gin and tonic calories
Gin & Tonic Calories: a clear, practical guide (with real numbers)
If you love a crisp G&T but want to keep an eye on calories, you don’t have to guess. A gin and tonic’s calories come from two places: alcohol (in the gin) and sugar in the mixer (in regular tonic). Once you know those two levers, you can build a drink that fits any target—from ~75 kcal “light” highballs to 200+ kcal party serves.
The only math you need
Total kcal = alcohol kcal + mixer kcal
-
Alcohol kcal ≈
gin_ml × gin_ABV × 0.789 g/ml × 7 kcal/g -
Mixer kcal ≈
tonic_ml × kcal_per_100ml ÷ 100-
Regular tonic is typically ~34 kcal / 100 ml (≈8.5 g sugar)
-
Diet/zero tonic is ~0 kcal / 100 ml
-
Tip: Tonic calories vary by brand; check the label. Many “Mediterranean” or flavored tonics are higher than 34 kcal/100 ml.
What most G&Ts actually cost (calorie-wise)
Assume a common 50 ml pour of gin.
| Serve | Alcohol kcal | Tonic kcal | Total kcal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40% gin, 1:3 (50 ml gin + 150 ml regular tonic) | 110.5 | 51.0 | 161.5 |
| 40% gin, 1:2.5 (50 ml + 125 ml regular tonic) | 110.5 | 42.5 | 153.0 |
| 40% gin, 1:2 (50 ml + 100 ml regular tonic) | 110.5 | 34.0 | 144.5 |
| 43.1% gin, 1:2.5 (e.g., Tanqueray EU) | 119.0 | 42.5 | 161.5 |
| 47.3% gin, 1:2.5 (e.g., Tanqueray US) | 130.6 | 42.5 | 173.1 |
| 57% Navy, 1:3 | 157.4 | 51.0 | 208.4 |
With diet/zero tonic: mixer kcal ≈ 0 — so a 50 ml, 40% G&T lands around 110–131 kcal (depending on your gin’s ABV).
How to build a lower-calorie G&T (without making it sad)
-
Switch to diet/zero tonic.
Drops 34–51 kcal per drink immediately with typical ratios. -
Right-size the pour.
-
40 ml of 40% gin ≈ 88.4 kcal (with diet tonic, that’s your total).
-
35 ml of 40% gin ≈ 77.3 kcal (with diet tonic, total ≈ 77 kcal).
-
-
Keep carbonation high, not sweetness.
Cold glass + fresh, highly carbonated tonic = crisp flavor that doesn’t rely on sugar. -
Garnish smart.
Citrus peels, a tiny rosemary tip, or a grapefruit twist add aroma, not calories. Avoid sugary syrups or fruit purées.
What actually changes the number on your glass
-
ABV of the gin: Higher ABV = more calories per ml.
-
50 ml at 37.5% ≈ 103.6 kcal
-
50 ml at 40% ≈ 110.5 kcal
-
50 ml at 43.1% ≈ 119.0 kcal
-
50 ml at 47.3% ≈ 130.6 kcal
-
50 ml at 57% ≈ 157.4 kcal
-
-
Tonic sugar: Regular tonic ≈ 34 kcal/100 ml (check your bottle). Some flavored tonics are 40–45 kcal/100 ml.
-
Ice & dilution: Ice adds no calories. As it melts, your per-glass calories drop slightly (more water), but you haven’t reduced the alcohol calories you consumed—just spread them out.
-
Add-ons:
-
15 ml simple syrup ≈ ~45–50 kcal (brand-dependent).
-
15 ml lemon juice ≈ ~5–7 kcal.
-
Bitters (a few dashes) ≈ negligible.
-
Sample “calorie-aware” G&T builds
Crisp & light (~88 kcal)
-
40 ml 40% London Dry
-
Diet/zero tonic to taste (start 1 : 2.5)
-
Lemon peel
≈ 88 kcal total (no mixer calories)
Under-120, still classic (~111–119 kcal)
-
50 ml 40–43% gin
-
Diet/zero tonic (1 : 2.5)
-
Grapefruit twist
≈ 110.5–119.0 kcal total
Party-length but lean (~77 kcal)
-
35 ml 40% gin
-
Diet/zero tonic (1 : 3–3.5)
-
Lime peel
≈ 77.3 kcal total
Traditional feel, regular tonic (~153 kcal)
-
50 ml 40% gin
-
125 ml regular tonic (1 : 2.5)
-
Lime peel
≈ 153 kcal total
“Is my bar pouring stronger than at home?”
Likely, yes. Many bars pour 50 ml (or 2 oz/60 ml in some markets) and may use higher-ABV gins. If you’re counting, ask for the measure (25 ml vs 50 ml), the gin’s ABV, and whether the tonic is regular or diet.
Pacing & context (useful benchmarks)
A 50 ml pour of 40% gin contains ~15.8 g of alcohol (~110.5 kcal).
-
≈ 1.13 US standard drinks (14 g)
-
≈ 2.0 UK units (8 g per unit)
Calories track with alcohol grams. If you’re trying to lower both, drop the pour size or choose lighter ABV gin—and keep the mixer sugar near zero.
Quick FAQ
Do garnishes add calories?
Peels and tiny herb sprigs are essentially zero. Fruit wheels add a few calories; syrups add a lot.
Is tonic water always sugary?
No—many brands offer diet/zero versions at ~0 kcal. Flavored tonics can be higher than standard.
Does shaking or stirring change calories?
No. Technique changes dilution and texture, not calorie content (aside from per-glass dilution).
Bottom line
Most classic G&Ts sit around 150–170 kcal with regular tonic and a 50 ml pour. Switching to diet/zero tonic drops you to ~110–130 kcal immediately; trimming the pour to 40 ml brings many serves under 100 kcal without sacrificing snap—especially if your glass, ice, and carbonation are on point.
