By Jennifer Wheeler, Co-founder – Golden Road Gin
Gin vs wine vs beer — it’s the age-old pub debate, isn’t it?
By the time Friday night rolls around, many of us are thinking the same thing: what shall we pour to mark the end of the week? A glass of red, a chilled bottle of beer, or a crisp gin and tonic?
I’ve often found myself wondering: which of these is the “healthier” option? Not in a saintly, cleanse-your-soul kind of a way — just curious. If we’re going to enjoy our drinks (and we are), we might as well know what’s in them.
So I’ve done a bit of digging — midweek, in my slippers, coffee in hand, dreaming of Friday night. You too? Thought so.
When it comes to calories and botanicals, the gin vs wine vs beer conversation isn’t as straightforward as you’d think.
Gin & Tonic
A single shot (1.5 oz) of gin with low-sugar tonic (about 6.8 oz) comes in around 127 calories and 5g of carbs.
Light, crisp, and gentle on the numbers. A solid choice if you’re watching your intake — or just trying to balance enjoyment with awareness.
Wine
That large 250ml glass (let’s be honest, who orders a small?) has 200–220 calories and 6–8g of carbs, depending on the type. Red wine is often praised for its antioxidants, but it does edge up the calorie chart.
Beer
A 330ml bottle of Corona comes in at about 148 calories and a heftier 14g of carbs. It sits somewhere between the two in terms of calories, but it’s the carby one of the bunch.
Gin
Thanks to juniper berries (the star of the show), gin contains antioxidants known to help with inflammation and skin health. There’s also typically no added sugar, so it’s clean and clear in more ways than one.
Wine
Red wine has a bit of a health halo thanks to resveratrol, a compound linked to heart health. But… you’d need to drink a lot to see real benefits, and that kind of defeats the point.
Beer
Yes, beer has B vitamins, a touch of fibre, and in darker varieties, a bit of silicon for bone strength. But it’s the least waistline-friendly of the three.
Gin and Tonic – Around 14% ABV diluted with an average small bottle or tin of tonic – 245ml combined
Wine – Typically 12–14% ABV – 250ml glass
Beer – A gentler 4.6% ABV – 330ml bottle
I believe life’s about choosing joy — but it helps to know what we are actually looking at.
I do LOVE an ice cold beer on a hot sunny afternoon or with a curry so it’s good to know that option is only just a little bit more calorific although it is a bit more carby.
Personally, if Phil and I crack open a bottle of wine, there’s a strong chance it’s not making it to tomorrow. With 375ml in half a bottle that works out at about 300-330 calories.
A gin and tonic? Just as lovely, maybe a touch lighter, and easier to keep to one or two (127 calories for one and 254 calories for two). And if it’s Golden Road — well, I know exactly what’s gone into it (because we made it).’
If you’re after a spirit that’s crafted with care, full of flavour, and a little lighter on the numbers — we’d be delighted to send you a bottle of our award-winning Golden Road Gin.
Elegant, delicate, and refreshingly different.
👉 Order a bottle here – your Friday night will thank you.
Until next time..
Cheers,
Jen
Co-founder, Golden Road Gin
