If you are new to a gluten-free diet you might be wondering what alcohol is gluten free? I have put together a guide to gluten free alcoholic beverages that you will find useful. This guide is great if you are attending a wedding, having holiday drinks, If you have a gluten free party guest, or are newly gluten-free.
- DISCLAIMER - I do not have a medical background and I do give out medical advice. All guides below are for informational purposes and were correct at the time of publishing. Always check the labels of drinks to check that they are gluten free and always seek professional medical advice if required. Follow safe drinking guidelines.
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Is Alcohol gluten free?
Not all alcohols are gluten free. Some fermented alcohols such as beer do have ingredients that contain gluten such as wheat, barley, and rye, Making them unsuitable if following a gluten free diet.
Although most distilled alcohols such as vodka and gin may use ingredients containing gluten this is eliminated during the distillation process and removes any traces of the gluten proteins. Making them gluten free.
Is Beer gluten free?
The main types of beer are Ale, blonde ale, brown ales, Lager, Porter, and stout. All usually have gluten-containing ingredients such as barley.
Although some brands do produce gluten free beer that has a gluten content below 20 parts per million (ppm). These beers are labeled gluten-free and are safe to drink when following a gluten free diet.
What beer is gluten free?
For a brand to be labeled gluten free it has to contain below 20 ppm of gluten and have a dedicated environment to reduce cross-contamination during the brewing process. Some of the most popular certified gluten free beers are listed below.
- Skinny Brands lager
- Stella Artois Gluten free lager
- Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten free beer
- Old Speckled Hen Gluten free beer
- Buck Wild Pale Ale
- Redbridge Lager
- Daura Damm
- New Planet Pale Ale
Some of the brands above also produce beer that is not gluten free. Always check the label to be sure that the beer you are purchasing is labeled certified gluten free.
Is Cider Gluten free?
Cider in its purest form most made from apples or pears is naturally gluten free. Most ciders are safe to drink if following a gluten free diet. Some brands may include additional flavorings or additives that include gluten. To be sure always check the label to check that it is safe to drink.
Is hard cider gluten free?
Hard cider (Alcoholic cider) is usually gluten free and safe to drink. When made correctly is fermented and does not use any gluten-containing ingredients.
Gluten free Cider Brands
There are so many cider brands that are safe to drink and I have made a list of the most popular ciders. When choosing flavored ciders always check that the flavorings used do not contain gluten.
- Is Strongbow gluten free? - All Strongbow ciders do not use ingredients containing gluten.
- Is Koppargberg gluten free? - Kopparberg contains less than 5 ppm of gluten and are gluten free.
- Is Bulmers gluten free? - All Bulmer ciders do not use ingredients containing gluten and are gluten free.
- Is Magners gluten free? - Magners does not use any artificial flavorings and are gluten free.
- Angry Orchard - Angery orchard does use any ingredients containing gluten and are safe if following a gluten free diet.
- Crispin and Fox barrel - Crispin cider and fox barrel ciders are certified gluten free.
Is Wine gluten free?
Wine is naturally gluten free and usually has no ingredients containing gluten. Although some brands may add additional flavors that contain gluten and to be gluten-free must contain gluten fewer than 20 ppm.
Is Red wine gluten free?
Red wine is made with grapes and is naturally gluten free. Fermentation of the grapes does not involve using gluten but the process for storage may result in contamination of gluten. This is usually very small and contains below 20 ppm of gluten which is considered safe to drink if following a gluten-free diet.
Is White wine gluten free?
White wine is naturally gluten free and made with grapes and must contain fewer than 20 ppm of gluten to be certified gluten free in the US and UK.
Is Rosé wine gluten free?
Rose wine is considered naturally gluten free. Just like Red and White wine it is made with grapes which are gluten free. Just be sure to check that no additives or flavorings have been added that may contain gluten.
Is Prosecco gluten free?
Yes, Prosecco is considered gluten free. Most sparkling wines and champagnes are usually gluten free as they do not require any gluten-containing ingredients.
Is Fortified wine gluten free?
Yes, Fortified wine is usually considered gluten free. Fortified wine is made by adding a distilled spirit usually brandy to make the alcohol content higher. Some fortified wines include sherry, port, vermouth, marsala which are great to use in a gluten free tiramisu, just to name a few.
Further information can be found from the gluten free watchdog regarding the storage of wine and gluten contamination.
Are Spirits gluten free?
Spirits are usually made using the distillation method. Which removes any traces of gluten making them gluten free. Pure distilled spirits are gluten free and safe to drink. Some brands may add additional flavorings or additives that contain gluten. I would always advise checking the label if you are unsure.
Is Brandy gluten free?
Pure, Distilled brandy is gluten free and made using fruits such as grapes. Some flavored brandy such as cognacs may contain flavorings that contain gluten after the distillation process. But on the whole, brandy is usually considered safe to drink.
Is Gin gluten free?
Pure, Distilled Gin is gluten free although made with gluten-containing ingredients this is removed during the distillation process. Some brands may add flavorings that contain gluten after the distillation process. Gin is usually considered safe to drink when following a gluten free diet.
Is Rum gluten free?
Pure, Rum is gluten free and made with sugarcane. Some brands may add flavorings that contain gluten such as Barcardi silver a malt-based drink that contains gluten so is not safe if you are following a gluten free diet. On the whole, Most rum brands are considered safe to drink.
Is Tequila gluten free?
Pure, Distilled Tequila is gluten free made with the fermentation of sugars from the blue agave plant which is naturally gluten free. Some brands may add flavorings that contain gluten after the distillation process. Most tequilas are usually considered safe to drink when following a gluten free diet.
Is Vodka gluten free?
Pure, Distilled Vodka is gluten free mainly made from water and ethanol and may have gluten-containing ingredients but this is removed during the distillation process. Some brands may add flavorings that contain gluten after the distilling process. On the whole, most Vodka is usually considered gluten free.
Is Whisky gluten free?
Distilled Whisky is gluten free mainly made from malted barley and other grains such as wheat or maize. While whisky includes gluten-containing ingredients. During the distillation process, the gluten is removed. . Some brands may add flavorings that contain gluten after the distilling process but whisky is usually considered gluten-free. Whisky is also known as Bourbon, Scotch, and Rye.
Are Liqueurs gluten free?
Liqueurs are usually gluten free although made with gluten-containing ingredients this is removed during the distillation process. Some brands and types of liqueurs may add flavorings that contain gluten after the distilling process so it is always advisable to check the ingredients label if you are unsure.
Is Disaronno Amaretto gluten free?
Yes, Disaronno Amaretto is gluten free and safe to drink. Amaretto di Saronno is a sweet Italian liqueur that is traditionally made from apricot kernels, spices, and a sweetener. On the Disaronno website they state that it is gluten free and nut allergy free.
Is Baileys gluten free?
Yes, Baileys irish cream is gluten free and does not list gluten as an allergen on the label. Baileys is made with Irish whisky, cream and cocoa. All of which are gluten free.
Is Cointreau gluten free?
Yes, Cointreau is completely gluten free and does not use any gluten-containing ingredients. Cointreau is made from water, sweet and bitter orange peels and sugar. All of which are naturally gluten free.
Is Kahlúa gluten free?
Yes, Kahlúa is gluten free and does not list gluten as an allergen on the label. Kahlua is made with Rum, Coffee, sugar and vanilla. All of which are gluten free.
Is Sambuca gluten free?
Yes, Sambuca is gluten free and does not list gluten as an allergen on the label. Sambuca is made with Star anise, fruits, herbs, and spices such as elderflower. All of which are gluten free.
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Gluten-free Alcohol guide
I hope you have found this gluten free alcohol guide helpful and it has answered some of your questions regarding what alcohol is gluten free.
I would like to continue to update and add to this guide. So feel free to leave a comment below if you have any further questions or want me to investigate and add other brands to the list that I may have missed.
Kay fischer says
Is tonic water gluten free? I’m new to celiac gluten free life. I would love a vodka tonic. It’s been 14 years of being very sick.
Amanda says
Hi Kay, Yes, tonic water is naturally gluten free as it is carbonated water, with quinine and sweeteners. As with vodka, I would check the label of any flavored varieties just to be sure that the added flavorings do not contain gluten.