For someone who always loved beer, giving up gluten was a challenge. I drank beer in Belgium, France, Germany. I even had my personal tour of small breweries in the Czech Republic. Without gluten, I had to explore other types of alcohol.

Of course, wine takes the lead. From white to red, dessert to dry, there’s something for every taste. Sparkling wine suits special moods. However, caution is advised. Some fruit-infused wines may contain traces of gluten. Also, some wines are aged in barrels previously used for whiskey, which can be a concern. I’ve chosen specific brands that work for me and stick to them.

For something stronger, cognac or brandy comes to the rescue. From my trip to Greece, I introduced Metaxa 7* into my life. I add good brandy when making desserts for a flavorful touch.

I approach cocktails with caution due to unpredictable ingredients. Unfortunately, gluten-free beer is still rare in bars. At home, I always have a stock of sorghum-based gluten-free beer. Surprisingly, it tastes closer to the beer I tried in the Czech Republic.

Vodka is considered gluten-free, although I’m not a big fan. However, bourbon pairs well with some recipes, like in pecan tarts.

Whiskey is made from gluten-containing grains, making it off-limits for me. Honestly, I wasn’t a big fan of whiskey even before.

If you have any interesting drinks worth trying for those with gluten intolerance, please share. It’s always nice to try something new.