<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Thanks to all 27 who responded to my request for guidance on what alcoholic beverages are safe for celiacs to drink. All responses were polite and helpful.

 

The major theme that ran through 12 responses was the assurance that distilled alcohol products that have no additional flavorings or additives are GF.  Four (4) other responses reflected skepticism of this, based on experience or belief.   

 

3 recommended the alcoholic beverages list at this site: http://celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=11&p_catid=&sid=84X6ej0-y7lK8I5-45104001984.ff   The list of okay drinks includes the statement that "Most celiacs will not have problems with certain distilled alcohols or vinegars, regardless of their source".

 

1 recommended: http://forums.delphiforums.com/celiac but advised that it may require membership for a fee to view the list of acceptable alcoholic drinks.

 

12 said alcohol becomes GF when distilled, "gluten peptide molecules are too large to pass through the distillation process".  Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University was cited as a source by 1.  Cautions:  "avoid flavored drinks where an ingredient is added after the distillation", "I would avoid flavored alcohols, such as rums, vodkas, etc.  (especially those with Malt flavorings added).  Some of the 'dark' alcohols, as some dark rums, contain caramel coloring and need to be checked." "Yes, rum and tequila are safe, but I've heard you should stick with the clear ones to avoid additives."

 

Excellent advice was offered regarding knowing names of brands with no additives.  "It would be good to explore your local liquor store so you can request a brand of alcohol in your drink that you feel safe with.  Waiters balk when you ask for a 'clear' tequila, for example."

 

1 quoted a nutritionist at a national celiac conference. "The bad news is you have Celiac. The good news is that you can drink. Go ahead and have your scotch and bourbon, gin and vodka. Any distilled alcohol is safe."  Smile.

 

Among the "distillation eliminates gluten peptides" responses, the following beverages were recommended as safe (specific brands recommended by responders are listed in parens): 

-bourbon (Jack Daniels Bourbon and Makers Mark-2), 

-scotch (Glenlivet and Famous Grouse Scotch), 

-straight rum (light not dark), (Captain Morgan-2), 

-gin (Tangueray), 

-vodka (Skyy Vodka, Chopin, Luksosawa-2, Grey Goose-2, Smirnoff-2 -lots of flavors), 

-tequila (light not dark) Jose Cuervo-2,

-fortified wines such as brandy, port, sherry. 

 

Various liqueurs -recommended as safe 

-Kahlua  2

-Cognac and Grand Marnier (made from wine) 2

-Amaretto 2

-Contreau, Frangelica, Creme de Menthe

-Blue or Orange Curacao




Major Caution!!!  Beer (including beer made from rice) is NOT SAFE (it is fermented not distilled and is made from grain and may have malt flavoring added back in).  "Note that fermentation, for example beer, does *not* change the molecular structure of gluten sufficiently to make it safe for us to drink".

 

4 cautioned that mixers and pre-made mixes might contain gluten-"get to know your bartender" & "whether drinks are made from scratch or from (potentially dangerous) mixes" 

 

2 cautioned that malt beverages (such as Mike's Hard Lemonade) and malt liquors are not safe

 

4 (including 1 who describes herself as MD, PhD) did not believe/accept or were unfamiliar with "distillation =GF" and were selective about types of alcohol and brands they trust.  They recommended use of alcohol made from non-grain products (sugar cane, corn, fruit, potatoes, blue agave). The celiac.com list identifies these beverages as "for those who avoid all products made from gluten-containing grains":

 

Specific suggestions from those who are skeptical that "distillation of grain results in GF".

1 Tito's vodka http://www.titos-vodka.com/, (from corn).

1 Blue Ice vodka (from potatoes)

2 Luksusowa Vodka 

 

11 made no mention of the "distillation" issue but provided lists or web sites to check, specific drinks, and encouragement.  One provided an extensive list of  "GF Smirnoff beverages available at 800 767-3123".

 

"Wisconsin is a big brandy state and the liquor stores all have store brands of mixing brandies, as opposed to expensive sipping brandies.  Brandy Manhattans are usual fare here, as is a Brandy Old Fashioned mixed with sweet (7-up) or sour (50/50) soda."

 

"I was fine with Kahlua and vodka  (Black Russian)"

 

"Blue Ice Vodka with pink grapefruit juice or tonic water w/lime".

 

"I believe Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix is fine, or you can make your own with triple sec (GF - from fruit, I think), fruit juice, sour mix, etc.  A fairly tasty and low-cal margarita can be had by mixing tequila with a bit of triple sec and Crystal Light lemon-lime sugar-free drink mix (no calories) and lots of ice."

 

"Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka with 7-Up and a splash of Cranberry Juice & ice"

 

Thanks to all who made the effort to share their knowledge and experience. It was enlightening.  Despite the information in this summary, we will all have to make our own decisions about what to consume based on our own research, body chemistry and condition.

 

Kathy

* Please include your location in all posts about products *