The Best Gluten-Free Drinks for Summer

Sun out, fun out! Fourth of July is right around the corner. It’s the time of year that many of us are looking for refreshing summertime beverages, both of the adult and non-alcoholic variety.

What Alcohol is Gluten-Free?

First, the facts: Pure, distilled liquor, even if made from wheat, barley, or rye, is considered gluten-free. Most liquors are safe for people with celiac disease because of the distillation process. However, be on the lookout for hidden gluten in liquors that add flavorings or other additives after distillation. Hard cider and wine is also gluten-free unless a gluten-containing flavor has been added, but regular beer is not. In fact, Beyond Celiac recommends avoiding all “gluten-removed” beers, too—there are beers made from non-gluten-containing grains (think sorghum, millet, rice, corn, etc.) that are safe for people with celiac disease to drink.

Cocktail Recipes

Below is a collection of recipes for our staff’s favorite gluten-free cocktails, all perfect for a hot summer’s day, plus a few alcohol-free options.

Citrus Wine Spritz

• 4 ounces of your favorite white wine, chilled
• 2 ounces of lemon-lime seltzer
• Ice

Pour the seltzer into a large wine glass, add the wine and ice. Enjoy!

Amy’s Mojito

• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• 2 ounces light rum
• 3 to 4 ounces chilled club soda
• Fresh mint sprig

1. Muddle the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in the bottom of a highball glass.
2. Add the rum.
3. Add ice and top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Thai-Style Piña Colada

Courtesy of Thai Kitchen.

• 1 can Thai Kitchen® coconut milk
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 4 ounces light rum
• ½ cup sugar
• 4 cups ice cubes

1. Place coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum and sugar in blender container.
2. Cover and blend on high speed until smooth.
3. Add ice and blend until slushy.
4. Pour into beverage glasses and serve immediately.

Classic Margarita

• 4 ounces tequila
• 2 ounces lime juice
• 2 ounces triple sec
• Ice

1. Mix together the ingredients in a shaker and then strain into a sugar or salt-rimmed glass.
2. Garnish with a lime slice or twist and enjoy!

For a frozen strawberry treat, blend everything together in a blender with 2 cups strawberries and one can coconut milk.

You can also celebrate with this gluten-free margarita cheesecake!

“Chelada”

• 1 can or bottle of your favorite pale gluten-free beer
• 2 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt for the glass rim
• Lime wedge for garnish

1. Mix beer and lime juice together.
2. Salt the glass rim.
3. Garnish with a lime and serve with your favorite gluten-free Mexican dishes, like these slow-cooker brisket tacos!

Fizzy Sunset

• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces orange juice
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 1 ounce seltzer
• Ice
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Mix together, garnish and enjoy!

Non-Alcoholic Recipes

Sober Strawberry Smoothie

Courtesy of Thai Kitchen.

• 2 cups frozen whole strawberries
• 2/3 cup milk
• 5 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice

Place all ingredients in a blender, then cover and blend on high speed until smooth. Serve immediately.

Tea-Totaller Thai Iced Tea

Courtesy of Thai Kitchen.

• 6 black tea bags
• 4 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• Crushed ice or ice cubes

1. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Stir in condensed milk and sugar until dissolved.
3. To serve, pour into tall glasses filled with crushed ice or ice cubes.
4. Drizzle with additional condensed milk, if desired.

Banana Coconut Smoothie

Courtesy of Thai Kitchen. Serves 2

• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• 1/2 cup Thai Kitchen coconut milk
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
• 1/2 cup pineapple or orange juice

1. Place all ingredients in blender container; cover and blend on high speed until smooth.
2. Pour into tall glasses. Serve immediately.