Which Cutwater Drinks Are Gluten Free?

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3.2 million Americans now follow a gluten-free diet, creating a growing demand for clearly labeled, safe food and beverages. For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, understanding which Cutwater drinks are gluten free is crucial for avoiding health risks and enjoying a convenient canned cocktail without worry. Most spirit-based Cutwater products are safe, while only whiskey-based drinks contain gluten.

Quick Summary

Most Cutwater spirit-based canned cocktails are gluten-free, including tequila, vodka, and rum options. The primary exception is the whiskey-based drinks, which are not safe for a gluten-free diet. Always check the ingredients to ensure it meets your dietary needs.

Key Points

Tequila, Vodka, and Rum are Safe: All Cutwater cocktails made with these spirits are gluten-free due to their naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Avoid Whiskey-Based Drinks: The main exception is any product containing whiskey, like the Long Island Iced Tea, which is not gluten-free.
Check for Explicit Labeling: Many Cutwater products explicitly state "Gluten Free" on the can or product description, providing extra assurance.
Always Verify Ingredients: For those with severe gluten allergies, a quick check of the ingredient list is the most reliable method.
Numerous Gluten-Free Options Exist: You can enjoy a wide selection of margaritas, vodka mules, and rum cocktails from Cutwater without worry.
Distilled Spirits vs. Gluten: While the distillation process can remove gluten from grain-based spirits, it's safer for celiacs to stick to naturally gluten-free bases like corn, agave, or cane sugar.

Navigating the world of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails can be challenging for those with gluten sensitivities. While many hard seltzers and ciders are naturally gluten-free, the base spirit and added ingredients in canned cocktails can vary. Fortunately, most of Cutwater's extensive product line is safe for a gluten-free lifestyle, thanks to their careful selection of ingredients and in-house distillation process. The key is to know which base spirits are used and to avoid the few specific products that are not gluten-free.

The Cutwater Rule: Tequila, Vodka, and Rum Are Safe

The fundamental principle for identifying safe Cutwater drinks is to remember that all products made with their tequila, vodka, or rum are gluten-free. This covers a vast portion of their offerings, giving consumers many delicious options. Cutwater's award-winning vodka, for instance, is distilled from 100% corn, making it naturally gluten-free. Similarly, their tequila is made from 100% blue agave, and their rum is crafted from pure cane sugar, neither of which contains gluten. This commitment to using naturally gluten-free base spirits ensures that a wide variety of their canned cocktails are safe for consumption.

Tequila-Based Cocktails

Cutwater's tequila is made from 100% blue agave, making all their tequila-based drinks a reliable gluten-free choice. Popular options include:

Lime Margarita: A classic blend of tequila, triple sec, and lime that is certified gluten-free.
Spicy Mango Margarita: A spicy, gluten-free twist on a classic, made with real tequila.
Tequila Paloma: Combines tequila with grapefruit soda and a hint of citrus for a refreshing, gluten-free cocktail.

Vodka-Based Cocktails

With vodka distilled from 100% corn, Cutwater's vodka cocktails are another excellent, naturally gluten-free choice. These include:

Spicy Bloody Mary: A canned Bloody Mary made with US-distilled vodka and containing no gluten ingredients.
Vodka Mule: A classic cocktail featuring corn-based vodka and ginger beer.
White Russian: A rich and creamy cocktail made with naturally gluten-free vodka.

Rum-Based Cocktails

Cutwater uses rum distilled from pure cane sugar, ensuring their rum cocktails are safe for those avoiding gluten. Look for these tropical treats:

Piña Colada: Made with award-winning rum and notes of pineapple and coconut, and certified gluten-free.
Tiki Rum Mai Tai: A strong, flavorful rum cocktail that is safe for a gluten-free diet.

The Exception: The Long Island Iced Tea and Other Whiskey-Based Cocktails

The most important exception to remember is that any Cutwater product made with whiskey is not gluten-free. Whiskey, typically distilled from grains like barley, wheat, or rye, retains gluten proteins even after distillation, making it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease. Cutwater's Long Island Iced Tea, for example, is made with multiple spirits, including whiskey, and therefore contains gluten. Always check the ingredients list on the packaging if you are unsure.

Comparison Table: Gluten-Free vs. Not Gluten-Free Cutwater


Drink Category	Base Spirit	Gluten-Free?	Notes
Margaritas	Tequila	Yes	Multiple fruit flavors available.
Paloma	Tequila	Yes	A light and refreshing cocktail.
Vodka Mules	Vodka (Corn-based)	Yes	Naturally gluten-free spirit.
Bloody Mary	Vodka (Corn-based)	Yes	Contains no gluten ingredients.
Piña Colada	Rum (Cane Sugar)	Yes	Distilled from pure cane sugar.
Mojitos	Rum (Cane Sugar)	Yes	Refreshing and safe for gluten-free diets.
Whiskey Sour	Whiskey	No	Whiskey is derived from gluten-containing grains.
Long Island Iced Tea	Multiple, including Whiskey	No	Contains whiskey, making it unsafe.

How to Be Sure: Always Read the Label

While this guide provides a strong overview, it is always best practice to read the label. Cutwater sometimes explicitly states "Gluten Free" on its packaging and website descriptions for added clarity. For those with celiac disease, verifying ingredients is a crucial step to avoid cross-contamination and ensure safety. A quick scan for the words “whiskey” or “bourbon” will help you steer clear of the handful of products that are not gluten-free. For more information on gluten-free alcohol, consult reliable sources like Coeliac UK, who provide guidance on various types of beverages.

Conclusion

Most of Cutwater's broad range of canned cocktails are safe for individuals adhering to a gluten-free diet. The majority of their product line, which features naturally gluten-free spirits like corn-based vodka, agave tequila, and cane sugar rum, is a fantastic, convenient option. The main exception to this rule is any cocktail containing whiskey, such as the Long Island Iced Tea. By remembering this key distinction and always double-checking the packaging for key ingredients, you can confidently enjoy a wide variety of delicious Cutwater drinks.

Optional Outbound Link

For additional information on the safety of distilled spirits for a gluten-free diet, a helpful resource is Coeliac UK's guidance on alcohol: Coeliac UK's Guidance on Alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while most are, the primary exceptions are cocktails made with a whiskey base. Always check the ingredients, but generally, drinks with a tequila, vodka, or rum base are safe.

You should avoid any Cutwater canned cocktail that lists whiskey as an ingredient. For example, the Long Island Iced Tea contains whiskey and is therefore not gluten-free.

Yes, Cutwater tequila is made from 100% blue agave, which is a naturally gluten-free source. Any canned cocktail using this tequila is therefore also gluten-free.

Yes, Cutwater's award-winning vodka is distilled from 100% corn, making it naturally gluten-free and a safe base for its vodka cocktails.

The distillation process can remove gluten, but cross-contamination can still be a risk for highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease. For absolute safety, it's best to stick with spirits made from naturally gluten-free sources like corn, agave, or sugar cane.

Yes, Cutwater rum is distilled from pure cane sugar, ensuring that their rum-based cocktails like the Piña Colada and Mojitos are gluten-free.

The most reliable method is to check the product's packaging or the official Cutwater Spirits website for explicit 'Gluten Free' labeling. For most products, looking at the base spirit (tequila, vodka, or rum is safe; whiskey is not) will provide your answer.