Gluten Free Alcohol: A Guide to Enjoying a Safe and Delicious Drink

Posted on Mar 21st, 2023

by Radu Vasile

Categories:

bottles of different types of gluten free alcohol sitting on a table, with a river in the background

Are you living with celiac disease or gluten intolerance and worried about finding gluten free alcohol options? Do you want to know more about gluten-free beer, wine, and spirits and how to avoid accidental gluten exposure while drinking? This article is for you!

This is a sensitive topic, because, as in foods, cross-contamination may appear just as easily in drinks. Even if the base alcohol is naturally gluten-free, there is a possibility that the manufacturer may have added colorings or additives that contain gluten.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about gluten free alcohol, including what gluten is, how it’s present in alcoholic beverages, and what types of alcohol are safe to drink on a gluten-free diet. We’ll also provide some tips on how to identify and avoid gluten-containing alcohol and offer some delicious gluten-free drink options that you can enjoy without any worries.

Understanding Gluten and Alcoholic Beverages

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It’s what gives bread its chewy texture and acts as a binding agent in many other foods. However, for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, gluten can trigger an immune response that damages the small intestine and causes a range of unpleasant symptoms.

How is Gluten Present in Alcoholic Beverages?

Many alcoholic beverages are made from grains that contain gluten, such as beer, malted beverages, and some types of whiskey. As mentioned above, even some wines and spirits may contain gluten due to the use of gluten-containing ingredients or the possibility of cross-contamination during production.

Peter Green’s opinion regarding GF alcohol

The director of the “Celiac Disease Center” at Columbia University explains his point of view regarding the whole situation:

Peter Green: “Any liquor that’s distilled is gluten-free. In the distillation process, the vaporous products containing alcohol and … that comes off the main product and so the protein components aren’t transferred in the distillate.

Whereas, something like beer is brewed and all the protein components remain in the final product. Some of these brands have on the label, “distilled from French wheat.” That’s perfectly fine. Many individuals on a gluten-free diet attempt to find say, vodka or vodka mainly that’s made from gluten-free grains. It doesn’t matter. Any form of distilled liquor is gluten-free.”

Gluten Free Alcohol Options

Wine

Most wine is naturally gluten-free as it is made from grapes or other fruits. However, some winemakers may use wheat-based products or other gluten-containing ingredients in the fining or clarification process. It’s always best to check with the manufacturer or look for a gluten-free certification on the label.

Beer

Beer is typically made from malted grains such as barley, which contains gluten. However, there are now many gluten-free beers available on the market made from gluten-free grains such as sorghum, rice, or corn. Look for beers that are specifically labeled as gluten-free or seek out craft breweries that specialize in gluten-free beer.

Coeliacs, carefully read the label before purchasing a “gluten-free” beer, since there are some options in which the gluten has only been broken down from the final product using an enzyme that breaks the gluten molecule into smaller pieces that are too small to be detected in laboratory tests (gluten reduced), and you might have a reaction after consuming them.

The legislation regarding the gluten-free labels differs from one continent to another, but in general, the main rule of thumb says that a drink can be labeled as “gluten-reduced” if they score less than 20 ppm of gluten in their liquor laboratory tests.

There are many options for safe gluten-free beers, such as:

Daura
Greens
Bard’s

Spirits

Most distilled spirits, such as vodka, gin, rum, and tequila, are gluten-free as the distillation process removes the gluten protein. However, some flavored or spiced spirits may contain gluten-containing ingredients, so it’s essential to check the label or consult with the manufacturer.

A list of gluten free whiskeys, as stated by the manufacturer:

Jack Daniel’s Black Label
Jim Beam Bourbon
Hudson Baby Bourbon (100% corn)
Fireball
Jameson
Johnnie Walter
Chivas Regal
Queen Jennie (100% sorg)

Most experts believe that vodka is gluten-free, even if it is distilled from gluten grains (wheat, barley, or rye). If you’re reacting to those types of vodkas, you can always try a corn or potato-based vodka. A list of gluten free vodkas, as stated by the manufacturer:

Grey Goose (wheat)
Chopin (potatoes)
Titos (corn)
Smirnoff (corn)
Absolut (wheat)

Also, here’s a list of my personal recommendations for gin’s, rum and tequila:

Bombay Sapphire
Monkey 47
Hendrick’s
Captain Morgan
Patron
Don Julio

Cocktails

Cocktails can be a great gluten-free option if you use gluten free alcohols and mixers. Stick to simple cocktails made from gluten-free spirits such as vodka, gin, or tequila, and avoid mixers that contain gluten, such as beer, pre-made margarita mixes, or sweet and sour mixes.

How to Identify and Avoid Gluten-Containing Alcohol

While many types of alcohol are naturally gluten-free or can be made gluten-free, it’s still essential to read labels and do your research to avoid accidental gluten exposure. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

Look for gluten-free certification on labels or research manufacturers online to see if their products are gluten-free.
Stick to plain, unflavored spirits or mixers, or opt for gluten-free alternatives.
Be wary of flavored or spiced spirits, as they may contain gluten-containing ingredients.
When in doubt, ask the bartender or server if they have any gluten-free options or can recommend a gluten-free drink made with the above-mentioned spirits.

Remember to always check the label or consult with the manufacturer to ensure that the drink is gluten-free.

Conclusion

In summary, enjoying a delicious and safe drink on a gluten-free diet is entirely possible with the right knowledge and precautions. Remember to check labels, do your research, and be mindful of cross-contamination to avoid accidental gluten exposure. There are plenty of tasty gluten free alcohol options available, so don’t be afraid to explore and try new things. Cheers to a happy and gluten-free drinking experience!

FAQs

Can I assume that all wine is gluten-free?

While most wine is naturally gluten-free, some winemakers may use gluten-containing ingredients in the fining or clarification process. Always check the label or research the manufacturer to be sure.

Can I get sick from accidentally drinking gluten-containing alcohol?

Yes, people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can experience a range of unpleasant symptoms from even small amounts of gluten exposure, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.