When adjusting to a gluten-free diet, it can feel like everything is suddenly off-limits, including your favorite cocktails! Fortunately, there are tons of options. Consider these recipes a jumping-off point.
1Wine
There are many wines that people with gluten sensitivity can enjoy without symptoms, especially varieties aged in stainless steel casks. You could stick to a glass of red, white or rose, but why not try this pretty spritzer instead?
Ingredients:
2 oz rose wine
1 oz St. Germain elderflower liquer
Dash of bitters
Club soda or seltzer
Ice
Directions:
Pour wine, St. Germain, and bitters into a glass, over ice. Top with club soda and stir.
2Champagne
Like wine, many champagnes and sparkling wines are safe for those on a gluten-free diet to consume. This classic Kir Royale will make you feel like you’re at a sidewalk café in Paris.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Crème de Cassis or Chambord
4-6 oz Champagne
Directions:
Pour Crème de Cassis into a champagne flute.
Top with Champagne.
3Beer
Gluten-free beers can be used to create a refreshing Shandy—perfect for summer afternoons!
Ingredients:
8 oz gluten-free beer
8 oz lemonade
Directions:
Pour lemonade over beer in a pint glass.
4Vodka
Gluten-free vodka (try Chopin or Ciroc) can be used in countless cocktail recipes. This lemony refresher is perfect for your next summer party.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon sugar or simple syrup
Directions:
Shake vodka, lemon juice, and sugar together. Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon slice.
5Whiskey
Gluten-free whiskey (try Queen Jennie) allows you to enjoy classic concoctions without worry. This Mint Julep recipe hits all the right notes on a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon sugar
4-5 mint leaves (or more)
ice
2 oz gluten-free whiskey
Directions:
Mix together water and sugar in a glass until sugar is dissolved. Add mint and muddle with a wooden spoon (or muddler, if you have one). Add ice and whiskey. Stir well.
6Rum
Most brands of rum are gluten-free and absolutely perfect for concocting a Dark & Stormy—just make sure your ginger beer is gluten-free (most are, but never hurts to double-check).
Ingredients:
2 oz dark rum
6 oz ginger-beer
Lime wedge
Directions:
Pour rum over ice and top with ginger beer. Squeeze in the lime wedge.
7Gin
Though often grain-based, gin is generally considered gluten-free because it’s distilled. Some brands may be better tolerated by those with gluten sensitivity than others, though, so seek out one made from a non-grain source like potatoes or grapes. Maine Distillery’s Cold River Gin and G-Vine’s gins are suitable options.
This classic Negroni is a refreshing option for those who prefer bitter to sweet when it comes to cocktails.
Ingredients:
1 oz Campari
2 oz gin
1 oz sweet vermouth
Juice of ½ an orange
Directions:
Shake all ingredients together in a shaker. Pour over ice. Garnish with an orange wedge.
8Tequila
Most tequilas are naturally gluten-free. Though you could mix up a margarita, this super-simple drink is a less-sweet sipper.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila
Juice of 1 lime
Club soda or seltzer
Directions:
Mix tequila and lime juice. Pour over ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
