IF you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, a wheat allergy, or feel generally unwell when you consume gluten, removing it from your diet will help ease symptoms and reduce inflammation. Today, there are more options than ever for those avoiding gluten in their food and drink – however, sometimes we have to figure out for ourselves what we can and can’t have.
When it comes to alcohol, unless gluten is added after distillation, all distilled alcohols are gluten-free – spirits, wine, liqueurs, and some beers. However, cocktails can have additional ingredients such as mixers that can make them unsuitable for gluten-free drinkers.
Here, we look at gluten-free cocktails for you to enjoy without worrying about feeling ill.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that packs a punch – ideal for those with a taste for citrusy, aromatic flavours. Fentimans Ginger Beer is, unlike many ginger beers, gluten-free and also suitable for vegans – just add this mixer for a refreshing and balanced tipple.
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Source: Shutterstock, by Anna_Pustynnikova
Ingredients:
- 50ml vodka
- 150–200ml Fentimans Ginger Beer
- A few dashes of ginger bitters
- Crushed ice
- Sprig of mint
- Lime
Method:
Add vodka and crushed ice to a tumbler and top up with Fentimans Ginger Beer and stir gently to mix. Add a few dashes of ginger bitters and garnish with mint and a squeeze of lime to taste.
Aperol Spritz
A world favourite – and gluten-free – this cocktail is from Northern Italy and has taken the world by storm. The Aperol Spritz has become one of the most popular cocktails with a light yet bittersweet flavour that is unlike anything else. Perfect in the evening for a refreshing drink with your meal or a relaxing afternoon drink, here’s the perfect Aperol Spritz serve.
Source: Shutterstock, by Goskova Tatiana
Ingredients:
- 50ml Aperol
- 75ml prosecco
- 25ml soda
- An orange slice
- Plenty of ice
Method:
Chill a large wine glass with ice then combine prosecco, Aperol, and a dash of soda and stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice.
Classic Negroni
Another classic Italian cocktail that is widely popular, the classic Negroni is a bittersweet cocktail designed as an aperitif.
Source: Shutterstock, by Andrei Iakhniuk
Ingredients:
- 25ml gin
- 25ml sweet vermouth
- 25ml Campari
- One large ice sphere
- Wedge of blood orange
Method:
Mix gin, vermouth, and Campari into a jug with ice and stir until the glass feels cold. Strain the mixture into a tumbler, add the ice, and garnish with the orange slice.
Mai Thai
The Mai Thai is a tropical and fruity rum cocktail that is loved by many. A refreshing and balanced drink that is easy to sip, this would be perfect in the summer or by the beach.
Source: Shutterstock, by Ivan Cheremisin
Ingredients:
- 25ml white rum
- 25ml golden rum
- 10ml orange liqueur (triple sec)
- 10ml orgeat (almond syrup)
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Sprig of mint
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
Method:
Add all ingredients except the mint into a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain the mixture into a glass and garnish with mint.
