Which Alcoholic Drinks Are Gluten‑Free?

Key Takeaways

• Distilled spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, most whiskies) are naturally gluten‑free.
• Beer is usually gluten‑rich, but certified gluten‑free brews made from sorghum, rice, millet or corn are safe.
• Wine, cider and mead are generally gluten‑free unless flavored with barley‑based additives.
• Always check the label for "gluten‑free" certification or contact the producer for clarification.
• Cross‑contamination can happen in shared bottling lines; look for dedicated facilities if you have celiac disease.

What Makes a Drink Gluten‑Free?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale. When a beverage is brewed or fermented using any of those grains, gluten can stay in the final product. However, the process matters. Distillation is a method that separates alcohol from the mash by heating it, leaving most proteins, including gluten, behind. That’s why most spirits are safe even if they start from a grain‑based mash.

Fermented drinks that aren’t distilled - such as beer, wine and cider - keep more of the original ingredients, so you need to look at the base grains and any flavor additives. If a drink uses only gluten‑free grains (like sorghum or rice) or no grains at all, it will be gluten‑free.

Gluten in Common Alcohol Categories

Beer

Beer is a fermented beverage typically made from barley, wheat or rye. Those grains contain gluten, so traditional lagers, ales and stouts are off‑limits for anyone avoiding gluten. The good news is that an increasing number of breweries produce certified gluten‑free beers using sorghum, millet, rice or corn. Look for the official gluten‑free logo on the bottle - that means the product contains less than 20ppm of gluten, the threshold set by many health agencies.

If a beer is labeled “gluten‑removed” or “crafted to reduce gluten,” it has been treated with an enzyme that breaks down gluten proteins. The safety of those beers for celiac patients is still debated, so if you’re highly sensitive, stick to certified gluten‑free options.

Wine

Wine is a fermented drink made from grapes. Grapes contain no gluten, so plain red, white or rosé wine is naturally gluten‑free. Problems arise only when winemakers add flavorings, fining agents or barrel‑aging chips that contain barley‑based malt extracts. Most major wine producers use gluten‑free fining agents (like bentonite), but it never hurts to double‑check the label or ask the retailer.

Spirits

All spirits are distilled alcoholic beverages such as vodka, gin, rum, tequila and whiskey. Because distillation removes proteins, the base grain (whether barley, corn or potatoes) isn’t an issue for most people with gluten intolerance.

There are a few caveats:

• Whiskey: Traditional Scotch and bourbon start from barley or rye, but the distillation process makes the final spirit gluten‑free. However, flavored whiskeys can contain caramel or malt extracts that re‑introduce gluten. Choose unflavored or certified gluten‑free flavored varieties.
• Flavored vodkas and gins: Some brand‑specific flavor blends use barley‑based malt flavorings. If the label doesn’t say gluten‑free, call the manufacturer.

In practice, most straight‑up vodkas, gins, rums and tequilas are safe. Brands that market themselves as “gluten‑free” often use potatoes, grapes or sugarcane as the base, which further removes any doubt.

Cider & Mead

Cider is a fermented drink made from apples or pears. Apples contain no gluten, so standard hard cider is gluten‑free. Flavored ciders that add barley‑based malt extracts can become risky, so check the ingredient list.

Mead, made from honey, follows the same rule - pure honey‑based mead is gluten‑free, but spiced versions may include barley malt for body.

Quick Comparison Table

How to Spot Gluten‑Free Labels

Most manufacturers now use a standardized gluten‑free symbol that looks like a wheat stalk crossed out. If you see that icon, the product contains less than 20ppm of gluten - safe for most celiac patients.

When the symbol isn’t there, read the ingredient list. Look for words like "barley malt," "wheat starch," "rye flour," or "gluten‑derived flavoring." Even words such as "brewing yeast" can hint at a grain‑based process, but they’re not a guarantee of gluten.

If you’re still unsure, a quick call to the brand’s consumer service line usually clears things up. Many large producers have dedicated gluten FAQs on their websites.

Cross‑Contamination Concerns

Even a gluten‑free label can’t protect you from cross‑contamination if the bottling line also handles regular beer or flavored spirits. Dedicated facilities are the gold standard for the most sensitive individuals.

Some brands explicitly state “produced in a dedicated gluten‑free facility” on the back of the bottle. If you have celiac disease, prioritize those products.

Safe Brand Picks (2025)

Below is a short list of brands that consistently earn gluten‑free certification across different drink types. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a solid starting point.

• Gluten‑Free Beer: Omission (sorghum), Ghostfish Brewing (brown rice), Stone Delicious IPA (sorghum‑based).
• Wine: Most wines from Bonterra, Kim Crawford, and Cloudy Bay have no added gluten.
• Vodka: Tito’s Handmade (corn), Grey Goose (wheat but distilled), Crystal Head (potato).
• Gin: Hendrick’s (distilled), Bombay Sapphire (distilled).
• Rum: Bacardi (sugarcane), Mount Gay (sugarcane).
• Tequila: Patrón, Don Julio (both 100% agave).
• Whiskey: Jameson (distilled), Jack Daniel’s (distilled, unflavored).
• Cider: Strongbow (pure apple), Angry Orchard (pure apple).

Quick Checklist Before You Order

• Is there a gluten‑free symbol on the label?
• Does the ingredient list mention barley, wheat, rye, or malt?
• Is the product distilled (spirits) or brewed (beer, cider)?
• Does the brand state “produced in a dedicated gluten‑free facility”?
• If still unsure, call customer service for a definitive answer.