When I was first diagnosed with my gluten allergy, I truly had no idea how life changing it would be. As I started my journey on the gluten free lifestyle it became obvious to me that not only would I need to be changing the foods I was eating, but the alcohol I was drinking. I knew right away that beer would be full of gluten, but I leaned that there were many other liquors that contained gluten. Many liquors start off being made with grains and then through the distillation process the gluten is removed. While that could be safe for someone that has a sensitivity to gluten, for me, having a severe allergy that required and EPI pen, that was not an option for me. I began researching what would be safe for me to have while out and how to stock my home bar in order to keep myself safe.
I love to entertain
Entertaining is something I absolutely love. And with that typically comes some sort of fun cocktail to start the night out. Having a well-stocked bar makes it easy when you have a get together, especially a last minute dinner party or Saturday barbecue.
When stocking your gluten free bar it is important to know which liquors are gluten free. With that being said, some liquors will say they are gluten free, but they have had the “gluten” removed from them. I need to make sure that all of the liquor I consume is naturally gluten free. That has taken some time over the years to know what is safe for me to have and what is not. It even can depend on the actual brand of liquor as to what it was made from. So, if you are ever in doubt, check with the website of the brand you are thinking about and when in doubt, stick with wine, Prosecco, or tequila when you are out.
Wine, Champagne, and Prosecco is gluten free and is a great option to keep on hand. Think about having a variety of them, including red wine, white wine, and a bubbly on hand. I also happen to love rose’ and like to serve this especially in the warmer months (which can be almost year- round here in SW Florida). For stocking wine at home, I like to have wines that are not full of added sugar and do not contain added ingredients. Two of my favorite brands are Avaline and Kind of Wild. Avaline wine was founded by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power and is made with organic grapes that are free from any synthetic pesticides, have no added sugar, color, or concentrates. I like the Avaline White, Rose’. I am not a big red wine drinker but I do like to keep the Avaline Red on hand for cooking and if I am going to have a glass of red, I do enjoy this one. You can order Avaline wine online or check online to see what stores near you carry this brand. Kind of Wild wines was co-founded by Katie Lee Biegel, who happens to be one of my favorite tv culinary personalities. Kind of Wild wines is a zero added sugar wine that is certified organic, has no harmful additives, and is sustainable to our planet. I love the Syrah-Grenache Rose’, Sauvignon Blanc, Gruner Veltliner (a delicious white wine that is light and so flavorful), and Brut Nature Sparkling. Check them out online to order or check to see what stores in your area carry this brand.
Wine is easy and goes with any type of meal you plan on serving. So, stock up on your favorites and sit back and enjoy a glass.
Tequila is made from the agave plant and is naturally gluten free. Choosing a silver tequila or a reposado tequila is a safe bet and one that I know I can trust, whether I am stocking my at home bar or when I go out. Tequila is perfect to make a tequila soda with lime, a Paloma cocktail with grapefruit juice, lime, and sparkling water, and of course a margarita. You really cannot go wrong with tequila for your home bar. All tequilas are safe and there are so many options that you can buy. I mostly drink blanco tequila and tend to like Casamigos, Espolon, (I like the Espolon Blanco), and the Costco Tequila Blanco, which is great for the price.
Gin is typically considered gluten free due to the distillation process, which removes the gluten from the grain- based alcohol. With that being said, I prefer to look for gin that has been made with non-grain bases like grapes and potatoes. Cross contamination is always something to be on the lookout for, so I really try to research specific brands and use ones that say they are gluten free. Two of my favorite brands of gin are Hendricks and Prairie Organic Gin. Hendricks gin is made from roses, cucumbers, 11 botanicals including juniper, as well as coriander, lemon, orange, angelic, orris root, cubeb berries, caraway seeds, chamomile, elderflower, and yarrow berries. Although it may not state on the bottle that it is gluten free, the Hendricks website dies state that their gins are in fact gluten free. Prairie Organic Gin is made from corn, juniper, coriander, Angelica root, lemon and lemon peel, lavender, cassia, mint, and sage. Prairie Organic not only has gluten free gin, but also gluten free vodka and both the gin and vodka offer some fun seasonal flavors.
Vodka can be made from grains so it is important to know which brands are grain free. There are two vodka brands that I personally like, both being from Austin, Texas. But, I will say I am 100% a Tito’s girl and feel comfortable drinking this knowing that it is made from 100% corn and is certified gluten free. I have yet to find a restaurant or bar that does not serve it, making it a go to when I am out and want a vodka soda with lime. Another great vodka is by Deep Eddy. They have not only a regular vodka, but they have quite a few flavored vodkas that also are gluten free and really good. Deep Eddy Vodka is also made from 100% corn and is a safe option for your home bar or a night out.
Aperol is a bittersweet orange liqueur that was created in Italy in 1919. It has a bright orange color and is a must have in any home bar. Making an Aperol Spritz is one of my absolute go to cocktails, especially in the summer. It is light and refreshing and I always have Prosecco and soda water on hand to make this drink. Although there are many orange liqueurs that you can use, I personally think the Aperol brand has the best flavor.
St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur is a French liqueur that is made with up to 1000 fresh elderflowers that are picked in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom. The fresh elderflowers give this liqueur a sweetness with hints of pear and honeysuckle, making it so versatile. Think Hugo Spritz (a personal favorite of mine) which is St. Germain, Prosecco, sparkling water, and a mint sprig. This even makes a great gin cocktail with a dash of St. Germain. There are other brands of elderflower liqueur on the market, but I know that St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur is gluten free and is very common to be able to find out at restaurants and bars, making this a go to for me.
Rum is usually distilled from sugarcane molasses, making this a great gluten free option. Some flavored rums can contain gluten, so it is important to stick with plain rum in order to know that it is safe for you to consume or to do some research and check websites to see if they list the flavored rum as gluten free. I am not a huge rum drinker; however, I remember being at my local Total Wine one day and there was a sampling of a coconut rum. I told them I was not sure I could have it, and they said it was gluten free. Of course I not only tried it, but bought a bottle and have been a customer ever since. I like to have this with some pineapple juice, sparkling water, and a sprig of mint. Perfect summer cocktail in the pool. I also loved that they were a women owned company and Nauti Beach Rum is made in Florida.
While only wine, Prosecco, and tequila are considered to be paleo, this list makes it easier for any of you who need to follow a gluten free diet.
I like to keep some of these things on hand when making cocktails at home and for entertaining. Sparkling water, either plain or lemon lime, fresh lemons and limes, mint from my garden, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, dried fruit slices, cocktail stirrers, glass straws, fun cocktail glasses, a set of plastic wine glasses and cocktail glasses to use around the pool, and cocktail napkins. All of these will elevate your next get together or that night in when you want to have a fun drink. Cheers!
From my kitchen to yours!
xo, Kristin
