Wikipedia has the following advice, which works for me: 'Almost all beers are brewed with barley (and sometimes wheat), and hence are unsafe for the gluten-avoider to drink. Sorghum and buckwheat based beers are available, but remain very much a specialty product. Most specialists now consider all distilled forms of alcohol safe to drink, provided no colourings or other additives have been added, as they might include gluten ingredients. Wine, sherry, port, cider, rum, tequila, bourbon and vermouth are all probably safe. Liqueurs and pre-mixed drinks should be examined carefully for gluten-derived ingredients. Some gluten free beers are available.' Nothing here would forbid vodka or rum - but proceed with caution, of course.

I used to be able to tolerate alcohol, but now within 24 hours after drinking it, I throw up. I never used to do that. Its awful. My body is completely unable to digest it.

Many vodkas, except for 100% potato vodka may be cut with grain - your small intestine might not like that too much:-( Chopin Vodka seems to be the best one.

I like Redbridge very much reminds me of Bud Light

I just tried K Draft Cider the other day and I found it quite good, it has a taste that slightly [at least to me] resembles that of beer, of course it's not the same as beer, but it is definitely worth trying, it has a higher alcohol content though, even my husband liked it.

Hey, I was having the same problem, I am 23 and very much like to have a drink now and then, I have found that Bacardi (rum) and diet coke, don't affect the gluten free people!

I'm not a full blow Celiac but am allergic to Wheat Gluten. I am able to drink Miller Lite and Corona Lite and it doesn't bother me. Wines make me itch. Tequila made from cactus is good. The thing to remember is that it's not what they process out of the booze, but what they add back in.

My clinic specializes in treating patients with gluten intolerance and celiac. Distilled alcohols do not contain gluten. Beer is not distilled and therefore not okay unless it's one of the newer gluten-free varieties that recently came on the market. The fact that some celiacs don't respond well to certain liquors has more to do with alcohol itself, perhaps their liver function or the presence of infection in their small intestines. But it isn't due to the presence of gluten regardless of whether the alcohol is made from a grain.

Hope this helps.

I just found out today that I'm a Celiac and enjoy my Vodka martini's what are the best ones? I'm willing to make the changes in my diet to be healthier but giving up martini's will have to wait.

I was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, I hate not being able to eat out, especially when I have a date.
Why does it have to be so hard, can't drink, can't eat like a normal individual, it's too embarrassing, I feel like going back to gluten.
Help please!

To all: I am a new comer to the gluten-free world. I have always had an active social life and I do like my booze. I am sad and depressed that I can no longer go out and enjoy my 'old life'. I am scared to death to go out to eat. I have been gluten-free for less than a month, and it's an adjustment that's not an easy one. I thought it would be simple, and I continue to stay optimistic, but this weekend it hit me hard when I went to a housewarming party for a friend, and realized that there was nothing I could eat or drink there!!! It kinda sucked and I felt alienated being there. I guess it's something I have to deal with. I had Malibu Rum and Coke Friday night and got an excruciating migrane, so I guess that one's out too! For me it's trial and error with the booze, but I'm about to call it quits all together. I am feeling better, and well, if that means i have to stop drinking, well, I guess I will be the sober one! Yeah it sucks, but what other option do I have...HELP!!!!

I have had a gluten intolerance for over 2 years and have never heard that I could not drink any type of liquor. I had read if it is distilled it's fine. then today I went to the liquor store and began talking to an employee who has a friend with celiac only for her to tell me I can't have vodka (unless its potato)...I'm really confused and cannot give up my drinks (my faves are vodka and whiskey).

I have been a celiac for 1 1/2 years, and have dermatitis herpetiformis. It really does suck at first but it does get better. There are a lot of foods out there you can eat. Outback Steakhouse has a gluten free menu so you don't have to be embarrassed when you go out on a date. I really enjoy Malibu and coke. If I am out with some friends I do trial and error. Hopefully this helps. It really helps to just to find somebody that will listen to you for a couple of months complain. Because to you this is a life changing disease. Good luck

I was diagnosed as celiac as a kid. I went gluten free for 1year and it greatly improved my health. I am now 33 years old and I try not eat bread, pizza, etc. but drink a lot of beer, etc. Recently I gave up alcohol because once I start I can't stop and blackout. My folks say I'm an alcoholic but I don't need to drink every day and wonder could gluten be a factor??

I am an undiagnosed celiac with years of symptoms similar to the disease. I started drinking beer when age permitted and got diagnosed with depression. At age 33 a stressful work environment caused stress which led to drinking beer and I had symptoms the same as before like severe depression, fatigue, rash and pains. I haven't drunk since I was a young adult, but I still noticed that an occasional beer left me with unreasonable hangover that lasted for days. I went on cruise with colleagues and friends and had free drinks, of course I drank beer and got really sick. I thought I got motion sickness, but the effects lasted for one month or so. When I drank margaritas and Grand Marnier I felt fine. I am looking for what test to get for celiac disease.

I have had health problems for many years, but the past year has been worse. I have chronically low magnesium levels to the point where I have to go to the hospital everyday and get IV magnesium replacements. My body isn't retaining at all. My doctor thinks I have celiac disease so I started the gluten free diet 2 1/2 months ago but there hasn't been any change in my magnesium levels. My doctor thinks it will take 6 months for my intestines to heal so I can start absorbing nutrients. I was tested for sprue which came back negative but I had genetic testing done that says I have the celiac gene pairs----DQ alpha 1 and DQ beta 1. I am getting 9 grams of magnesium by IV everyday and my blood levels are still low. Has anyone out there heard of such a thing or have the same problem with absorbing magnesium that I do? Help!

Thanks for all the info on alcohol and celiac. It was very informative.
I love beer and wine but the beer leaves me so sick the day after I can't drink it to any excess anymore but just a little wine is going to have to be my choice now. I am 51 and had celiac since I was 2. Thank you again!

Knowing your body and being able to find a cure is the biggest blessing I could have received. Yes I do get frustrated that I can't eat everything, however I am in more control of my feelings, emotions, and health. No longer am I worried that I will get sick and my evening with be ruined. No longer am I afraid that I will go on vacation and be forced to stay in my room. I do not have full celiac disease but have an intolerance to wheat. When ingested I feel very tired, have digestive issues, and yes get VERY depressed and moody. I knew life didn't have to be like this, so I am overjoyed that with the support of family and friends I not only see that light at the end of the tunnel, but I feel the warmth of the light on my face, and I have so much more peace.


For those who are wondering if you should get diagnosed, I think you already have your answer. You are your greatest advocate and doctor. I would suggest practicing an elimination diet and keeping a food journal. Many (like myself) may receive a false negative from the doctor. You know your body the best so trust your instinct and gut (literally and figuratively).


I hope I was able to help.