How Many Calories in Gin

A standard 25ml single measure of gin contains around 55 to 60 calories, depending on the brand and alcohol strength. Most gins in the UK are 37.5% to 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), and the majority of the calories come purely from the alcohol content. There are no carbs, fat, or protein in gin the calorie count is entirely from the alcohol itself, which is 7 calories per gram.

A 50ml double measure, common in bars or at home pours, doubles the calorie count to around 110 to 120 calories before mixers are even added.

The Nutritional Profile of Gin

Gin is a clear distilled spirit, typically made from juniper berries and other botanicals. It contains no sugar, no fat, and no fibre. That makes it carb-free and suitable for low-carb or keto diets but it still contributes calories, and those can add up fast if consumed regularly or in large quantities.

Some flavoured gins, particularly modern fruit-infused types, may include added sugars or extracts, which can slightly raise the calorie count. Always check the label if you're drinking something other than a classic dry gin.

How Gin Compares to Other Spirits

Calorie-wise, gin is on par with other clear spirits such as vodka, rum, and tequila, all of which land around 55–65 calories per 25ml shot. What makes the real difference in total drink calories is the mixer, not the spirit itself.

For instance, a gin with regular tonic adds an extra 70–90 calories, bringing the drink’s total to 130–150 calories. A gin with slimline or diet tonic keeps the drink at around 60 calories, which is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic options available.

The Impact of Gin on Your Diet

While gin may seem like a light option compared to beer or cocktails, it can still have a noticeable impact on your calorie balance, especially if you’re trying to stay in a deficit for weight loss. Alcohol provides empty calories, meaning they don’t offer any nutrition, satiety, or energy for physical activity just additional energy the body has to prioritise burning off.

Drinking also tends to lower appetite control, and late-night snacks or poor food choices often follow, creating a secondary calorie impact far beyond the drink itself.

Does Gin Affect Blood Sugar?

Pure gin has a glycaemic index of zero because it contains no sugar or carbohydrates. It won’t raise your blood sugar on its own, making it a viable option for people with diabetes or those managing insulin resistance but it’s important to watch the mixers. Sweetened tonics, juices, and liqueur-based cocktails can all spike blood glucose dramatically.

The Higher the ABV, the Higher the Calories

While most gins in the UK sit around 37.5% to 40% ABV, premium or navy-strength gins can be 57% ABV or higher. This significantly increases the calorie count per measure. A 25ml shot of navy-strength gin can hit 75–80 calories, even without a mixer. So, if you're drinking high-proof spirits, you're getting 30–40% more calories per shot than standard gin.

If someone regularly drinks stronger gins but estimates calories based on standard figures, they may be under-tracking by hundreds of calories per night.

Overpouring at Home Can Double the Calories

Most people don’t measure their spirits precisely at home. A “free-poured” gin and tonic can easily contain 40–50ml instead of the standard 25ml, meaning the calorie total doubles without you realising. If you pour a generous 50ml gin with full-sugar tonic, you’re likely drinking 200+ calories per glass, not the lean, low-calorie cocktail you think you are.

Using a spirit measure or jigger is one of the simplest ways to control intake and avoid calorie creep.

The Dehydration Effect Can Mask Hunger and Satiety

Alcohol like gin acts as a diuretic, meaning it increases fluid loss through urine. Dehydration can often disguise itself as hunger, leading people to eat more post-drink without actually needing the calories. If you're trying to manage weight, it's worth encouraging readers to pair every drink with a glass of water, not just for hangover prevention, but to reduce overeating caused by dehydration confusion.

Gin in Cocktails Changes Everything

While gin alone is relatively low-calorie, it’s often used in calorie-dense cocktails. Drinks like negronis, gin fizzes, French 75s, or brambles include vermouth, syrups, citrus juice, and sometimes sugar or liqueurs. These additions can push a single drink to 200–300+ calories, similar to a dessert.

So, while gin has a clean, calorie-friendly image, it really depends on how it’s served. Encouraging simple serves like gin and slimline tonic or gin with soda and fresh lime helps keep drinks lean.

Summary

A single 25ml shot of gin contains around 55 to 60 calories, with no carbs or fat. It’s one of the lowest-calorie alcohol choices when paired with a diet mixer, making it suitable for those watching their intake. However, gin still contributes empty calories, and regular consumption can quietly add up, particularly if it leads to additional snacking or overeating. For anyone tracking calories or aiming to lose weight, gin is a manageable choice when consumed in moderation and mixed smartly.