Alcohol
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Alcohol is one of the things that many people don't think about in terms of gluten-until they drink a gluten-containing drink. So what alcohol is safe to drink? I will attempt to pass on some information that may be useful to you. But as always, make sure to check with the manufacturer to make sure that all information is updated and correct.
Wine:
I have yet to encounter a wine that contains gluten. But be careful of wine "drinks". Things like Sangria or Wine spritzers can contain surprise ingredients that might make you sick. Wine coolers are also a big red flag as many of them are "malt" based and therefore contain gluten.
Hard liquor:
Most sources agree that rum, tequila, and sake are usually safe as their alcohols do not
generally come from gluten based grains.
Grain alcohols are one of those controversial items, but recent ADA guidelines indicate that all 100% distilled spirits are safe, including Whiskey, bourbon and gin. Some vodkas are also okay. However, as with any product that is even slightly questionable, you should gauge your reaction and learn as much about your favored brands as possible. I have read in many different places that vodka is gluten-free. But my sister says that she always has a bad reaction to it.
Beer:
Most beers contain malt (usually from barley). Even rice beers use malt, but the good news is that there are now a growing number of gluten-free beers on the market. The last time that I looked at the Pizzeria Uno's site, I saw that they serve a gluten-free beer in their restaurants. But just like most specialty items, you are going to pay more for that product and you may end up having to pay shipping as well.
Mixed Drinks:
Beware of mixed drinks. Even if you are sure that the alcohol in the drink is gluten-free and you have never had a problem with it before, all bets are off when you add a mixer to it. Most restaurant chains have dietary and nutritional information available (although you may have to call headquarters for that information) so it is always a good idea to call ahead if you know that you are going to be dining out, and find out if your favorite drink is gluten-free. For contact information for many of these chains, look in the "Dining Out" section of this website. If you are making your own drinks, be sure to bring your cell phone with you when you shop so that you can call the manufacturer from the store (and be sure to do your shopping during business hours :).
Please check the blog for user contributions to this subject.
Wine:
I have yet to encounter a wine that contains gluten. But be careful of wine "drinks". Things like Sangria or Wine spritzers can contain surprise ingredients that might make you sick. Wine coolers are also a big red flag as many of them are "malt" based and therefore contain gluten.
Hard liquor:
Most sources agree that rum, tequila, and sake are usually safe as their alcohols do not
generally come from gluten based grains.
Grain alcohols are one of those controversial items, but recent ADA guidelines indicate that all 100% distilled spirits are safe, including Whiskey, bourbon and gin. Some vodkas are also okay. However, as with any product that is even slightly questionable, you should gauge your reaction and learn as much about your favored brands as possible. I have read in many different places that vodka is gluten-free. But my sister says that she always has a bad reaction to it.
Beer:
Most beers contain malt (usually from barley). Even rice beers use malt, but the good news is that there are now a growing number of gluten-free beers on the market. The last time that I looked at the Pizzeria Uno's site, I saw that they serve a gluten-free beer in their restaurants. But just like most specialty items, you are going to pay more for that product and you may end up having to pay shipping as well.
Mixed Drinks:
Beware of mixed drinks. Even if you are sure that the alcohol in the drink is gluten-free and you have never had a problem with it before, all bets are off when you add a mixer to it. Most restaurant chains have dietary and nutritional information available (although you may have to call headquarters for that information) so it is always a good idea to call ahead if you know that you are going to be dining out, and find out if your favorite drink is gluten-free. For contact information for many of these chains, look in the "Dining Out" section of this website. If you are making your own drinks, be sure to bring your cell phone with you when you shop so that you can call the manufacturer from the store (and be sure to do your shopping during business hours :).
Please check the blog for user contributions to this subject.