What is the lowest calorie gin?

While a standard 25ml measure of gin can contain as few as 54 calories, the truth about what is the lowest calorie gin depends on both the spirit's ABV and the mixer. Clear spirits like gin, vodka, and tequila are among the least calorific options, with the real calorie difference often coming from sugars added through tonics and other mixers.

Quick Summary

An exploration of low-calorie gin, how brands like Opihr and Sipsmith offer low-calorie options, and tips for mixing drinks with minimal calories. This guide breaks down the impact of ABV and mixers on your drink's calorie count.

Key Points

• Lowest Calorie Brands: Opihr Gin (approx. 50 calories/25ml) and Gordon's Special Dry Gin (approx. 52 calories/25ml) are among the lowest-calorie traditional gins.

• Mixers are Key: The most significant calorie difference comes from the mixer. Standard tonic adds substantial calories, while diet or slimline versions add almost none.

• Lower ABV Equals Fewer Calories: The higher the alcohol by volume (ABV), the higher the calorie count will be. Some gin alternatives with lower ABV have fewer calories than traditional gins.

• Fresh Flavor is Calorie-Free: Using fresh ingredients like lemon, lime, cucumber, or herbs can add significant flavor to a gin drink without adding calories.

• Keto-Friendly Options: Because pure distilled gin has no carbs or sugar, it is naturally keto-friendly. The mixer choice determines if the final drink remains low-carb.

Demystifying Gin Calories: ABV, Sugar, and Brand

Understanding the calorie content of gin is crucial for those watching their intake. The vast majority of calories in a straight spirit come directly from the alcohol content (ABV). Ethanol has about 7 calories per gram, making ABV the primary factor in determining a spirit's base calorie count. Unlike liqueurs, standard London Dry style gins are typically sugar-free, meaning their calories don't come from added sweeteners. However, flavored gins or 'Old Tom' styles can have added sugars, increasing their overall caloric load.

For most standard gins with an ABV of 37.5-40%, a 25ml serving will have around 54 to 70 calories. The real variation comes with higher-proof expressions, such as Navy Strength gins (57% ABV or higher), which will have a significantly higher calorie count per serving.

The Lowest Calorie Gins on the Market

Based on data from DrinkWell, several standard gins are particularly low in calories for a 25ml serving. Opihr Gin is frequently cited as one of the lowest-calorie gins available, at approximately 50 calories per 25ml serving. Other low-calorie options include Gordon's Special Dry Gin and Sipsmith Gin, both around 52 calories per 25ml, and Skol and Hendrick's Gin, listed at about 54 calories per 25ml.

The Game-Changing Factor: Mixers and Low-Cal Alternatives

The biggest source of hidden calories in a gin cocktail isn't the gin itself, but the mixer. Standard tonic water can add an extra 50-70 calories or more to a single drink, while a slimline or diet tonic water adds virtually none.

There are also dedicated gin alternatives and lower-alcohol spirits designed specifically for the calorie-conscious drinker. For example, LUXLO markets a "ginny" spirit at 20% ABV with only 28 calories per 25ml serving. While technically not a gin due to its lower alcohol content, it provides a very low-calorie option for those who enjoy the botanical flavor profile.

Calorie Comparison: Gin Brands and Mixers

To illustrate how calorie counts vary, here is a comparison table for a 25ml pour of gin and a breakdown of how mixers impact the final count. Note that calorie counts can vary slightly by region due to different formulations.

Gin Brand (25ml)	Approximate Calories (per 25ml)	ABV
Opihr Gin	50	40%
Gordon's Special Dry Gin	52	37.5%
Sipsmith Gin	52	41.6%
Hendrick's Gin	54	41.4%
Bombay Sapphire	56	40%
Tanqueray Gin	67	43.1%
Aviation Gin	70	42%

How Mixers Impact Your Drink

Consider the calorie impact of mixers on a standard G&T. Using a 50ml pour of gin and a 200ml mixer:

• Standard G&T: Using a gin with 56 calories per 25ml and a standard tonic (55 calories per 200ml) results in a total of 167 calories.
• Low-Cal G&T: The same gin with a slimline tonic (4 calories per 200ml) results in a much lower 116 calories.

Strategies for a Lower-Calorie Gin Experience

Achieving a low-calorie gin drink is more about the complete recipe than just the gin. Here are some easy ways to cut down on calories:

1. Use Diet or Slimline Mixers: This is the single most effective change you can make. The difference between a regular tonic and a slimline version can save over 50 calories per drink.
2. Opt for Soda Water: For a truly zero-calorie mixer, sparkling or soda water is the best choice. This creates a refreshing gin rickey or sonic (half soda, half slimline tonic).
3. Flavor with Fresh Ingredients: Use natural, calorie-free flavouring. Fresh citrus like lemon or lime wedges, cucumber ribbons, or herb sprigs such as rosemary or thyme add flavor and aroma without adding calories or sugar.
4. Reduce Portion Sizes: Simply using a single measure (25ml) instead of a double (50ml) will instantly halve the calorie intake from the gin.
5. Explore Low-Alcohol Alternatives: For very low-calorie options, consider gin alternatives like LUXLO or LoCa Bev Minus 33, which have lower ABVs and significantly fewer calories.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the quest to find what is the lowest calorie gin reveals that the spirit itself is naturally a relatively low-calorie choice among alcoholic beverages. The primary culprit for excess calories is almost always the mixer. By choosing a low-ABV gin or a standard London Dry with a slimline tonic or soda water, and flavoring with fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing gin drink with minimal calories. Brands like Opihr and Sipsmith offer excellent low-calorie options, but the key to a truly waistline-friendly drink lies in mindful mixing. For general information on calorie intake from alcoholic beverages, consider consulting authoritative health resources like MedlinePlus.

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: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000886.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

Which gin has the least calories per serving?

Opihr Gin is frequently cited as one of the lowest-calorie standard gins, containing approximately 50 calories per 25ml serving.

Are all gins low in calories?

While most clear, distilled gins are low in calories and sugar-free, sweeter versions like Old Tom or certain flavored gins can contain added sugars, increasing their calorie count.

How can I make a low-calorie gin and tonic?

The simplest method is to use a slimline or diet tonic water instead of a regular tonic. This change can save a significant number of calories in a single drink.

Is gin a good choice for someone on a keto diet?

Yes, standard gin is an excellent choice for a keto diet, as it contains zero carbs and sugar. Pair it with a sugar-free mixer like diet tonic or soda water to keep the drink low-carb.

Are low-alcohol gin alternatives lower in calories?

Yes, gin alternatives with lower alcohol percentages, such as LUXLO Ginny (20% ABV), have fewer calories per serving than standard gins.

What is a 'Gin Sonic' and is it low calorie?

A 'Gin Sonic' is a variation of a gin and tonic made with equal parts tonic and soda water. Using a light or slimline tonic makes it a great low-calorie alternative.

How do gin's calories compare to other spirits?

Gin is comparable to other clear spirits like vodka and tequila in terms of calories per serving. All derive most of their calories from alcohol, and their calorie counts are primarily determined by their ABV.