Gin certainly brings out a contemplative side in us. And if it does you, too, have you ever found yourself staring into the bottom of your Copa, wondering if gin is gluten-free?
For many, it’s more than just alcohol-infused contemplation that has them asking the question. Sufferers of gluten intolerance or those living with coeliac disease need to be scrupulous about what they’re consuming, and that goes beyond the usual concerns about barley, bread and beer.
Today, we’re considering the UK’s favourite drink (sorry tea) and whether or not it is suitable for those with a gluten intolerance or those living with coeliac disease. Is gin gluten free? Let’s find out…
SO, IS GIN GLUTEN FREE?
Well, it’s a little more complicated than a simple yes or no answer, and is the source of keen debate in the immunology and nutrition communities. Though gin is typically distilled with juniper berries, which are not a grain and therefore do not contain gluten, many brands of gin are made using barley or wheat ingredients in the distillation process.
Though the gluten protein is removed during this process, for some with particularly strong sensitivities to gluten, a danger of adverse reaction remains.
Technically (and this is a debate that continues today) gin is generally considered gluten free because of the distillation process. But if you’re highly sensitive to gluten, it’s best to avoid standard gin brands in favour of something explicitly gluten free, derived from sources like grapes, corn or potatoes instead of wheat, rye or barley.
GLUTEN-FREE GIN OPTIONS
There are several brands of 100% gluten-free gin out there on the market. The guys at Gluten Free Horizons recommend the following 9 gluten free gins to try in 2021:
- Larios Rose
- Whitley Neil
- Hendrick’s
- Manchester Gin
- Liverpool Gin
- Tanqueray Rangpur
- The Infusionist Passionfruit Gin Liqueur
- Seedlip Grove 42 (zero alcohol)
- Ceder’s Wild Alt-Gin (zero alcohol)
It should be noted that tonic water should also be gluten free, though, surprisingly, it isn’t always vegan.
Read: 5 boozy, end of summer vegan cocktails to try today
It’s a minefield indeed, and if you’re hosting a large event where alcohol is going to be served, it’s something you’re going to have to get your head around to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your guests. Alternatively, consider hiring a mixologist for your party or event, as they will be trained in allergies and intolerances.
WHAT ALCOHOLIC DRINKS ARE NOT GLUTEN FREE?
It’s recommended that those who are gluten intolerant or living with coeliac disease avoid beer, ale, stout and any other malted beverages, as well as sake and rice wine, and dessert wines. That said, gluten free versions of these drinks are available.
Always read the label scrupulously and if in doubt, only consume products that are explicitly, overtly 100% gluten free.
JUNIPER BERRY ALLERGIES
When consuming gin, it’s also important to consider the possibility of an allergy to juniper berries, too, should you suffer a reaction after drinking the spirit. People who are allergic to juniper berries may show symptoms of sneezing, a rash, coughing and wheezing.
SERVING GLUTEN FREE DRINKS AS A BARTENDER OR MIXOLOGIST
As we’ve mentioned, there are some liquors made with ingredients that contain gluten. As a bartender or mixologist, it’s best to be well informed of the ingredients of every single drink you have in stock, making the presence of allergens clear on any menu.
*Any information on the gluten content of particular brands shared above was obtained during the last update of this page. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the latest info or if you have any questions.*