How Many Calories in a Gin & Tonic? Complete Guide & Low-Calorie Alternatives (2025)
Author
Denis E.
Date
TL;DR: A classic gin and tonic contains 155–170 calories (50ml gin + 150ml tonic). The calorie content comes primarily from ethanol (7 kcal/g), not carbohydrates. Modern alternatives like gin sonics, low-calorie tonics, and reduced-ABV gins can cut this by 30–70% with various taste profiles and trade-offs.
Talking about calories on a gin-focused website feels a bit like discussing tax optimization at a birthday party. Awkward? Absolutely, but it might be interesting (surprisingly).
Because here's the thing: we love Gin & Tonics. You love Gin & Tonics. And yet you're here, wondering "How many calories are actually in a G&T… and can I enjoy one without compromising my health goals?"
Good news: you absolutely can. Even better news: the gin industry has evolved dramatically to make this easier.
This is a practical breakdown of what's in your G&T and what the gin and mixer industry now offers when you want more control.
Where G&T Calories Actually Come From
The calorie count in your Gin & Tonic isn't coming from "hidden carbohydrates" in the gin. That's a myth.
The Fourth Macronutrient: Ethanol
Ethanol is its own macronutrient, ← Intro and it's surprisingly calorie-dense:
Carbs: 4 kcal per gram
Protein: 4 kcal per gram
Fat: 9 kcal per gram
Ethanol: 7 kcal per gram
According to nutritional data, ethanol sits just below fat in caloric density. That's why spirits can be calorie-heavy even when they contain zero sweetness.
Gin Itself Contains Zero Carbohydrates
A classic 40% ABV gin is distilled. The carbohydrates from fermentation don't survive the process.
30 ml of gin ≈ 65–70 calories
0 g sweeteners
0 g carbs
Calories come only from ethanol
Compared to other cocktails and spirits:
Lower calorie count than sweet liqueurs
More predictable than wine
Similar to vodka, tequila, whisky (same ABV = same numbers)
Gin doesn't pretend to be a "health drink," but it's clean, simple, and predictable for diet tracking.
The Mixer: Where Flavor Meets Flexibility
The Role of Tonic
A good tonic brings quinine bitterness, citrus brightness, and carbonation structure. It's genuinely half the drink. That complexity comes with a cost: most classic tonics contain 7–8 g of carbohydrates per 100 ml, adding 30–60 calories to your glass depending on the pour size.
Typical tonic water (classic):
~7–8 g carbohydrates per 100 ml
~30 kcal per 100 ml
Standard bar serving:
50 ml gin ≈ 110 kcal
150–200 ml tonic = 45–60 kcal
Total: 155–170 calories per glass
That's comparable to most cocktails. But here's the key difference: while gin's calorie content is locked in (ethanol = 7 kcal/g, non-negotiable), tonic now comes in dozens of profiles, from traditional to near-zero alternatives. That's where you have real control.
How Spirits and Carbohydrates Behave in Your Body
Ethanol Gets Priority Processing
Your liver treats ethanol as its first task. While it's processing spirits, fat burning temporarily slows. This is normal physiology, not a crisis. Understanding this metabolic data helps explain why timing matters. Putting drinks in your system at the right moment can make a difference.
Carbohydrates Trigger Insulin Response
Tonic carbohydrates create a standard insulin curve. Nothing unusual, just how the body processes food.
The Combination: Context Matters
If you're mindful of volume and timing, you're fine. If you drink multiple G&Ts late after a large meal, your body will store dietary fats while prioritizing ethanol metabolism. This can be a sign to adjust your approach.
The solution isn't fear. It's awareness, technique, and smarter drink construction. Many people also find that proper hydration and food pairing help avoid hangover symptoms the next day.
Smart, Delicious, Low-Calorie Alternatives
The gin world has evolved significantly. You can now build a lower-calorie G&T that tastes like a proper cocktail, not a compromise.
The Gin Sonic: Japan's Best-Kept Secret
Recipe:
Half tonic
Half soda water
Full refreshment
Same fizz, same quinine profile, half the carbohydrates. It stretches volume without stretching calories. A simple technique worth trying.
Aromatic, Functional Garnishes
Flavor without calories. And we mean real botanical flavor, not decorative extras.
Try:
Grapefruit twist
Fresh basil
Rosemary sprigs
Cucumber ribbons
Pink peppercorn
Juniper berries
Lemon peel
Aromatic garnish enhances perceived taste, reducing the need for sweetness. These botanicals add complexity without impacting your diet.
Low-Calorie and Reduced-Sugar Tonics
The modern mixer scene offers genuine choice.
Worth trying:
Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light (11 kcal per 100ml)
Schweppes Premium Zero
London Essence Skinny range
Double Dutch Skinny
These reduce calories by 30–50% without tasting artificial.
Low-ABV Gins and Small-Serving Innovations
When calories come from ethanol, lowering ABV is the most direct path.
Options include:
Beefeater Light (20% ABV)
Hayman's Small Gin (a concentrate where you use 5 ml instead of 50 ml per serving)
Low-ABV craft gins emerging across Europe
Same botanical complexity, lower ethanol density. Making them easier on both calorie counts and hangovers.
Zero-Alcohol "Gins"
Not the watery versions from 2016. The new generation is genuinely impressive, offering botanical flavor with almost no nutritional impact.
Notable examples:
Tanqueray 0.0
Atopia
Ceder's
Pentire
Almost no calories, and excellent for pacing during long evenings. You still receive the ritual and flavor experience without the ethanol.
Small Gin serving (5ml concentrate + skinny tonic)
40–45 kcal
Zero-alcohol G&T (0% gin + diet tonic)
15–25 kcal
The range is significant, and that's the point. You can stay in control without sacrificing the ritual, flavor, or enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in a double gin and tonic?
A double G&T (100ml gin + 200ml tonic) contains approximately 290–320 calories. Roughly double the standard serving, as both components scale proportionally. This puts it closer to a small meal in terms of calorie data.
Is gin fattening?
Gin itself won't make you gain fat, but ethanol calories (7 kcal/g) add up quickly. Your body prioritizes metabolizing spirits, which can slow fat burning temporarily. Moderate consumption within your caloric goals won't cause weight gain. The key is putting it into context with your overall food intake.
What tonic water has the fewest calories?
Zero-calorie options: Schweppes Slimline (0 kcal), Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light (~11 kcal per 100ml), and premium diet tonics offer the lowest calorie counts while maintaining flavor balance. These are excellent for health-conscious drinkers.
Is gin and slimline tonic keto-friendly?
Yes. Gin contains zero carbs, and diet/reduced-sugar tonics typically have 0–2g carbs per serving, keeping you within ketosis. A standard pour stays under 5g total carbs, making it a sign of a keto-compatible cocktail choice.
Can I drink gin and tonic while losing weight?
Yes, if it fits your caloric budget. A standard G&T (155–170 kcal) is comparable to a glass of wine or a piece of fruit with nut butter. Using skinny tonic, adding more soda, or trying gin sonics reduces this further. Track consumption as part of your overall nutritional intake.
Final Thoughts: Drink What You Love, Build It Smarter
You don't need to quit Gin & Tonics to hit your health goals. You just need to understand what's in the glass and use the creativity the modern gin industry offers.
We're not here to lecture. We're here to help you enjoy your drink with more knowledge, more intention, and even better flavor.
