How Many Calories in a Shot of Gin

Gin is a popular spirit known for its crisp, botanical flavour and use in classic cocktails like the gin and tonic or the martini. While it's often seen as a lower-calorie choice compared to sugary liqueurs or creamy drinks, gin still contains alcohol—and with that comes calories. The number of calories in a shot of gin depends on the measure, alcohol content and what it’s mixed with.

Calories in a Shot of Gin by Measure and Strength

A standard shot of gin in the UK is 25 millilitres and contains approximately 55 to 60 calories. If you're pouring a 35-millilitre single (common in many pubs or home measures), the calorie count increases to around 80 to 85 calories.

The calorie content comes entirely from alcohol, as gin contains no carbohydrates, sugar or fat. Most gins have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 37.5% to 40%, and higher-strength gins will naturally contain more calories per shot. A gin with 45% ABV will provide more energy than a lower-alcohol version at the same volume.

If you add a mixer, the calorie count can rise significantly. A gin and tonic made with regular tonic water adds around 70 to 90 extra calories per 150-millilitre serving. Switching to slimline tonic or soda water keeps the mixer calories close to zero, making it a more diet-friendly option.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Shot of Gin

Gin contains zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, zero fat, and no fibre or protein. The only nutrient present is alcohol, which provides approximately 7 calories per gram. This makes gin a pure calorie source, offering energy but no nutritional value in terms of vitamins or minerals.

While some gins are infused with botanicals like juniper, coriander or citrus peel, these ingredients add flavour but not calories. The body treats alcohol as a separate macronutrient and prioritises burning it before fat or carbohydrates, which can impact how energy is stored and used.

Benefits of Choosing Gin as a Drink

From a calorie perspective, gin is one of the lighter options among alcoholic drinks, especially when compared to beer, wine, or cocktails with creamy bases and sugary syrups. Choosing gin with a low-calorie mixer can be a relatively sensible choice for those who want to enjoy a drink without consuming too much energy.

It also contains no sugar, which can be helpful for people watching their blood sugar levels or trying to limit their carbohydrate intake. In moderation, gin can be enjoyed socially or as part of a celebration without having a large impact on your daily calorie total.

Downsides of Drinking Gin

Despite its lower calorie count, gin is still alcohol, and drinking it comes with well-known health risks. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, weight gain, poor sleep, impaired judgment and increased risk of several chronic diseases. While a single shot of gin won’t do harm in isolation, regular consumption can add hidden calories and lead to poor food choices, especially when paired with late-night snacks or heavy meals.

Alcohol also inhibits fat burning, and the calories it provides are often stored as fat if consumed in excess. It’s easy to underestimate how much you’ve consumed when drinks are poured freely or mixed into cocktails. Over time, even lower-calorie spirits like gin can contribute to weight gain or disrupt other health goals.

How Gin Fits Into Your Diet

Gin can fit into a balanced diet if consumed occasionally and mindfully. Being aware of the portion size and mixer choice is key. Opting for a single 25-millilitre shot with a calorie-free mixer like soda or slimline tonic helps keep the drink light while still offering flavour.

If you’re tracking calories, logging alcohol accurately is important, as it’s easy to forget how quickly it adds up. Two standard gin and tonics can equal more than 250 calories, which is the same as a small meal or a chocolate bar. Saving alcoholic drinks for special occasions and alternating with water can help reduce total intake without cutting them out entirely.

Glycaemic Index of Gin

Gin has a glycaemic index of zero, as it contains no carbohydrates or sugars. This means it does not directly raise blood glucose levels. However, the effect on blood sugar can still be indirect. Alcohol can affect insulin sensitivity and interfere with liver function, particularly in people with diabetes or metabolic conditions.

When consumed on an empty stomach, alcohol may initially cause blood sugar to rise, followed by a delayed drop, especially in those taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications. For that reason, it’s important to consume gin with food if you have any blood sugar concerns.

Mixers are another key factor, regular tonic, juice or sugary syrups can quickly raise the glycaemic impact of your drink, while soda water or diet mixers keep it low.

How Gin Is Made and What It Contains

Gin is made by distilling a neutral spirit with botanicals, the most essential being juniper berries. Other ingredients can include citrus peel, coriander, cardamom, angelica root and various herbs and spices. These ingredients are added during the distillation process and give gin its distinctive aromatic profile.

No sugars or calories are added during production, and any flavourings come from the natural compounds in the botanicals. Some flavoured gins or gin liqueurs may include added sweeteners, so it’s important to read the label if you're buying a fruit-infused or novelty variety. These can contain significantly more sugar and calories than standard dry gin.

Healthy Alternatives to a Standard Gin Drink

If you enjoy gin but want to cut back on calories or alcohol, you can try low-alcohol or alcohol-free gins, which mimic the flavour but contain fewer or no calories. These are best served with soda or diet mixers and still offer the social aspect of drinking without the energy load.

Another option is to dilute your gin with more soda and ice to create a longer drink that lasts longer without adding more alcohol. Herbal teas or fruit-infused water can also be used as mixers for a refreshing, low-calorie alternative to tonic.

Summary

A standard 25-millilitre shot of gin contains around 55 to 60 calories, with no carbs, sugar or fat. It’s one of the lighter choices among alcoholic beverages, especially when served with low-calorie mixers like slimline tonic or soda water. While gin has a zero glycaemic index and can be part of a balanced lifestyle, its calorie count still matters—particularly when drinks are added to a meal or enjoyed in large quantities. When consumed occasionally and mindfully, gin can be enjoyed without derailing your health goals, but moderation remains the key.