Why Our Gin Contains No Added Sugar – And Why It Might Surprise You That It’s Better Than Some Vodkas

When people visit us at Wild Fox Distillery, one of the questions we’re asked time and time again is:

“Which is healthier, gin or vodka?”

Most people assume vodka wins because it’s plain, neutral and somehow feels like the “lighter” option.

But the reality is often quite different.

The truth is that a properly distilled craft gin, made naturally with real botanicals and no added sugars, can actually be one of the cleanest spirits you can drink.

And that’s exactly how we make ours.

We Don’t Add Sugar, Syrups or Glucose

Every bottle of Wild Fox gin is distilled from scratch using real botanicals.

That means all the flavour comes from the distillation process itself.

We don’t add sugar afterwards.

We don’t add glucose syrup.

We don’t add artificial flavourings.

We don’t add sweeteners.

The flavour you taste comes naturally from the plants, herbs, fruits and flowers that go into our copper still.

It’s the traditional way of making gin, but unfortunately it’s not always the way every flavoured spirit is produced today.

Many flavoured spirits and liqueur-style gins rely on added sugars to create flavour and mouthfeel. Ours don’t.

Instead, we carefully select botanicals and allow the distillation process to do the hard work.

How Many Calories Are In A Gin And Slimline Tonic?

This is where things get interesting.

A standard 25ml measure of gin at 40% ABV contains approximately 55 calories.

Add a slimline tonic and you’re looking at around 55-60 calories for the entire drink.

That’s less than many glasses of wine, less than most beers and often surprisingly comparable with vodka and soda.

For anyone searching for:

  • Low calorie gin
  • Calories in gin and tonic
  • Sugar free alcohol
  • Best alcoholic drinks for dieting

A single measure of quality gin with slimline tonic is often one of the better choices available.

Why You May Not Need A Double

This is something we hear all the time.

People pour a double because they can’t taste the spirit in a single.

That’s often because the flavour simply isn’t there to begin with.

Our approach is different.

Every botanical goes into the still before distillation.

The oils, aromas and flavours are captured during the distillation process and carried through into the finished spirit.

That means even a single measure delivers a full flavour experience.

You still get the citrus.

You still get the florals.

You still get the herbs and spice.

You don’t need to drown the drink in extra alcohol just to taste something.

In practical terms, that can help reduce alcohol consumption without sacrificing enjoyment.

A proper single measure can be every bit as satisfying as a double.

28 Servings In Every Bottle

A standard 70cl bottle contains 28 individual 25ml measures.

When you’re pouring a quality gin with plenty of natural flavour, those 28 serves go a long way.

It’s something we often mention during tastings.

People are surprised by how much flavour they get from a single measure and how little they actually need.

Good gin shouldn’t need disguising.

Good gin should speak for itself.

Our Gins – Naturally Distilled, Never Artificial

Every Wild Fox gin starts with a story, usually inspired by life here on the farm, the countryside around us and the people who helped shape our journey.

Ivy’s Signature Gin

Our very first recipe and still the heart of the collection.

Made with lemon balm, nettle, pineapple weed, hawthorn and dandelion, it’s crisp, fresh and wonderfully zesty.

It’s the gin that started everything.

Mane Event Gin

Inspired by countryside life and our love of horses.

Grapefruit leads the way, supported by rosemary, basil and mint.

Bold, refreshing and incredibly versatile.

Perfect with a slimline tonic over plenty of ice.

Blushing Vixen Pink Gin

This isn’t your typical sugary pink gin.

We use rhubarb and elderflower for flavour and beetroot for its beautiful natural colour.

The result is fruity, floral and refreshing without becoming sickly sweet.

Many people are amazed when they discover there’s no added sugar.

Twelve Bore Gin

Originally created for the shooting season.

Orange zest and ginger combine to create a warming, punchy gin that’s equally at home beside a roaring fire or enjoyed over ice.

Full of character and naturally distilled.

Rum Do Cask Aged Gin

Probably our most unusual creation.

This gin spends 12 months resting in oak casks alongside hand-picked dandelion heads.

The result is rich, spiced and unlike anything else in our collection.

It’s a gin for people who think they’ve tried everything.

The Bottom Line

We’re not claiming gin is a health drink.

It’s still alcohol.

But if you’re choosing a spirit and want something naturally made, free from added sugars and packed with genuine flavour, a traditionally distilled gin can be an excellent choice.

A single measure of gin with slimline tonic contains surprisingly few calories.

When that gin is made properly, using real botanicals and no artificial shortcuts, you may find you need less of it to enjoy the experience.

That’s exactly how we make every bottle at Wild Fox Distillery.

Real botanicals.

Real distillation.

No added sugars.

No glucose syrups.

Just proper gin, made the way we believe it should be.

If you’d like to discover the difference for yourself, we’d love to welcome you to the distillery for a tasting and show you exactly how every drop is made.

ALSO ON THe BLOG

Personalised Gin Gifts: Tales From the Distillery and the Stories Behind the Bottles

Over the past few weeks alone we’ve created personalised gin gifts for 40th birthdays,…

READ MORE

Elderflower Season Has Arrived at Wild Fox Distillery

There’s a short window every year when the Lancashire hedgerows burst into life with…

READ MORE

A Typical Saturday

A Typical Saturday at Wild Fox Distillery People often ask us what a typical…

READ MORE

Join our Whatsapp Broadcast Group

Hi lovely foxes. We’re starting a little WhatsApp broadcast list so you can hear about the good stuff from Wild Fox – new gins, offers and event news – without any faff. It’s not a group, just the odd message from us when there’s something worth knowing. If you fancy joining, just save our number (07532762650) and send us a WhatsApp saying ADD ME. If you want to keep up to date with openings, events & food trucks please WhatApp saying ADD ME EVENTS.

If our number isn’t saved, the updates won’t come through.

Can’t wait to keep you in the loop with all the nice bits.