Your Gluten-Free Guide to Alcoholic Beverages

Summer is here. Let's talk gluten-free alcohol and beer.

Cookouts, rooftop hangs, beach days, patio happy hours. And if you are living gluten-free, you have probably stood at a bar or a cooler at some point wondering, "Wait, can I drink this?"

Good news: there are more gluten-free options than ever, and a lot of your favorites are likely already on the list. Here is a friendly, no-stress guide to navigating alcohol when you are gluten-free or managing celiac disease.

Beer: Yes, There Is Good GF Beer

For a long time, beer felt like the biggest loss of going gluten-free. Not anymore. Dedicated gluten-free breweries have come a long way, and some are genuinely excellent.

A few to look for:

Glutenberg is one of the most widely distributed dedicated gluten-free breweries out there, with a solid range of styles.

Ghostfish Brewing and Holidaily Brewing are two more dedicated gluten-free breweries that have built real followings for good reason.

New Planet Beer was founded by someone with celiac disease, so the commitment to safety is personal.

Whistler Forager Lager is certified gluten-free and a great option for those who want something light and easy.

Ground Breaker Brewing is worth knowing about, and searching "gluten-free breweries near me" is genuinely worth doing in most cities these days.

One important note: steer clear of beers labeled "crafted to remove gluten" if you have celiac disease. These start with gluten-containing grains and use enzymes to break down the gluten, but they are not the same as certified gluten-free products and can still trigger a reaction.

Cider: Your Best Friend at Any Bar

Cider deserves a bigger spotlight in the gluten-free world. It is naturally gluten-free (made from apples, not grains), and most bars and breweries carry at least one option these days.

A few favorites worth knowing:

• Downeast Cider (unfiltered and really good)
• Strongbow Golden Apple Cider
• Crispin Original Cider

When choosing cider at a brewery, it is worth asking about their cross-contamination protocols, especially if they also brew traditional beer on the same equipment.

Hard Seltzer: The Easy Call

Hard seltzers are generally a safe and straightforward choice. Most are made from fermented cane sugar or similar bases with no gluten-containing ingredients. Some crowd favorites that are widely available:

• Truly Hard Seltzer
• White Claw
• Vizzy Hard Seltzer
• Spindrift Spiked
• High Noon

Always check the label on flavored varieties, since additives can sometimes be the wildcard.

Wine: Almost Always a Yes

Most plain red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines are naturally gluten-free. The grapes are the thing, and grapes do not contain gluten. Champagne and traditional sparkling wines generally fall into the same category.

Where to pay attention: wines with added flavorings or specialty ingredients. If you have celiac disease, plain and straightforward is your safest bet.

Liquor and Spirits: More Than You Might Expect

Here is something that surprises a lot of people. Distilled spirits are generally considered safe for people with celiac disease, even when they are made from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye. The distillation process separates the alcohol from proteins, including gluten, so the gluten protein does not carry through into the final product.

That said, some individuals still prefer products that are specifically labeled gluten-free, which is a completely valid choice.

Some widely trusted options:

• Tito's Handmade Vodka (made from corn, labeled gluten-free)
• Deep Eddy Vodka
• Grey Goose Vodka
• Ketel One Vodka
• Patron Tequila
• Casamigos Tequila
• Don Julio Tequila
• Bacardi Rum
• Bombay Sapphire Gin

Cocktails: What to Order and What to Ask About

Some cocktails are naturally easy choices. A vodka soda, tequila with lime, rum and cola, gin and tonic, or a margarita made with 100% agave tequila are all generally safe and simple.

Where things get trickier is with premixed or specialty drinks. It is worth asking questions about:

• Bloody Mary mixes (many contain Worcestershire sauce, which can contain gluten)
• Pre-made cocktail mixes
• Flavored liqueurs
• Beer cocktails
• Specialty or seasonal drinks with lots of added ingredients

Asking is always worth it. A good bartender will not mind.

A Few Tips Before You Head Out

Your gut may be more sensitive to alcohol than it used to be. Celiac disease and alcohol do not always mix smoothly, especially if your gut is still healing. Drink slowly and pay attention to how your body responds.

Cross-contamination is real at bars. A glass rinsed in a bar sink shared with beer taps, or a bartender who used the same spoon in a beer cocktail, can be enough. It is okay to mention your needs.

When in doubt, check the manufacturer's statement. Most major brands have clear gluten-free information on their website.

Choose certified gluten-free when it matters most. If you are in a setting where you cannot ask questions or verify ingredients, defaulting to something with a certified gluten-free label gives you one more layer of confidence.

Summer should feel like summer. With a little know-how, most of the best parts of it are very much on the table (and in the glass).

This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, consult your healthcare provider with questions about your specific dietary needs.