More calories than Coke? Gin and tonic isn’t all it’s cracked up to be

If you thought you had beaten the system at its own game by ordering a chill G&T instead of a beer or cider when trying to shed some lbs, you may want to sit down before reading on.

According to experts in the field, our favourite tipple  – and the Holy Grail for dieters everywhere – can come in at around 150 calories which is 11 calories more than a full-fat can of Coke.

Yeah, we know – we're devastated too

"Some people assume it is healthier because it is a spirit and you may only use one shot of alcohol but this is still one unit, the same as half a pint of beer and one small glass of wine," said Rob Hobson Head of Nutrition for Healthspan.

Revealing something we all know deep-down, but generally refuse to accept, Rob added: "There is no healthy alcoholic drink unfortunately."

So, we now know that a shot of gin comes in at 75 calories and 250 ml of tonic water equals 150, but what about the sugar content?

According to Rob, a standard G&T can carry 19 grams per serving… and now we're crying.

"You can reduce the sugar and calorie value of gin and tonics by adding sugar-free tonic water, which is a better option," he advised.

"If you are worried about the amount of sugar and calories in your drink then you could stick to a spirit with a low calorie mixer or soda water and flavour it with fruit, vegetables (cucumber) or herbs such as rosemary and mint."

OK fine, pass the damn cucumber.