What are some gluten free alcoholic drinks? A comprehensive guide

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Coeliac UK, all commercially produced wines, ciders, and spirits are gluten free, making navigation easier for those following a gluten-free diet. For individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or those simply choosing a gluten-free lifestyle, understanding which alcoholic beverages are safe is crucial for enjoying social occasions without worry.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum are gluten-free due to the distillation process. Naturally gluten-free options include wines and ciders, but careful label checks are needed for additives. Certified gluten-free beers and hard seltzers are also widely available. Caution with flavored liquors and mixed drinks is essential to avoid hidden gluten.

Key Points

Distillation removes gluten: Pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum are safe for a gluten-free diet because the distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins.
Wine and cider are naturally gluten-free: These beverages, made from fermented fruits, are inherently free of gluten, though flavored varieties may pose a risk.
Check labels for flavored drinks: Flavored vodkas, liqueurs, and mixers may contain gluten-based additives, so reading the ingredients list is essential to ensure safety.
Differentiate between gluten-free and gluten-removed beer: For celiac disease, only certified 'gluten-free' beer (made from non-gluten grains) is safe; 'gluten-removed' products may still contain harmful trace amounts.
Hard seltzers are typically gluten-free: Most hard seltzers use fermented cane sugar and are a safe, refreshing option, but verifying with the brand is a good practice.
Use caution with cocktails: Mixed drinks carry a risk of hidden gluten from syrups, liqueurs, and other non-liquor ingredients, so simple, homemade cocktails are often the safest bet.
Consult trusted sources: Organizations like Coeliac UK and Beyond Celiac offer reliable information and resources for navigating gluten-free alcohol options.

The Science Behind Gluten-Free Alcohol

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. For a person with celiac disease, ingesting even a small amount can trigger an autoimmune response. In alcoholic beverages, the presence of gluten depends heavily on the production method.

There are two primary methods for producing alcoholic drinks: fermentation and distillation. Traditional beers are fermented using gluten-containing grains, making them unsuitable for a gluten-free diet unless specially produced. Wines and ciders, which are fermented from fruits, are naturally gluten-free. Distilled spirits, on the other hand, undergo a purification process that removes all traces of protein, including gluten, from the final product.

Naturally Gluten-Free Choices

Wine and Cider

For many, wine and cider are the most straightforward and safest options. Wine, including red, white, rose, and sparkling varieties like Prosecco and Champagne, is made from fermented grapes and is naturally gluten-free. Fortified wines such as port and sherry are also typically safe. However, be cautious with flavored wines or wine coolers, as they may contain additional ingredients with gluten.

Cider is fermented from fruit juice, most commonly apples, and is therefore naturally gluten-free. Popular brands like Angry Orchard and Woodchuck are well-known gluten-free options. It is always wise to double-check labels, as some manufacturers may use additives or process their ciders in facilities that handle gluten, creating a risk of cross-contamination.

Distilled Spirits

This category includes many popular liquors that are safe for a gluten-free diet, even if their source ingredients contain gluten, due to the distillation process. This is because distillation separates the volatile alcohol from the heavier, non-volatile gluten proteins.

Vodka: Can be made from potatoes, corn, grapes, or gluten-containing grains like wheat. Pure, unflavored vodka is gluten-free. Safe brands often include Tito's (corn) and Ciroc (grapes).
Gin: A juniper-flavored spirit, gin is typically distilled from a grain base, but is still considered gluten-free after distillation.
Rum: Made from sugarcane or molasses, rum is naturally gluten-free.
Tequila: Made from the agave plant, 100% agave tequila is naturally gluten-free. Be careful with lower-quality 'mixto' tequilas, which might contain additives, though major brands are usually safe.
Whiskey and Bourbon: Although made from gluten grains like barley, rye, and wheat, the distillation process removes the gluten. Major brands are generally safe for celiacs.

Hard Seltzers

Hard seltzers have become a popular choice for their low-calorie and refreshing nature. Most are made with fermented cane sugar and are naturally gluten-free. It's best to stick with established, reputable brands that explicitly state their products are gluten-free, like White Claw and Truly.

Gluten-Free Alcoholic Drinks Comparison Table


Beverage Type	Gluten Status	Notes
Pure Distilled Spirits	Gluten-Free	Includes vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey. The distillation process removes gluten, even if made from gluten-containing grains.
Wine	Naturally Gluten-Free	Made from grapes. This applies to red, white, sparkling, and fortified wines. Check labels for additives.
Hard Cider	Naturally Gluten-Free	Made from fermented fruit juice (e.g., apples). Check labels for additives or cross-contamination warnings.
Gluten-Free Beer	Certified Gluten-Free	Specially brewed with non-gluten grains like sorghum, rice, or millet. Safe for celiacs.
Gluten-Removed Beer	Not Recommended for Celiacs	Made from gluten grains with an enzyme to break down gluten. Not guaranteed to be safe for those with serious sensitivity.
Flavored Spirits & Liqueurs	Check Labels	Gluten-containing ingredients might be added after distillation. Liqueurs can be risky; some brands are safer than others.
Mixed Drinks & Cocktails	Use Caution	Depends on all ingredients. Risk of hidden gluten in syrups, mixers, and other additions.

Crafting Safe Gluten-Free Cocktails

Creating cocktails requires attention to all ingredients, not just the base spirit. Common cocktail components that can contain gluten include certain liqueurs, flavored syrups, and some bitters. For instance, Baileys Irish Cream contains whiskey, and while the distillation process removes gluten, additives may still pose a risk for highly sensitive individuals.

Here are some tips for making safe cocktails:

Stick to simple combinations: Use naturally gluten-free base spirits (100% agave tequila, rum, potato/corn vodka) with fresh fruit juices, club soda, or fresh herbs.
Use pure mixers: Ensure your juices, syrups, and sodas don't contain any hidden gluten. For example, some worcestershire sauces often found in a Bloody Mary are not gluten-free.
Avoid creamy liqueurs: Unless specifically certified as gluten-free, be cautious with creamy or flavored liqueurs.

The Verdict: Staying Safe on a Gluten-Free Diet

Navigating the world of alcoholic beverages on a gluten-free diet is manageable, thanks to numerous safe options. The most reliable choices are naturally gluten-free products like wine and cider, along with pure, unflavored distilled spirits. However, for those with severe celiac disease or high sensitivity, always check labels, especially for flavored products and liqueurs, and consider sticking to drinks made from naturally gluten-free source materials like potato, corn, agave, or grapes to be extra cautious. As the gluten-free market grows, more certified gluten-free beers and other specialty products are also becoming available, offering a wider range of choices for everyone.

A Note on Gluten-Removed vs. Gluten-Free Beer

When buying beer, it is crucial to understand the difference between 'gluten-free' and 'gluten-removed' varieties. Certified gluten-free beer is made with grains that do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, rice, or millet, and must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten per FDA standards. Gluten-removed beer starts with gluten-containing grains but is treated with an enzyme to break down the gluten. While this process significantly reduces gluten levels, the effectiveness is not scientifically validated for all individuals, and trace amounts may remain, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease. Always opt for products clearly labeled 'gluten-free' and, if possible, from dedicated gluten-free breweries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, people with celiac disease can generally drink pure, distilled whiskey and bourbon. Even though they are made from gluten-containing grains like barley, rye, and wheat, the distillation process separates the alcohol from the gluten proteins, leaving the final product gluten-free.

Pure, unflavored vodka is considered gluten-free due to distillation, regardless of whether it's made from potatoes, corn, or grains like wheat. However, flavored vodkas might have additives containing gluten, so always check the label for any added ingredients after distillation.

Most hard ciders, made from fermented fruit juice, are naturally gluten-free. However, some brands might use malted barley or other gluten-containing additives for flavoring, or risk cross-contamination during production. Always check the label to ensure it is marked gluten-free.

Gluten-free beer is brewed using entirely non-gluten grains like sorghum, rice, or millet. Gluten-removed beer is made with traditional gluten-containing grains but uses an enzyme to reduce the gluten. For individuals with celiac disease, only certified gluten-free beer is recommended, as the efficacy of gluten removal is not guaranteed.

No, not all liqueurs are gluten-free. While many have a distilled alcohol base, flavorings and other ingredients added after distillation may contain gluten. You should always check the label or consult the manufacturer, especially for creamy or very sweet liqueurs.

Yes, 100% agave tequila is naturally gluten-free because it is made from the agave plant and not grains. To be certain, look for '100% agave' on the label to avoid lower-quality 'mixto' tequilas that might contain additives.

To make a safe gluten-free cocktail, start with a pure, unflavored distilled spirit (like 100% agave tequila or rum) and combine it with naturally gluten-free mixers like fresh fruit juice or club soda. Avoid using liqueurs or other flavored syrups unless you can confirm they are gluten-free.