The gluten free lifestyle has become increasingly common in Australia, driven by the growing awareness and prevalence of medical conditions that require a strict gluten free diet. As a result, the gluten free alcohol market has expanded significantly, offering a variety of choices for those of us who need to avoid gluten.
Here’s an overview of the current gluten free alcohol landscape, plus answers to some frequently asked questions and shoutouts to my favourite brands.
Is rum gluten free?
Straight rum is safe for us as it’s made from sugarcane or molasses – both of which are naturally gluten free. However, it’s important to be cautious with flavoured rums, since some additives or flavourings contain gluten. Try Archie Rose Distilling Co – they use local ingredients for their white and dark rums.
Is vodka gluten free?
It may surprise you to learn that pure vodka – even ones made from wheat, barley or rye, which are grains on the no-go list for those avoiding gluten – are gluten free. This is because the distillation process removes the gluten protein, making it safe for us to drink. (This is the only time you can believe someone who tells you the preparation process eliminates gluten. If anyone tells you deep-frying food at high temperatures gets rid of gluten, they are lying!) My faves are Grey Goose (especially when they come out with special bottles, like the limited-edition Northern Lights one) and Mother of Pearl (a hugely sustainable brand that makes its vodka from Aussie pinot gris grapes!).
Is wine gluten free?
Most wines are naturally gluten free as they’re usually made from grapes. The bigger element you’ll want to take note of, especially if you’re lactose-intolerant or vegan, is that milk and its byproducts are often used as fining agents in white varieties. It’s hard to recommend wines, as they’re so personal to your own palate, but I adore the Castelli Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (it was served to me at a fine-dining restaurant in Sydney recently and couldn’t get enough!) and the Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio from Australia’s oldest family-owned winery.
Is beer gluten free?
Only if it is labelled gluten free and doesn’t contain barley, rye, oats or wheat! My fridge is always stocked with Hahn SuperDry GF, and I’ve heard great things about the O’Brien brand (though I’ve never tasted it myself).
I do want to delve in to a side issue here, though… There are a heap of breweries popping up; there are five within a 20km radius of where I live! I want you to be careful when you visit them, because even if you’re told a beverage (a cider, for example) is gluten free by ingredient, it may be brewed in the same tanks as gluten-containing drinks – it pays to check.
Not all hope is lost, though! If you’re ever in Melbourne (and, let’s be honest, any excuse will do!), head to TWØBAYS Brewing Co. It’s a dedicated gluten free brewery and taproom on the Mornington Peninsula. All the beers are brewed using millet, buckwheat and rice (all naturally gluten free), and only gluten free pizzas are served to accompany them!
Is tequila gluten free?
Yes, if it’s pure and made with the blue agave plant. I’m a big ol’ snob when it comes to tequila, which works in my favour here, as the top-shelf bottles are generally safe to drink. My absolute favourite is Tromba Tequila Blanco, which I was first introduced to when I was gifted a Saltist pack (those Himalayan shot glasses are the BEST!). The Patrón range is also really smooth, and I love the little bee logo.
Is whisky gluten free?
Whisky is similar to vodka in the way that the distillation process removes the gluten protein, which means it’s safe for us to drink in its pure form. I can never go past Johnnie Walker Black Label on the rocks (over ice).
Frequently asked questions about other gluten free alcohol options
Are any ready-to-drink beverages gluten free?
Great question, as many of them do contain flavourings or additives that contain gluten. I love Manly Spirits Co’s Pink Gin & Tonic and Gravity Drinks Co’s Lemoncello and Hard Seltzer range. Always check the label, though – you can never be too careful.
Are gluten-reduced beers safe for a gluten free diet?
For those who don’t know, gluten-reduced beers are those that are brewed using barley and wheat malt but have an enzyme added during the fermentation phase that breaks down the gluten protein. Unless the beer has been tested to show there is no detectable gluten, I’d steer clear. And besides, why would we bother with gluten-reduced beer when great gluten free beer is available?!
Is non-alcoholic gluten free beer available in Australia?
I don’t really see the point in non-alcoholic beer – all bloat and no buzz? I haven’t tried any, but I do know that Queensland-based Sobah makes a non-alcoholic gluten free ale; I believe that’s the only one available in Australia.
Is Corona gluten free?
No. This misconception came about because Corona apparently contains 20 parts per million (ppm) or less of gluten – that is the US threshold for whether something can be labelled gluten free. Ultimately, whatever country you’re in, Corona still contains barley malt, which is not gluten free.
Are there any cocktails that are guaranteed to be gluten free?
I wish I had a simple answer for this, but unfortunately there’s not. Cocktails are full of fun additions that may not be gluten free, like flavoured syrups, but I do have some advice for you.
If it’s quiet, ask the bar staff if you can read the ingredient labels for anything in the cocktail that you’re unsure about.
Alternatively, if you’re out and about on a busy night, instead of ordering from the cocktail menu, take a glimpse of the fridge behind the bar staff and suss out if your fave gluten free ready-to-drink is there.
If you spot a new one, you’d like to try, just ask if you can read the label first. Yes, you will feel like a burden, but have confidence – you are a customer who has the potential to bring a lot of business their way.
If they roll their eyes or make a big fuss, tell them to forget about it and move to the next bar – there are plenty around! (I always order first, before my mates, just in case this happens.) If they approach the situation with respect and understanding, add the place to your list of regulars and consider hosting your next shindig there.
My final advice…
Before consuming anything while out and about, consider using GluteGuard. It helps offer protection from of accidental gluten ingestion*, providing peace of mind in situations, for example, where cross-contamination, hidden gluten in ingredients like flavourings, and misread labels might be a concern.
If you’re at a restaurant, ask to read the drink label. If you’re at a liquor store, read the label before purchasing anything; make sure you’ve got enough battery to google anything you’re unsure about. Bottom line: Please always check the label of anything you’re about to ingest, even if you’ve been drinking something for years – you never know when things can change.
Cheers to a safe, enjoyable and responsible gluten free drinking experience!
*GluteGuard helps protect those with medically diagnosed gluten sensitivities from the symptoms of accidental gluten ingestion. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. For use only in conjunction with a gluten free diet.
