Gin is a popular spirit, but if you’re mindful of calories, you may wonder how many are in your favorite gin drink. Here’s everything you need to know about gin, its calorie content, and how to enjoy it without overloading on calories.
How many calories in gin?
The calorie content in gin depends on its alcohol percentage and serving size. On average, a standard 25ml (single) measure of gin contains around 52 calories. A 50ml (double) serving has approximately 104 calories.
Since gin is a distilled spirit, its calorie content comes solely from alcohol. However, the type of mixer you choose can greatly impact the total calorie count. For example:
- Gin and slimline tonic (25ml gin + 150ml slim tonic): ~55 calories
- Gin and regular tonic (25ml gin + 150ml tonic water): ~120 calories
- Gin and orange juice (25ml gin + 150ml juice): ~140 calories
Choosing low-calorie mixers, such as soda water or diet tonic, can help keep your gin drinks light.
How many carbs in gin?
Gin is a zero-carb spirit, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Since gin is distilled, all the sugars and carbohydrates from its original ingredients (such as grains or botanicals) are removed during the distillation process.
However, while gin itself has 0 grams of carbohydrates, the mixers you choose can add a significant amount. Here’s how different mixers compare:
- Gin and soda water (0g carbs) – A completely carb-free option
- Gin and diet tonic (0g carbs) – No carbs in most sugar-free tonic brands
- Gin and regular tonic (15g carbs per 150ml) – Can quickly add up
- Gin and orange juice (16-18g carbs per 150ml) – High in natural sugars
If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, it’s best to stick with soda water, diet tonic, or other sugar-free mixers.
How much alcohol is in gin?
Gin typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 37.5% to 47%, depending on the brand and type. Standard gins, like London Dry Gin, tend to have an ABV of around 40%, while stronger variations, such as navy strength gin, can reach 57% ABV.
This means a single 25ml measure of gin (40% ABV) contains one unit of alcohol. A double (50ml) would contain two units. Keep this in mind if you’re monitoring your alcohol intake.
Low calorie gin cocktails
If you want to enjoy gin without too many calories, consider these lower-calorie options:
- Gin and soda with lime – 55 calories
- 25ml gin, soda water, fresh lime juice
- Gin and diet tonic – 55 calories
- 25ml gin, slimline tonic, ice, lime garnish
- Gin fizz – 80 calories
- 25ml gin, fresh lemon juice, soda water, a dash of sweetener
- Tom Collins (light version) – 90 calories
- 25ml gin, lemon juice, soda water, a small amount of simple syrup
- Cucumber gin spritz – 75 calories
- 25ml gin, soda water, cucumber slices, mint
Avoid sugary syrups, juices, or pre-made cocktail mixes, as these can significantly increase the calorie count.
Does gin give you a hangover?
Gin is a clear spirit, which generally means it causes fewer hangovers than darker spirits like whiskey or rum. Darker liquors contain congeners, which contribute to hangovers.. Since gin has fewer congeners, it’s often considered a “cleaner” alcohol choice.
However, the real cause of a hangover is alcohol itself. Drinking too much gin—or mixing it with sugary tonics or juices—can still lead to dehydration, headaches, and nausea the next day. To reduce the risk of a gin hangover:
- Drink water between alcoholic drinks
- Stick to a moderate amount
- Avoid high-sugar mixers
- Eat before drinking
Conclusion
Gin is a relatively low-calorie spirit, with around 52 calories per single measure. The real calorie concern comes from mixers, so choosing soda water or diet tonic can help keep drinks light. While gin has fewer congeners than darker spirits, drinking too much can still result in a hangover. By drinking in moderation and staying hydrated, you can enjoy gin without unwanted side effects.
