Spirits and a gluten-free diet

Reviewed and updated 21 September 2026.

Coeliac UK explains that distillation removes gluten, including when spirits are made from gluten-containing cereals. Its guidance includes whisky, gin, vodka, rum and other distilled spirits. Read the guidance from Coeliac UK.

Check mixers and other allergens

Check the finished product and anything added to your drink. Cream liqueurs, mixers and cocktail ingredients need their own ingredient and allergen checks. Gluten-free does not mean milk-free or suitable for every dietary requirement.

The previous advice that tequila must be “100% agave” to be gluten-free has been removed: that was not a reliable gluten-free test. The old blanket “safe brands” list has also been retired.

For cider, see the cider guide.

Cider and a gluten-free diet

Reviewed and updated 21 September 2026.

Choosing a drink can be confusing when you have dietary requirements. Coeliac UK includes cider among drinks suitable for a gluten-free diet. Read Coeliac UK’s alcohol guidance.

Check the drink you are buying

Check the current product label and allergen information, particularly for flavoured drinks and mixed products. If the information does not answer your question, contact the manufacturer or ask the person serving it.

A gluten-free description does not establish suitability for every allergy or intolerance. The old brand list has been retired because it did not distinguish individual products or changing recipes.

For spirits, see the spirits guide.