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Turning 21 Soon: Unsure Of Gluten In Different Drinks

littleredhead

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littleredhead Newbie
littleredhead
Posted

I'm turning 21 at the end of the month and I'd like to go out to the bars with my friends.  I was diagnosed with Celiac this past summer.  I'm not sure though what kind of mixed drinks will be okay or what kinds of alcohol might have gluten in them.  I know beer and malt liquor isn't okay...but that's about the extent of my knowledge.  Does anyone who goes out have any tips for being safe at the bar as far as gluten is concerned?  Any advice is greatly appreciated!

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Jason-1 Newbie
Jason-1
Posted

I'm turning 21 at the end of the month and I'd like to go out to the bars with my friends.  I was diagnosed with Celiac this past summer.  I'm not sure though what kind of mixed drinks will be okay or what kinds of alcohol might have gluten in them.  I know beer and malt liquor isn't okay...but that's about the extent of my knowledge.  Does anyone who goes out have any tips for being safe at the bar as far as gluten is concerned?  Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Personally I stick to bottled ciders, not sure about cross contamination on the taps. But before you go to a bar, check them out online to see if they have any gluten free dedicated taps or anything.

athomp34 Newbie
athomp34
Posted

I'm turning 21 at the end of the month and I'd like to go out to the bars with my friends.  I was diagnosed with Celiac this past summer.  I'm not sure though what kind of mixed drinks will be okay or what kinds of alcohol might have gluten in them.  I know beer and malt liquor isn't okay...but that's about the extent of my knowledge.  Does anyone who goes out have any tips for being safe at the bar as far as gluten is concerned?  Any advice is greatly appreciated!

First- a little background about myself... I worked in the restaurant/bar industry for 6 years, have celiac's and enjoy going out with friends often 

 

-Be careful of bar glasses. A lot of times bars do not have time to properly clean them and simply dunk them in a sanitizing solution. Always ask for a plastic cup. I've been glutened by wine glasses before (Please note I've never had a problem in restaurants- in my experience it is a divey/very busy bar. Just use your best judgement and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself)

-Be careful of anything on tap. Most bars rotate their draft selections it is rare to find a place that has a dedicated gluten-free line. Stick to bottles (and either ask for a plastic cup or specify you want it in the bottle) 

-If you are at a brewery that also has cider make sure you ask about shared equipment etc just like you would at a restaurant

-Learn which brands of flavored liquors are safe/gluten-free and only order cocktails that use those. If you want a cocktail that uses a questionable liquor just swap it out for something different.

- I don't like mixed drinks and don't really order them but if I did would recommend also being careful about what they use to mix your cocktails with. Make sure the shaker bottles they use have been thoroughly cleaned.

 

Personally, I usually order wine in a plastic cup or something simple...i.e. jack and coke or gin and tonic. It avoids using shaker bottles and anything on draft. There are a lot of gluten-free beers and ciders out there too. Just do your research before hand. I drank beer before being diagnosed so I don't like any of the gluten-free beers but you might if you don't have anything to compare them to.

 

Happy early birthday and don't stress too much- drinking out gluten-free is a lot easier than eating out gluten-free in my experience :)

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I usually order wine, but depending on the bar, I ask for it in a plastic cup. Do you see how they clean glasses in most bar sinks? Yuck! I save the mixed drinks for home.

sunny2012 Rookie
sunny2012
Posted

My personal experience is that we Celiac's have to avoid most mixers. Alcohol made from potatoes (Vodka - check the brand) or corn is OK.

LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

Wow, I never thought about the seedy bars not washing their glasses well- yuck!  Open Original Shared Link

 

I also am not a drinker, I usually get soda.  In those glasses.  But not anymore, LOL.  Don't let your friends get you TOO drunk, appoint a person as a babysitter for if you get wasted who can make you behave and not eat gluten  :)  Happy Birthday!!

Jays911 Contributor
Jays911
Posted

Never a problem for me if I avoid beer. Vodka or gin and tonic is great. Most whiskies are fine. I stay away from Rye, though.

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