly proofed spirits, their calorie counts are almost identical. The real culprit for excess calories in a cocktail is almost always the mixer, not the base spirit.

The Science Behind Spirit Calories

All of the calories in a distilled spirit come from the alcohol itself, not from carbs, fat, or sugar, which are removed during the distillation process. Pure ethanol contains approximately 7 calories per gram. This means that a spirit's calorie count is directly tied to its alcohol by volume (ABV) or proof. For example, a higher-proof spirit will have a higher calorie count per ounce than a lower-proof one, regardless of whether it's gin or vodka.

Where the Calories Really Come From

While the base spirits are nearly calorie-identical, the popular mixers and cocktail recipes can create a vast difference in the final drink's calorie total. A vodka tonic, for instance, can quickly become a high-calorie beverage if made with a sugary tonic, whereas a gin and diet tonic or vodka soda can remain low-calorie.

Gin vs. Vodka: A Calorie-per-Serving Comparison

To illustrate the minimal difference, consider a standard 1.5-ounce serving, often referred to as a jigger or shot. For 80-proof (40% ABV) spirits, the numbers are almost indistinguishable.


Spirit	Proof	Calories (per 1.5 oz)	Carbs	Sugars
Vodka	80 proof	Approx. 97	0 g	0 g
Gin	80 proof	Approx. 97	0 g	0 g
Rum	80 proof	Approx. 97	0 g	0 g
Tequila	80 proof	Approx. 96	0 g	0 g
Whiskey	80 proof	Approx. 97	0 g	0 g

This table clearly shows that all major 80-proof distilled spirits, including both gin and vodka, share a similar calorie profile. The key takeaway is that the type of clear spirit is far less important for your caloric intake than what you mix with it.

The Role of Mixers in Your Drink's Calories

The choice of mixer is the single most important factor for controlling the calories in a cocktail. Consider these examples:

Vodka Cranberry: A 1.5-ounce pour of vodka mixed with 4 ounces of regular cranberry juice can easily exceed 200 calories.
Gin and Tonic: A standard G&T with a sugary tonic can contain 150-170 calories, while a gin with a slimline or diet tonic water can keep the count under 100 calories.
Vodka Soda: The simplest option, mixing vodka with soda water and a squeeze of lime, results in a drink with almost no added calories beyond the vodka itself.

Gin's Advantage: Flavor Without the Sugar

While the base calorie counts are similar, gin does offer a potential advantage in practice. Its distinctive botanical-driven flavor profile—from juniper and other spices—means many people enjoy it with simple, low-calorie mixers like diet tonic or soda water. Vodka, being a neutral spirit, is often paired with sweeter, higher-calorie juices and syrups to add flavor. This makes it easier for gin drinkers to naturally opt for lower-calorie cocktails without sacrificing taste.

Practical Tips for Lower-Calorie Drinking

If you're watching your calorie intake, a few simple swaps can make a big difference.

Choose diet or sugar-free mixers instead of regular sodas, juices, or sweetened tonic water.
Opt for mixing your spirit with soda water, club soda, or a squeeze of fresh citrus.
Be mindful of cocktail ingredients; creamy or sugary additions found in many popular drinks can significantly increase the calorie count.
Higher-proof spirits contain more calories, so sticking to 80-proof is a better choice for calorie counting.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the calorie difference between a standard serving of gin and vodka is negligible. Focusing on the mixers used is the most effective way to manage the total calories of your cocktail. Both spirits can be part of a calorie-controlled diet when consumed in moderation and paired with low-calorie mixers. The choice between them comes down to personal taste preference, not a significant difference in nutritional value.

You can find more information about alcohol calorie content at the NIH's Rethinking Drinking website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither vodka nor gin is inherently better for weight loss. Both are very similar in calories, with zero carbs and sugars. The total calorie count of your drink depends primarily on the mixers used, so opting for a sugar-free mixer with either spirit is the best strategy.

A standard 1.5-ounce (44 ml) shot of 80-proof gin contains approximately 97 calories. This can increase if the gin has a higher proof or if additional ingredients are mixed in.

Most naturally flavored or infused gins do not add significant calories, as the flavor comes from botanicals without added sugar. However, liqueurs or gins with added sugary syrups will have a higher calorie content, so it's always best to check the label.

The best low-calorie mixers for gin are diet or slimline tonic water, soda water, or sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh citrus. These add minimal to zero calories to your drink.

Some outdated or misleading sources might report a slight difference, but modern nutritional information and analyses show that for the same proof, the calorie count is virtually identical. Any perceived difference often comes from the typical mixers used, not the spirit itself.

Yes, alcohol can interfere with the body's fat-burning process. The liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over fat, which can temporarily halt fat metabolism. This is why alcohol is sometimes referred to as 'empty calories'.

While not a health drink, some proponents suggest gin may offer minor benefits from its botanical ingredients, such as potential antioxidant properties from juniper berries. Vodka is a more neutral spirit and does not offer these potential benefits, though it's not significantly less healthy.