• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
G-Free Foodie logo
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Beverages
    • Dairy Free
    • Desserts
    • Kid Zone
    • Main Dishes
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Quick & Easy
    • Recipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Vegan
  • Articles
    • Dining Tips
    • G-Free Foodie Guides
    • G-Free Foodie Mommies
    • G-Free Foodie Product Reviews
    • Gluten Free Advice + Experts
    • KC's Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Articles
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home / Articles / G-Free Foodie Guides

    G-Free Foodie's Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverage Guide

    Posted On Jun 10, 2011 · Updated On Nov 24, 2021

    G-Free Foodie's Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverage Guide

    Gluten-Free Alcohol List

    G-Free Foodie GuidesGluten Free Advice + ExpertsKC's Blog

    Share

    Hey Everybody - we get lots of questions about gluten in alcohol, and we're here to set the record straight.  Here's our Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverage Guide, plus good information from those in the know.  We've also added links to some of our articles about specific liquors, so you can really get the 411 on your favorite spirits.

    First: the general opinion from doctors & Celiac specialists (and science) is that distilled spirits are gluten-free, as gluten proteins are left behind in the distillation process. This does not include flavored (vanilla vodka, Peach Schnapps) or blended spirits (X-Rated, Blackberry Merlot, pre-made Margaritas) - you must check those out on a case-by-case basis (you hear us, Appletini drinkers?) And you know the rule at G-Free Foodie: "If you don't know, then NO" - choose something else if you aren't absolutely sure your libation is safe.

    Here's a little more info: The European Food Safety Authority considers distilled alcohol “unlikely to cause a severe reaction” in those with grain allergies and the Canadian Celiac Association allows distilled alcoholic beverages for people with Celiac Disease even if they’re made with wheat, rye, or barley, since “the distillation process should remove the reaction-causing proteins”. 

    Liquors distilled from gluten-containing grains include: some Vodkas, Whiskey & Bourbon.

    Here's the list, with a few notes, of course:

    • Absinthe
    • Armagnac
    • Beer - GLUTEN FREE only, check out our Gluten Free Beer list
    • Bourbon
    • Brandy
    • Calvados
    • Champagne
    • Cognac
    • Frangelico
    • Fruit brandy - that's FRUIT brandy, not flavored brandy
    • Gin
    • Grand Marnier
    • Grappa
    • Jägermeister - good news, right?  You can still have a Surfer on Acid when you need to revisit college days.
    • Kahlua
    • Kirschwasser
    • Mead - honey wine
    • Ouzo
    • Pisco
    • Port Wine
    • Rum
    • Sherry
    • Southern Comfort
    • Tequila
    • Triple Sec
    • Vermouth
    • Vodka - made from multiple sources, check out our Gluten Free Vodka Debate article
    • Whisky
    • Wine - not Wine Coolers or Wine drinks, Wine. Read Is Wine Gluten-Free? for the details

    Cheers to you & your health, from the G-Free Foodie Team.  Salute!

     

    You May Also Like

    • The Great Gluten-Free Vodka Debate - The Answers, Please.
      The Great Gluten-Free Vodka Debate - The Answers, Please.
    • Is Rum Gluten-free? Plus The Best Hot Buttered Rum Recipe!
      Is Rum Gluten-free? Plus The Best Hot Buttered Rum Recipe!
    • What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
      What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
    • Wondering If There Is Gluten In Alcohol? Here Are The Answers.
      Wondering If There Is Gluten In Alcohol? Here Are The…
    « Betty Crocker Annouces Gluten Free Baking Contest!
    G-Free Foodie Product Review: Parmesan Cheese Crisps by The Kitchen Table Bakers »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rose says

      June 10, 2011 at 4:43 pm

      I thought Whiskey was a no-no and always contained gluten. Which brands of whiskey are gluten-free?

      Reply
    2. Administrator says

      June 13, 2011 at 5:04 am

      Rose - the general opinion from doctors & Celiac specialists is that distilled spirits are Gluten Free, since the distillation period would kill any gluten proteins present. More information is included in the article -
      KC @ G-Free Foodie

      Reply
    3. jen says

      June 21, 2011 at 4:44 pm

      Anybody know about bourbons and scotches?

      Reply
    4. JT says

      June 21, 2011 at 4:59 pm

      I've had Jack, Jim, & Knob w/no problem. 🙂

      Reply
    5. Rachel C- UntilTheThinLadySings.com says

      December 17, 2011 at 10:10 pm

      Vodka and whiskey have always made me sick so I am not sure about that... perhaps it depends on the person. What about Sake? Is Sake GF?

      Reply
    6. Administrator says

      December 24, 2011 at 3:20 pm

      Sake is Rice Wine, and is normally Gluten Free - read the label thoroughly, especially flavored sake.

      For those concerned about Whiskey - You may have the best luck with an American Bourbon whiskey, which is made primarily from corn - Maker's Mark is one to try. Jack Daniels & Gentleman Jack are also Bourbon whiskeys, and there are several small-batch or single barrell options too.

      The G-Free Foodie Crew

      Reply
    7. Carla says

      December 30, 2011 at 5:07 pm

      This is a great site, thank you....so based on your notes, PEACH SCHNAPPS is not gluten free?

      Reply
      • Administrator says

        January 16, 2012 at 12:24 am

        It depends on the maker - so we didn't list it.

        Reply
    8. nak says

      February 24, 2012 at 3:18 am

      It's not that the distillation "kills" gluten, it's that the distillation process leaves the gluten molecules behind. Therefore all distilled (unflavored) spirits, including whisky, rye, etc., is GF, just as all distilled vinegar is GF. Malt vinegar is not distilled and is therefore not GF.

      Reply
    9. britt says

      February 27, 2012 at 1:33 am

      So peach flavored brandy is not GF?

      Reply
    10. Angela says

      August 01, 2012 at 3:30 am

      I am gluten free and most of the liquors that are produced in the US say distilled from GRAIN neutral spirits... I have problems with all of these... as a rule of thumb I stick to Polish or Russian vodkas made from Potatoes, Puerto Rican rum is from sugar cane, Southern Comfort is made of corn, if it says grain on the label at all I don't drink it. Even though the distilling process supposedly makes the liquor Gluten Free I still end up with rashes, migraines, heartburn, and such within an hour of drinking only an ounce or two of the "grain neutral" spirits. I wouldn't chance it.

      Reply
      • Leona Yates says

        August 21, 2016 at 3:13 pm

        I have the same reaction. I stay away from any alcohol that has grain since it has made me ill.

        Reply
    11. Wen says

      November 07, 2012 at 2:28 am

      Is Amaretto or Sweet and Sour GF? I like to drink Amaretto Sours.

      Reply
    12. Betty says

      November 15, 2012 at 9:41 pm

      Be careful with any whiskey's some will add in a malt during bottling. IF they don't, it is gluten free but my daughter was affected from a US whiskey we used to cook with. Single malt is usually ok.

      Reply
    13. Jared says

      December 03, 2012 at 3:36 am

      I think a lot can depend on the individual - some people may react to other ingredients (or the effects of the alcohol) and quickly assume there must be gluten content, when it actually is something entirely different.
      I am gluten intolerant and I have had what i thought were reactions to gluten with products that Celiac friends are fine with.
      I test everything that is supposedly gluten free in small amounts just to ensure it works well with me.

      Reply
    14. Emily says

      May 02, 2013 at 11:53 pm

      I too am gluten intolerant (rather than celiac) and whiskey has horrible effects on me for as long as two days after consumption. Vodkas such as Svedka have similar effects, leaving me lightheaded and broken out for days. It is different than just a hangover so I'm fairly sure those symptoms are reactions to the contamination. When in doubt I won't even risk it with vodkas & whiskey I do not recognize.

      Reply
      • Administrator says

        May 18, 2013 at 10:10 pm

        Sounds like that's what best for you, Emily! We encourage everyone to make the best choices for their own health!

        Reply
    15. Terri says

      May 05, 2013 at 1:47 am

      Is Godiva chocolate and white chocolate liqueur gluten free

      Reply
      • Administrator says

        May 18, 2013 at 10:09 pm

        the manufacturer says it is, Terri.

        Reply
    16. TEMMY says

      July 05, 2013 at 7:08 pm

      ANYONE KNOW IF PEACH SCHNAPPS IS GLUTEN FREE ? I MADE A SANGRIA AND WAS TOLD TO USE SCHNAPPS AND I HAD AN ATTACK. PLEASE ANSWER

      Reply
    17. KC @ G-Free Foodie says

      July 11, 2013 at 3:51 pm

      TEMMY - please see the notes above. Peach Schnapps is made by several makers in different ways - you'll need to check each time you purchase it, or find a brand that is GF -

      Reply
    18. Sandi says

      July 11, 2013 at 5:38 pm

      Anyone know if Bailey's Irish Creme is GF?

      Reply
    19. Lisa says

      August 10, 2013 at 4:20 pm

      I had problems with Bailey's and switched when they could no longer guarantee or state their product was GF. I've switched to Carolan's Irish Cream and have not had any problems. Carolan's states that their product is GF.

      Reply
    20. Melissa says

      September 29, 2013 at 12:48 am

      I had a horrible reaction to a bourbon whiskey after just a few sips. I don't trust it. I won't be drinking it again.

      Reply
    21. Linda Cregger says

      October 02, 2013 at 6:25 pm

      I have a sensitivity to wheat, barley, yeast and rye. I've switched to Ciroc which is made of grapes. No reaction when I drink this. When I have vodka made out of the offenders for me I turn beet red and my face neck and ears are on fire!!!! I also get nasal congestion. I guess everybody has different levels of reaction. I also love Chopan, however, if you have RA you shouldn't consume Nighshades and potatoes are in that family.

      Reply
    22. dave d. says

      November 23, 2013 at 9:17 pm

      I have worked with seawater distillation and would like to add that there is a problem with carryover of the product being distilled into the distillate. Also any molecules with a lower vaporization temperature end up in the distillate unless fractional distillation is used.

      Reply
    23. Karibeth Soto says

      December 07, 2013 at 6:19 pm

      I have used Skyy Vodka to make my vanilla. It is distilled from grain, but I don't seem to react to it.
      It says it has "a proprietary four-column distillation process and a three-step filtration process." I read somewhere that multiple distillation makes it less likely to cause a reaction.
      It is American-made and I get a huge (1.75 liters) bottle at Costco for under $20.
      I drink wine and hard cider and they don't bother me. 🙂

      Reply
    24. Jessie B says

      December 08, 2013 at 4:13 pm

      I've been gluten intolerant since long before I even wanted to drink alcohol and I've found that the distilled liquors are often trial and error for theses who are gluten free. In college bourbon made me sick the few times I tried it (and the girls in my sorority ALWAYS drank bourbon) so I stay away from all whiskey variants. I've only had issues with a few vodkas so I try to stay away from the cheapest vodkas and the new vodkas that call themselves "wheat vodkas".

      Reply
    25. Robin Terrell says

      December 08, 2013 at 4:52 pm

      Mike's hard keno nada say all their drinks are GF. How can this be if they contain malt?

      Reply
    26. Robin Terrell says

      December 08, 2013 at 4:53 pm

      I hate autocorrect. Mike's Hard Lemonade it should've read.

      Reply
    27. KnitYeah says

      December 18, 2013 at 1:42 pm

      I don't care about what they "say" about distillation - I Can NOT do any alcohol derived from Wheat, Barley or Rye! This includes (what use to be) my FAVORITE Winter elixir - Whiskey! Believe me - I was in denial for a long time about my reactions - I just didn't WANT to believe that's what was causing them.....But, have done a few trials since and these beverages, for me, at least, are a definite No-Go!

      Reply
    28. HH says

      December 21, 2013 at 12:22 pm

      I react poorly to many wines, and it's getting worse. Earlier this year I found out many wines either have gluten used to clarify the wine, or gluten paste is used to seal barrels. I emailed many wine producers and supermarkets to ask if they could identify any of their wines that were produced without contact with gluten. Only Waitrose replied, and was able to supply me with a very helpful list. I haven't had problems with any of the wines I have tried from their list.

      Reply
    29. HH says

      December 22, 2013 at 10:06 am

      I can confirm that Harvey's Bristol Cream sherry DOES contain gluten:(

      Reply
    30. Morgan says

      January 18, 2014 at 2:23 am

      After adequate experimentation, I've discovered that Jack, Jim (especially the varietals) and Johnny give me the gluten experience (despite the likely washout of gluten during distillation). However, I was thrilled to find out that Jamison treats me kindly every single time. I miss Jack more than the other men, but I have transitioned to dear Jamison. It seriously takes experimentation, since everyone's body and symptoms are unique. Best of luck to all of you.

      Reply
    31. Pam says

      January 26, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      I am Celiac and allergic to ALL grains( that means corn to), nuts, seeds & legumes as well as sulphites. After 6 years of researching foods and drinks I have found out what I can and can not tolerate...and ANY liquor derived from or or having contained any of my allergens makes me break out in hives with in minutes and gives me what feels like a UTI. I now stick to strictly potato vodka ( Chopin & Monopalowa), I have found only 1 gin made from potato (Monopalowa, they use their potato vodka to infuse), Lairds Aged Apple brandy (7 1/2 & 12 year) & 10 Cane Rum. Lots of alcohols use a "neutral spirit" base which almost always means an allergen for me as potato is not the norm for spirits in most parts of te world. My advise.... When in doubt call the company's customer service number and ask. I can regularly be found standing In a food or liquor store speaking with a rep from the company whose product I am holding. It takes time out of the day but it's better than the "911" alternative. Live-Eat-Drink smart and responsibly my allergic friends! 🙂

      Reply
    32. John says

      February 04, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      My wife is gluten intolerant and has no problem drinking Tito's vodka. It is made in Austin TX from 100% corn and is advertised as "Naturally Gluten-Free"

      Reply
    33. Jean C. says

      February 06, 2014 at 9:06 pm

      Can you tell me if R & R Whiskey is gluten free, as I belive it is made with blended grains. Correct me if I am wrong. Can you tell me what grains they are using. I am gluten intolerant, and don't want to drink something that will make matters worse. Thank You.

      Reply
    34. Jean C. says

      February 08, 2014 at 4:59 am

      can you tell me if the brand name R & R Whiskey is gulten free. Thank you.

      Reply
    35. Gareth says

      February 16, 2014 at 6:38 pm

      Is archers peach schnapps gf?

      Reply
    36. Jgyps says

      April 12, 2014 at 6:31 pm

      I'm pretty sure that if whiskey and vodka makes me break out in a rash like a lepur, they're not gluten free.

      Reply
    37. Maggie says

      April 13, 2014 at 12:20 am

      I *was* excited for an actual gluten free list that was truly allergy friendly. I don't care what the companies say about wheat, barley, malt and rye, I have non-celiac severe wheat allergy and have an instant reaction to whiskey and several others listed above. How about a true serious gluten allergy list for those who must be strict!???

      Reply
      • G-Free Foodie says

        April 21, 2014 at 4:25 pm

        Maggie - a severe wheat allergy is different than Celiac/Gluten Intolerance, as I am sure you're aware. Gluten is left behind in the distillation process, making these spirits Gluten Free, but you could react to more than the gluten protein if you have a wheat allergy. Please consult your doctor for a list specific to you.

        Reply
    38. Vicki says

      April 13, 2014 at 10:28 am

      In addition to Tito's (the vodka made from corn in Austin, TX) which gives me the least reaction, I am OK with wines from the Marlborough region of New Zealand, as they are aged in stainless steel instead of oak barrels, so you don't have to worry about contamination from the paste used to seal the barrels.

      Reply
    39. Joe says

      April 28, 2014 at 5:27 am

      Most whiskey (especially scotch) contains caramel color, which comes from barley and it is added after distillation, therefore contain gluten. I a bourbon is labeled "Straight Bourbon" then it cannot contain any caramel coloring. Hope this helps!

      Reply
      • kate says

        March 17, 2016 at 6:57 am

        I'm sorry but you are incorrect here. The colour of whisky comes purely from the cask it matures in as the spirit is clear as it comes off the stills.

        Reply
    40. Oscar says

      May 26, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      Tequila ? Malbec red wine ?

      Reply
    41. Jeannie says

      July 04, 2014 at 8:02 pm

      Has anyone found a specific brand of peach schnapps that IS gluten free? I have an awesome summer-time drink that I would love to try but won't risk it if there is any possibility of it containing gluten.

      Reply
    42. Liz says

      July 29, 2014 at 11:34 pm

      Can you trust Mike's hard lemonade to be gluten free as they state on their web site? If they remove the gluten from "lite" beverages would the regular be safe if made the same

      Reply
    43. Lauren says

      August 29, 2014 at 5:22 am

      I'm really surprised that no one has mentioned tequila in this discussion. I've been diagnosed as gluten intolerant for seven years and eliminating gluten from my life has made a huge difference in my energy level and metabolism. I stick to the GF vodkas (mentioned above), rums, or TEQUILA! It's a great sipping drink for those that can't tolerate scotch or whiskey anymore. Having lived in Mexico and tried a number of different tequilas, I think that El Jimador is the least expensive brand that is widely available and tasty to mix or sip- I recommend the repososado. And a BIG shout out to Widmer, out of Portland, OR, who have made GF beer, and I mean REAL BEER, available to those of us who can't handle the grains. If you don't know about it, they make traditional beer (not that shite sorghum or corn crap), then take the gluten out of it. Their pale ale is excellent! As far as I know they are the only brewery in the country using this process. Cheers!

      Reply
    44. Sharon says

      October 20, 2014 at 10:28 pm

      I am hoping to give my best friend, who is gluten-intolerant and her daughter is a Celiac, a bottle of Cantons fresh-ginger liqueur for Christmas this year. It says it is made with VSOP cognac and French champagne (both GF), and is flavored with Chinese sugared ginger. I can't find a sight that tells if it is safe, but I hope so because it is delicious! Can you tell me or direct me to a site that can?
      Thanks!

      Reply
    45. Pedro says

      November 25, 2014 at 9:43 pm

      Jägermeister kicked off MY gluto-meter.
      Caveat Emptor!

      Reply
    46. jT says

      February 26, 2015 at 5:11 pm

      For those looking for a bourbon that does not contain ANY gluten grains, Wild Turkey is the the way to go. I've been told that it's corn based.

      Tequila is honestly your safest bet. However, you must make sure the label says 100% Agave. Cuervo Gold and Silver does not fit that requirement. The Nice thing about tequila shopping is that the manufacturers CLEARLY label the bottle when the contents are 100% agave. You tend to pay a premium, but the selection these days is so broad, that you can consistently find bottles under $20. el Jimador, Hornitos, and Cuervo Tradicional (100% agave) are my go to's.

      Something to consider: drink clear, silver, plata, etc. Tequilas. If your tequila has been aged, it's been done in a barrel. If you're worried about cross contamination from barrels, then the clear stuff is the way to go. Zero impurities!

      Reply
    47. Emily says

      April 08, 2015 at 12:22 am

      Just called Costco customer service and they verified that Kirkland American Vodka is gluten-free. Yippppeeee!!!

      Reply
    48. Brenda says

      June 08, 2015 at 4:24 pm

      trying to find out if Leroux apricot brandy is gluten free. Thanks for any help you can provide.

      Reply
    49. Alyssa Smalling says

      October 21, 2015 at 8:22 am

      There are definitely a variety of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great level to carry up. I supply the thoughts above as common inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you convey up where crucial thing will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, but I'm certain that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Each girls and boys really feel the impression of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

      Reply
    50. Jacquie says

      June 29, 2016 at 5:55 pm

      Is Ricard Pastis gluten free?

      Reply
      • K.C. Pomering says

        July 12, 2016 at 7:13 pm

        you'll need to contact Ricard directly to find out - we're not sure!

        Reply
    51. Pam Curtis says

      July 21, 2016 at 4:59 pm

      My husband just found out he has to do gluten free so I was just wondering if Newport Gin or Newport Vodka is gluten free I can't seem to find it anywhere. Also what about Barton's Gin or Vodka. Thank you!

      Reply
      • K.C. Cornwell says

        August 03, 2016 at 3:49 pm

        Pam - gin is gluten-free. Plain vodka is also gluten-free, but may be made from gluten containing grains, which some doctors want their clients to stay off of at the beginning of a GF diet, so he should speak with his physician and/or find out what grains the vodka is crafted from. Here's a link to a list of some popular vodkas and what they are made from: https://gfreefoodie.com/2010/09/21/the-great-gluten-free-vodka-debate-the-answers-please/

        Reply

    Let Us Know What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sign up for our Newsletter & live deliciously G-Free

    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

    Featured Recipes

    how to cook duck breast: perfectly cooked duck breast on salad

    How To Cook Duck Breast: Tea Brined Duck Breast

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale | Easter Dove Bread

    White Chocolate Rocky Road colorful

    White Chocolate Rocky Road | Gorgeous + Easy Treat!

    Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce recipe

    How to Cook Lamb Chops in The Oven: Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce

    SHOP GLUTEN FREE FAVES

    Popular Categories

    • Appetizers + Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Dining Tips
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick + Easy
    • Salads + Dressings
    • Soups
    • Tips + Tricks

    Footer

    People

    • About Us
    • K.C. Cornwell
    • G-Free Foodie Gluten Free Advocates + Experts

    Business

    • Partnerships
    • Contact
    • Gluten Free Consulting Services
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Links & Cool Stuff

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    G-Free Foodie © 2023 · All Rights Reserved