Which Alcoholic Beverages Are Gluten-Free?

Most wines and ciders don’t contain gluten. Distilled spirits and many liqueurs are usually gluten-free too, though added flavorings can introduce gluten. Most conventional beers do contain gluten, but some are brewed from gluten-free grains. If you’re unsure, consult the label.

More and more people are cutting down on gluten — whether for medical reasons, curiosity, or perceived health benefits.

One of the biggest challenges of a gluten-free eating plan is avoiding numerous everyday foods and beverages, including certain alcoholic drinks.

That can make choosing what to order difficult, especially in a bar or restaurant setting.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about gluten-free alcoholic options — including the distinction between truly gluten-free beers and those labeled gluten-removed. You’ll also find brand suggestions and practical shopping advice.

Gluten basics and an overview of gluten intolerance

“Gluten” describes a large group of proteins present in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a wheat–rye hybrid). The best-known gluten proteins are gliadin and glutenin (1).

Gluten proteins are resistant to the digestive enzymes in the gut, so they’re not always fully broken down.

If partially digested gluten fragments cross from the small intestine into the rest of the body, they can trigger a range of symptoms and issues (2, 3):

• gas
• bloating
• diarrhea
• brain fog
• skin problems

People who react poorly to gluten — whether from celiac disease, wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity — are more prone to these effects after consuming gluten.

Celiac disease

This autoimmune condition causes inflammation of the small intestine in response to gluten.

When someone with celiac eats gluten, the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, which can lead to poor nutrient absorption, diarrhea, and weight loss (2).

Other frequently seen signs include anemia, osteoporosis, cognitive difficulties, infertility, and skin problems. Still, roughly half of people with celiac disease have few or no symptoms (3).

Diagnosis is possible with blood tests or an intestinal biopsy. Currently, the only effective treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet (3).

Wheat allergy

A wheat allergy involves an abnormal immune reaction to proteins in wheat and wheat-based foods (4).

Reactions range from mild upset to severe anaphylaxis, which can impair breathing (4).

Gluten is just one of several proteins in wheat, so someone can be allergic to wheat but still tolerate gluten from other grains such as barley or rye.

It’s also possible to have both a wheat allergy and celiac disease. Wheat allergies are commonly diagnosed via blood tests or skin-prick testing, and the recommended treatment is avoiding wheat.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity

Some people experience digestive issues like bloating, pain, diarrhea, nausea, and reflux after eating gluten despite not having celiac disease or a wheat allergy (5).

Beyond gut symptoms, those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity often report additional non-digestive complaints after gluten exposure.

These can include (5):

• headaches
• fatigue
• mental cloudiness
• aches, including joint pain
• skin problems
• depression

Diagnosis involves first excluding celiac disease and wheat allergy. Then a clinician may recommend a trial of a gluten-free diet for up to 6 weeks, followed by a reintroduction of gluten to observe any reaction (5, 6, 7).

Many people who suspect they have non-celiac gluten sensitivity report symptom relief when avoiding gluten.

Summary: People who can’t tolerate gluten may have celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. For various reasons, all three groups may benefit from choosing gluten-free alcoholic options over gluten-containing drinks.

Which alcoholic drinks are gluten-free?

Gluten-free alcoholic options are a good choice for those who want to cut their gluten intake while still enjoying a drink.

Many alcoholic beverages are naturally gluten-free; a few others can be altered to reduce gluten content.

Wine

Because wine is fermented from fruit, it is inherently gluten-free.

This covers regular red, white, and rosé wines, plus sparkling varieties like prosecco and champagne. Fortified wines such as vermouth, port, and sherry are typically gluten-free as well.

Alcohols derived from wine are generally gluten-free, too — for instance, cognac, which is brandy distilled from wine.

However, be cautious with wines that have added flavorings, particularly some sweet dessert wines. These additives can sometimes contain gluten.

If unsure, inspect the ingredients to confirm the wine is entirely gluten-free.

Distilled spirits

Distilled spirits start with fermentation of plant sources. These may be gluten-containing grains or naturally gluten-free materials like fruit.

The fermented mash is heated until it vaporizes; the vapor is then condensed back into liquid during distillation (8).

During distillation, lower-boiling components separate from higher-boiling ones, as noted by the FDA (9).

Proteins like gluten have very high boiling points, so they don’t vaporize and are left behind in the still.

For this reason, distilled spirits are generally regarded as gluten-free even if made from gluten-containing grains (10).

That said, there are anecdotal reports of people reacting after drinking spirits such as gin, whiskey, bourbon, or vodka produced from gluten grains.

Reported issues include unusually rapid intoxication and harsher-than-expected hangovers.

If you notice similar problems, choose spirits distilled from gluten-free sources like brandy, rum, tequila, or vodkas labeled gluten-free, or opt for lower-alcohol choices such as wine or cider.

Cider

Cider is made by fermenting fruit juice, so it’s naturally gluten-free — apple cider being the most common.

However, some ciders have gluten-containing additives for flavor, and others are produced in facilities that also process gluten-containing beverages like beer.

For that reason, it’s wise to look for a gluten-free designation to be certain the cider you pick is safe.

Mixed drinks and liqueurs

Liqueurs such as amaretto, brandy-based liqueurs, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Kahlúa, and schnapps are made by sweetening and flavoring distilled spirits.

Generally these are considered gluten-free, but not every flavoring or additive is necessarily free from gluten.

The same caution applies to mixed drinks, which combine spirits, liqueurs, and mixers.

Always check product labels to verify no gluten ingredients were added. If uncertain, choose simple combinations made with clearly gluten-free spirits — for example, a gin and tonic or a martini using potato-based vodka.

Certain beers

Most beers contain gluten because they’re typically brewed from barley or wheat — grains that have gluten. That makes traditional beer unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities (11).

Still, some brewers now produce beer from gluten-free grains like sorghum, corn, millet, or oats, or from pseudocereals such as amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa.

Beers made from these gluten-free grains are appropriate for people with celiac disease, wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (11).

There are also beers marketed as gluten-removed: they’re brewed from gluten-containing grains but treated with an enzyme that breaks down gluten proteins.

However, this treatment doesn’t necessarily eliminate gluten entirely, and many individuals report reactions to these products. Experts have also questioned testing methods used for such beers (12, 13).

For now, the most reliable option is to choose beers brewed directly from gluten-free grains.

Summary: Wines, ciders, distilled spirits, and most liqueurs are naturally gluten-free. Beer can also be gluten-free if it’s brewed from grains that don’t contain gluten. If you’re highly sensitive, avoid gluten-removed beers.

Shopping tips

When buying alcoholic drinks that are supposed to be gluten-free, start by reading the ingredient list carefully.

Avoid any product listing these gluten-containing ingredients:

• wheat
• rye
• barley
• spelt
• kamut

These items are often highlighted in bold on ingredient panels.

Looking for an official gluten-free label can be especially helpful when choosing beer, as it distinguishes beers brewed from gluten-free grains from those that are gluten-removed.

Also avoid products that state they “may contain traces of gluten.” That statement usually means the item was made in a facility that handles gluten-containing foods, creating a risk of cross-contamination.

When unsure, ask store staff for gluten-free recommendations.

Summary: When shopping, avoid alcoholic products that list wheat, rye, barley, spelt, or kamut. Also steer clear of items that warn they “may contain traces of gluten.”

Brands that are gluten-free

Below are several alcohol brands considered gluten-free at the time this article was published:

• Wines: Nearly all wines are gluten-free; check the label if you’re uncertain.
• Ciders:Angry Orchard, Ciderboys, Ace Cider, Downeast Cider, Stella Cidre, Woodchuck Cider, and four of five flavors from Strongbow Hard Cider are gluten-free.
• Distilled spirits: Brandy, rum, and tequila are naturally gluten-free. Vodkas like Chopin and Tito’s, Cold River Gin or Schramm Organic Gin, and Queen Jennie Whiskey are listed as gluten-free.
• Liqueurs:Chartreuse, Cointreau, Disaronno, Grand Marnier, Hennessy, Kahlúa, Sambuca, and Martini are considered gluten-free.
• Gluten-free beers:Holiday Brewing Company, Burning Brothers, Glutenberg, Ghostfish, New Planet, and Ground Breaker produce gluten-free beers.

Remember, this is not a comprehensive list. Always verify a product’s gluten-free status by reviewing its ingredients or asking the manufacturer.

Summary: Above are a few currently available gluten-free options. Check ingredient labels for other brands, and ask store or bar staff for recommendations — they may have gluten-free favorites.

The bottom line

If you want to reduce gluten in your diet, you still have many alcoholic choices available.

The safest options are those made from ingredients that naturally lack gluten — for example, beers brewed from sorghum or millet rather than barley or wheat.

Be cautious with mixed drinks and some liqueurs, which can contain both gluten-free and gluten-containing components. When uncertain, read the label or choose straightforward, safe options like a gin and tonic or a martini made with potato-based vodka.

One final tip

Try this: To simplify decisions when eating out, opt for a wine, a gluten-free labeled beer or cider, or a neat/distilled spirit on the rocks instead of a complex mixed drink.