Gin Alcohol Content | How Much Alcohol Is In Gin?

Gin must have a minimum 40 percent ABV (alcohol by volume) to legally be sold as gin. This alcohol level makes gin as strong as distilled spirits like vodka or tequila.

Aside from its high alcohol content, gin is unique because it’s flavored with juniper berries. Juniper berry flavor is common across all gin types, but distilling gin can also use a wide variety of fermented grains, flavorings, neutral spirits, and distillation techniques.

Though two brands may share the name “gin,” they may have vastly different tastes and feels. Gin should always be enjoyed responsibly to reduce your health risk, no matter how it is made or mixed.

Amount Of Alcohol In Popular Gin Brands

Gin brands must be bottled with an alcohol percentage of at least 40%. Due to the different techniques and ingredients used by different distillers, the amount of ethanol that ends up in the bottle can vary.

Distilleries traditionally make gin through fermentation of grains, where a neutral spirit is made and then infused with juniper. Some distilleries do not use grains at all. Molasses, sugarcane, and even grapes may be used as bases for gin, leading to different products that are still called gin.

The alcohol content of popular gin brands is:

• Tanqueray London Dry Gin: 47.3% ABV
• Bombay Sapphire: 47% ABV (in the U.S.), 40% (in the U.K.)
• Sipsmith Sloe Gin: 29% ABV (gin mixed with sloe berries; not pure gin)
• Beefeater London Dry Gin: 44% ABV, used to be 47%
• Hayman’s Old Tom Gin: 40% ABV

Amount Of Alcohol In Gin Cocktails

Gin is a popular base spirit in a number of cocktails and mixed drinks. It can give your alcoholic beverage added flavors of juniper, coriander, and citrus, depending on the type used.

Popular ingredients in gin cocktails include tonic water, dry vermouth, and lemon. While recipes vary, the amount of gin you will find in typical gin cocktails is:

• gin and tonic: varies, usually around 2 fluid ounces
• Tom Collins: 1.5 to 2 fluid ounces
• Negroni: 1 fluid ounce
• spicy red snapper/Bloody Mary with gin: 2 fluid ounces
• gin martini: 2 fluid ounces

1.5 ounces of 80 proof gin makes up a standard drink, which is about 14 grams of pure alcohol. Some recipes call for more than a standard drink of gin. 

A standard drink is a measurement of moderate drinking, so you may be taking part in heavy drinking if you are not careful with some gin cocktails.

Find Help For Problem Drinking

Gin is a classic alcoholic drink that comes in many varieties. It is almost always high in alcohol content. Checking the alcohol content of the gin you buy can help you control the amount of alcohol you drink.

Drinking too much gin can lead to physical and mental health problems. You may put yourself at a higher risk for alcohol dependence, addiction, heart and liver disease, and alcohol poisoning if your drinking habits become unhealthy.

To find professional alcohol abuse treatment for yourself or a loved one, contact our helpline today.