Which Gin Has the Lowest Sugar Content?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research from Quintessential Brands, a third of consumers are unaware that some flavored gins contain added sugar. For those monitoring their intake, a classic, unflavored London Dry gin has the lowest sugar content—virtually zero. The key distinction lies in the type of gin you choose, with distillation removing sugars and flavoring often reintroducing them.

Quick Summary

This guide details the difference in sugar content between various gin styles, explaining why traditional gins are sugar-free and how flavored options can add sweeteners. It provides brand examples and tips for identifying low-sugar choices, emphasizing the importance of also considering mixers.

Key Points

Traditional gin is sugar-free: Classic, unflavored gins like London Dry contain virtually zero sugar due to the distillation process.
Flavored gins can be high in sugar: Many flavored and 'pink' gins add significant amounts of sugar or syrup after distillation to create their taste profile.
Mixers add sugar: The biggest source of sugar in a gin drink often comes from the mixer, with regular tonic water containing up to 18g of sugar per serving.
Low-sugar mixers exist: Opt for diet tonics, soda water, or infused sparkling water to keep your cocktail sugar-free.
Non-alcoholic gins vary: While some non-alcoholic gins contain zero sugar, others may have added sweeteners, so check the label carefully.
London Dry is the safest bet: For consistently low sugar, choose a London Dry gin, as regulations prohibit sugar from being added post-distillation.

Understanding Gin’s Sugar Content

For anyone on a low-sugar or keto diet, or simply watching their intake, understanding the nutritional profile of alcoholic beverages is essential. The good news is that most standard, unflavored gins have virtually no sugar, a fact rooted in the distillation process. During distillation, the spirit is purified by heating, separating the alcohol from the fermented mash, which contains the original sugars and carbs. These non-volatile compounds are left behind, resulting in a spirit with a clean slate.

The London Dry and Standard Gin Advantage

Traditional gin, especially a London Dry style, is the safest bet for a sugar-free spirit. By definition, a London Dry gin cannot have any sugar added after distillation, ensuring a crisp and dry finish. This is why brands like Gordon's London Dry, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire consistently show a 0g sugar count on their nutritional information. It's the purity of the spirit, infused with botanicals like juniper, coriander, and citrus peel, that delivers the flavor without relying on sweetness.

The Pitfall of Flavored and 'Pink' Gins

Here is where the hidden sugars often lie. While a classic gin is sugar-free, many flavored varieties and modern 'pink' gins add significant amounts of sugar, syrups, or other sweeteners post-distillation to achieve a more palatable or fruity taste profile. For instance, a 2019 report noted that some flavored gins could contain as much as 15 teaspoons of sugar per bottle. This is a crucial detail, as there is no legal requirement for alcoholic beverages to list sugar content on their labels, leaving consumers in the dark. Some brands, like Greenall's with their Wild Berry and Blueberry gins, explicitly state a zero-sugar recipe, but many others do not, making careful label reading essential.

Non-Alcoholic Options and Their Sugar Levels

Non-alcoholic spirits have become popular, but it's important to know that they are not all created equal regarding sugar content. Unlike distilled alcoholic gins, which naturally have no sugar, the production process for non-alcoholic versions can sometimes involve sweetening to balance flavors. However, many brands focus specifically on delivering a low- or no-sugar product. For example, Tanqueray 0.0% and Strykk Not Gin explicitly state 0g of sugar per 100ml. Always check the label, as sugar content can vary significantly, even within the non-alcoholic category.

The Importance of Your Mixer

Choosing a low-sugar gin is only half the battle. Your mixer can be the biggest contributor of sugar to your drink. A single serving of regular tonic water can contain 16–18 grams of sugar, effectively turning a sugar-free spirit into a high-sugar cocktail. To maintain a low-sugar profile, consider these alternatives:

Diet or 'slimline' tonic water: These use artificial sweeteners to provide the familiar taste without the sugar.
Soda water with a squeeze of fresh lime: A classic and completely sugar-free option.
Sparkling water with fruit or herbal infusions: Add slices of cucumber, a few raspberries, or a sprig of rosemary for flavor.
Low-sugar lemonades: Some brands offer reduced-sugar versions, but always read the label.

Comparison of Gin Types and Sugar Content


Gin Type	Production Method	Typical Sugar Content (per 1.5 oz serving)	Examples
London Dry Gin	Neutral grain spirit distilled with botanicals; no sugar added post-distillation.	0g	Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Gordon's London Dry
Old Tom Gin	Sweetened gin style that has sugar added post-distillation.	Varies, typically higher than London Dry	Hayman's Old Tom
Flavored Gin	Can have sugar added after distillation to enhance fruit or berry flavors.	Can vary widely (e.g., 5–10g or more)	Some Gordon's Pink Gins, Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger
Non-Alcoholic Gin	Flavorings infused into a non-alcoholic base; may contain sweeteners.	Can be 0g, but varies by brand	Monday Gin, Lyre's Dry London Spirit

Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Low Sugar Gin

The lowest sugar content in gin is found in traditional, unflavored distilled gins, particularly those labeled as London Dry. These spirits are, by nature of the distillation process, virtually sugar-free. The moment you introduce flavored varieties or liqueurs, the sugar content can increase significantly. To enjoy a genuinely low-sugar drink, pairing a sugar-free gin with a no-sugar mixer like diet tonic or soda water is the most effective approach. For non-alcoholic alternatives, brands like Monday Gin offer zero-sugar options, but it is always best to check the nutritional information to be certain.

Enjoying a gin without excessive sugar is all about making informed choices, from the bottle you buy to the mixer you pour. Focusing on the pure, botanical-infused spirit and mindful mixing will ensure you can indulge responsibly while managing your sugar intake.

For more in-depth information about gin's nutritional facts, a comprehensive guide is available at Verywell Fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while pure, unflavored, distilled gin is sugar-free, many flavored gins and liqueurs contain added sugar. The distillation process removes sugar, but some producers add it back for sweetness, especially in pink or fruity varieties.

The lowest sugar gin is any traditional, unflavored gin, particularly London Dry styles. These spirits, by virtue of their production, contain zero grams of sugar.

Many popular London Dry gin brands have no sugar, including Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Gordon's London Dry, and Beefeater. For flavored options, brands like Greenall's also offer zero-sugar choices.

Since nutritional labels aren't mandatory for all alcoholic beverages, checking for sugar can be difficult. Look for mentions of 'dry' or 'unsweetened' on the bottle, research the brand online, or check for specific labels that disclose a zero-sugar content.

The sugar content in non-alcoholic gins varies by brand. Some, like Tanqueray 0.0%, are specifically made with zero sugar, while others may contain sweeteners. Always read the label before purchasing.

Yes, Old Tom gin is historically known as a sweeter gin style. It is a sweetened spirit, contrasting with the dry nature of a London Dry gin, and will therefore have a higher sugar content.

For a low-sugar gin cocktail, the best mixers are diet or 'slimline' tonic water, soda water with fresh lime or other citrus, or unsweetened sparkling water infused with herbs like rosemary or mint.