Which is more fattening, gin or wine? A nutritional comparison

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

Based on average servings, a standard shot of gin contains fewer calories than a medium glass of wine, with a 25ml gin serving having around 54 calories and a 175ml glass of wine having about 159 calories. This difference is a key factor when considering which is more fattening, gin or wine?, especially when mixers and portion sizes are taken into account.

Quick Summary

This nutritional breakdown compares the calorie and sugar content of gin and wine to determine which is more fattening. It analyzes how different preparation methods, mixers, and serving sizes impact overall calorie load and weight management goals.

Key Points

Serving Size Matters: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of gin has fewer calories than a typical 5-ounce glass of wine.
Mixers are Critical for Gin: The calorie content of gin drastically increases with sugary mixers like regular tonic water, making a 'gin and diet tonic' a much leaner option.
Wine Type Influences Calories: Sweeter wines have more residual sugar and therefore more calories than drier wines. Dry reds and whites are the lowest-calorie wine options.
Alcohol Metabolism: Your liver burns alcohol before other nutrients, so excess alcohol calories are more likely to be stored as fat, regardless of the drink.
Moderation is Key: The quantity of alcohol consumed is more impactful on weight gain than the choice between gin or wine.
Health Benefits vs. Calories: While red wine offers some antioxidants, this does not negate the calorie impact, and moderate consumption is recommended regardless of health claims.

The Calorie Count of Gin

Gin is a distilled spirit, meaning it starts as a clear liquid with little to no sugar or carbohydrates. The primary source of calories in gin comes from the alcohol content itself, which provides approximately 7 calories per gram. A standard 1.5-ounce (44ml) shot of 80-proof gin typically contains about 115 calories. If you opt for a diet mixer, like a gin and diet tonic, the overall calorie count remains relatively low. For example, a single measure of gin with a diet mixer can be as low as 54 calories. The main takeaway is that as long as gin is consumed neat or with a zero-calorie mixer, it is a relatively low-calorie alcoholic beverage.

The Impact of Mixers

The real danger to your waistline with gin comes from sugary mixers. Standard tonic water can significantly increase the calorie count of a gin and tonic, with one source reporting a large G&T can contain up to 390 calories. Therefore, choosing a slimline or diet tonic water, soda water, or sparkling water is crucial for keeping the calorie count down.

The Calorie Count of Wine

Unlike distilled spirits, wine is a fermented beverage made from grapes. Its calorie content comes from both the alcohol and the residual sugars left after fermentation. This means the calorie count can vary greatly depending on the wine's type and sweetness level. A dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, will have fewer calories than a sweeter dessert wine. A medium glass of wine (175ml) can contain between 159 and 185 calories. The alcohol by volume (ABV) also plays a significant role; the higher the ABV, the higher the calorie count.

Comparing Wine Types

Dry Wines: Less sugar means fewer calories. These include dry reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and dry whites like Pinot Grigio.
Sweet Wines: These contain more residual sugar, making them significantly higher in calories. Sweet white wines can have an extra 100-150 calories per glass compared to their dry counterparts.
Serving Size: One of the biggest differences is serving size. A typical glass of wine is much larger than a standard shot of gin, meaning you are consuming more alcohol and calories per serving.

Gin vs. Wine: A Calorie and Nutritional Comparison Table


Feature	Gin (1.5 oz / 44ml)	Wine (5 oz / 150ml)	Analysis
Calories	Approx. 97-115 (neat)	Approx. 103-122 (dry)	A single serving of gin is lower in calories than a standard glass of wine.
Carbohydrates	Generally zero (neat)	Varies, usually low (for dry wines)	Gin has virtually no carbs, while wine has some from residual sugars.
Sugars	Zero (neat)	Varies, higher in sweet varieties	Sweet wines contain much more sugar than gin, increasing the fattening potential.
Mixers	Highly influential (sugary mixers add hundreds of calories)	Not applicable for most wine servings, though spritzers can lower intake	The choice of mixer is the most important factor for gin's calorie load.
Antioxidants	Contains botanicals with some antioxidants	Red wine is known for its polyphenol content, linked to heart health	Wine, especially red, offers more health-related compounds, but moderation is key.

Beyond Calories: How Your Body Processes Alcohol

When you consume alcohol, your liver prioritizes processing it over other macronutrients like fats and carbohydrates. This means that if you drink a large amount of alcohol alongside a meal, the calories from the alcohol are burned first, and the calories from your food are more likely to be stored as body fat. This metabolic effect is a significant reason why excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, regardless of whether you're drinking gin or wine.

Making Healthier Choices: Tips for Mindful Drinking

For those watching their weight, it's not just about choosing gin over wine, but about making smarter choices all around. Here are a few tips:

Opt for diet mixers: If you prefer gin, a slimline tonic or soda water is a much better choice than a regular sugary mixer.
Track your servings: Be mindful of the larger serving sizes of wine. Instead of a large glass, opt for a small one.
Consider a spritzer: A wine spritzer with soda water can help reduce the overall calorie and alcohol content of a glass of wine.
Drink in moderation: The amount you drink is arguably more important than the type. Adhering to moderate intake guidelines is the best way to prevent weight gain from alcohol.
Stay hydrated: Drink a glass of water between alcoholic beverages. This can help slow down your drinking and keep you hydrated.

Conclusion: Deciding Which Drink is Right for Your Diet

So, which is more fattening, gin or wine? The short answer is that a standard serving of gin, especially when consumed neat or with a sugar-free mixer, is generally less fattening than a standard glass of wine. However, the true fattening potential of either drink depends heavily on serving size, mixers, and overall consumption. While red wine may contain more beneficial antioxidants, its higher calorie count per typical serving makes gin a more diet-friendly option, provided you make smart choices with what you mix it with. Ultimately, for weight management, moderation is the most important factor for both gin and wine.

For more detailed nutritional information on various alcoholic beverages and their effect on weight, you can consult reliable sources like the Drinkaware website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While a standard shot of gin is lower in calories than a glass of wine, adding regular tonic water can make a gin and tonic higher in calories than a glass of dry wine. Choosing a sugar-free or diet tonic is key to keeping the calorie count low.

Yes, significantly. Dry wines (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc) contain less residual sugar and fewer calories than sweeter dessert wines. The wine's alcohol content also plays a role, with higher ABV wines having more calories.

Alcohol contributes to weight gain primarily because it adds empty calories to your diet. Your liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, which means the calories from any food you've eaten are more likely to be stored as fat. Additionally, alcohol can stimulate appetite and lower inhibitions, leading to poor food choices.

The best low-calorie mixers for gin include diet tonic water, soda water, sparkling water, or a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice. These options add flavor without the extra sugar and calories found in regular mixers.

Some studies have linked the polyphenols in red wine to potential heart health benefits, though serving sizes and intake are crucial. Gin has some antioxidants from its botanicals but generally fewer. For weight management, gin is typically the lower-calorie choice if mixed properly.

Yes, but you must factor the calories from alcohol into your daily intake. For weight loss, it is advisable to consume alcohol in moderation and choose lower-calorie options like neat spirits, dry wines, or spirits with diet mixers. Excessive drinking can hinder weight loss progress.

Serving size is one of the most critical factors. A single standard pour of gin is a much smaller volume than a standard glass of wine. This means you consume fewer calories with one serving of gin compared to one serving of wine, making it easier to manage calorie intake per drink.

Calories from alcohol are often called 'empty calories' because they provide energy without significant nutrients. Furthermore, the body metabolizes alcohol differently, prioritizing it over food, which can interfere with the breakdown and storage of other fats and carbs.