What brand of liquor is gluten-free?

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, pure, distilled liquor is generally considered gluten-free, even if made from gluten-containing grains. This is because the distillation process effectively removes the gluten protein, making a wide range of brands and types of liquor safe for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled liquors like vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and whiskey are gluten-free due to the distillation process. Naturally gluten-free liquors use non-grain bases. Check flavored varieties and mixes for gluten-containing additives.

Key Points

Distillation Process: All pure, distilled liquors are considered gluten-free, as the distillation process removes gluten proteins from the final product.
Naturally Gluten-Free Bases: Spirits made from non-grain sources like agave (tequila), sugarcane (rum), or potatoes/corn (vodka) are naturally gluten-free and safest for highly sensitive individuals.
Beware of Additives: Flavored liquors, liqueurs, and mixers may contain gluten-containing additives added after distillation, so always check labels.
Verify Brands for High Sensitivity: If you have celiac disease, consider choosing brands made from naturally gluten-free ingredients or look for specific gluten-free certifications to avoid any cross-contamination risk.
Mixer Safety: Ensure all cocktail mixers, such as flavorings and pre-made drink mixes, are also gluten-free to prevent accidental gluten exposure.
Consider Other Safe Alcohols: Wine, champagne, and most hard ciders are also naturally gluten-free alternatives to beer.

The Science Behind Gluten-Free Distillation

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the world of alcohol can seem confusing. The key to understanding which liquor brands are gluten-free lies in the distillation process. Distillation is a purification method that involves heating a fermented mixture, turning the alcohol into vapor, and then condensing it back into a purified liquid. The gluten protein, which is found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, is too large and heavy to vaporize during this process, so it remains behind in the still. This means that virtually all pure, distilled spirits are free of gluten, regardless of their original grain source.

However, it's crucial to be mindful of what happens after distillation. Flavorings, colorings, and other additives introduced post-distillation can reintroduce gluten into the final product. This is particularly relevant for flavored varieties and liqueurs. While many mainstream brands adhere to strict manufacturing practices that prevent cross-contamination, those with high sensitivity should always check the label or the manufacturer's website for specific certification.

Types of Liquor and Gluten-Free Brands

Here is a breakdown of common liquor types and brands that are either naturally gluten-free or considered safe due to the distillation process.

Naturally Gluten-Free: These spirits are made from a non-grain base, offering an extra layer of reassurance for highly sensitive individuals.
- Tequila: Made from 100% agave, tequila is a naturally gluten-free spirit. Brands include: Patrón, Don Julio, Jose Cuervo (ensure it's 100% agave), Casamigos, and Teremana.
- Rum: Distilled from sugarcane or molasses, rum is inherently gluten-free. Brands include: Bacardi (most varieties), Captain Morgan (Original Spiced), Malibu, and Mount Gay.
- Vodka (Potato/Corn/Grape-Based): Many vodkas are made from gluten-free ingredients. Brands include: Tito's (corn), Cîroc (grape), Chopin (potato), Deep Eddy (corn), and Cold River (potato).
Distilled from Grains (Generally Safe): The following are typically safe due to distillation, but sensitive individuals may prefer naturally gluten-free alternatives.
- Gin: Made with juniper berries, the base spirit is often grain-derived. Brands include: Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's, and Beefeater.
- Whiskey: This includes bourbon and scotch, which are made from grains like barley, wheat, and rye. Brands considered safe due to distillation include: Jack Daniel's, Jameson, Johnnie Walker, and Crown Royal.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Liquor Brands


Liquor Type	Gluten-Free Brands (Naturally GF)	Distilled from Grains (GF via Process)	Special Considerations
Vodka	Tito's (corn), Cîroc (grape), Chopin (potato)	Smirnoff (corn, though grain-distilled versions exist), Grey Goose (wheat)	Flavored vodkas may contain gluten in additives. Choose unflavored or verify with the brand.
Tequila	Patrón (100% agave), Don Julio (100% agave), Casamigos (100% agave)	N/A (Tequila must be at least 51% agave)	Avoid "mixto" tequilas not labeled 100% agave, as they may contain gluten additives.
Rum	Bacardi (original varieties), Captain Morgan (Original Spiced), Malibu	N/A (Rum is sugarcane-based)	Flavored rums should be verified with the manufacturer. Some, like Bacardi Silver, use malt.
Gin	Cold River Gin (potato-based)	Tanqueray, Hendrick's, Bombay Sapphire	Most gins are distilled from grains, but distillation removes gluten. Highly sensitive individuals may prefer grain-free options.
Whiskey	Queen Jennie (sorghum-based)	Jack Daniel's, Jameson, Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal	The distillation process makes these safe, but flavorings can be an issue.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

While distillation is highly effective, some individuals with severe celiac disease may be concerned about potential cross-contamination. This can occur in shared distillery equipment or if gluten-containing additives are introduced later in the process. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the U.S. allows distilled products from gluten-containing grains to be labeled gluten-free if good manufacturing practices are followed to prevent contamination. However, some extremely sensitive individuals may choose to stick exclusively to brands made from naturally gluten-free sources like potatoes, corn, or agave for complete peace of mind. Always check the manufacturer's website for specific gluten-free certification and production details if you have any doubts. An excellent resource for checking product status is the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Crafting Gluten-Free Cocktails

For those who enjoy mixed drinks, creating a safe cocktail is straightforward once you've selected a gluten-free base spirit. However, it's equally important to choose gluten-free mixers and ingredients. Many liqueurs, flavorings, and cocktail mixes can contain hidden gluten. For example, Kahlúa and Bailey's Irish Cream contain grain-based alcohol and should be avoided unless verified gluten-free. Safe mixers include:

100% agave nectar
Fresh fruit juices
Plain soda water or tonic water
Certain vermouths (check the brand)
Certified gluten-free liqueurs

When at a bar, it is safest to order simple mixed drinks using a naturally gluten-free base spirit like rum, tequila, or a potato/corn-based vodka, along with safe mixers. Examples include a Mojito (rum), Tequila Sunrise (tequila), or a Screwdriver (corn/potato vodka).

What About Other Alcohols?

While this article focuses on liquors, it's worth a quick mention of other popular alcohols. Wine, including champagne, is made from grapes and is therefore naturally gluten-free. Hard ciders, made from apples or other fruits, are also generally gluten-free, but always check the label, as some cheaper varieties may use gluten-containing enzymes or malt. Traditional beer made from barley is not gluten-free, but many excellent certified gluten-free beers are now available on the market.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of gluten-free liquor is much simpler than it seems. The distillation process is the key factor, effectively removing gluten proteins from pure spirits, even those made from gluten-containing grains. Brands made from naturally gluten-free sources like agave, sugarcane, corn, or potato offer the safest option for those with severe sensitivities. By checking labels for certifications, avoiding potential cross-contamination risks in flavored products, and carefully selecting mixers, you can confidently enjoy a wide variety of delicious, gluten-free cocktails and spirits. Cheers to safe and informed drinking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure distilled vodka is considered gluten-free even if made from wheat, rye, or barley. The distillation process separates the alcohol from the gluten protein. However, if you are highly sensitive, some brands offer vodka made from corn, potatoes, or grapes, like Tito's or Cîroc.

Not necessarily. While the base spirit is distilled and gluten-free, many flavored varieties and liqueurs have additives introduced after distillation. These additives can contain gluten. Always check the brand's website or label for certification.

Any tequila labeled "100% agave" is naturally gluten-free, as it is distilled from the agave plant. Reputable brands include Patrón, Don Julio, Casamigos, and Jose Cuervo (when it's 100% agave).

Yes, pure distilled whiskey is gluten-free. The distillation process removes the gluten protein. Brands like Jack Daniel's, Jameson, and Johnnie Walker are considered safe due to this process.

Naturally gluten-free liquor is made from non-gluten ingredients (e.g., sugarcane, agave, potato). Grain-distilled gluten-free liquor is made from gluten-containing grains, but the distillation process removes the gluten. For most, both are safe, but those with extreme sensitivity may prefer naturally gluten-free options.

Most hard ciders, made from fermented fruit juice, are gluten-free. However, some brands may use malt or other gluten-containing enzymes for flavor. It is best to check the label for gluten-free certification to be certain.

For maximum safety, you can visit the brand's official website, check for gluten-free certifications on the bottle, or contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their process and ingredients.