Being a celiac doesn't mean you have to stop drinking per se... But you do need to be more careful. I will admit that drinking does terrify me. Maybe I just don't trust myself fully inebriated. I feel like I will get drunk & disorderly and decide I can sure eat all those things I've been depriving myself of the last 1...2...3...4 years. I'm more comfortable now and I know I wouldn't eat anything I shouldn't but still it makes me nervous. So I will admit - I was a lot more fun before celiacs when it comes to drinking, partying, and going-out.
However drinking is possible. As long as you go into the night knowing what you CAN drink and being strong enough to avoid what you can't. This takes will-power, lots of it. You have to be able to tell that sexy guy at the bar - NO, I do not want that shot, and no you can't buy me a beer.
No more communal fish bowls - who knows what's in there! Don't let people drink out your glass - no you can't sample my delicious gluten-free beer. If someone spills beer down your dress you have every right now to go completely postal on her - b!tch slap that chick and trip her the next time she walks by.
Here's the good news: You are now a classy drinker. Here's what you CAN drink!! YAY!
Absolutely Gluten Free:
Beers -
Woodchuck - some bars have this
Redbridge - no bars have this, only grocery stores.
New Grist - no bars have this, only HyVee
I'm sure there are other gluten free beers by now, but this is my standard list.
Hard Alcohol -
Gin
Rum - Dark, Light, Coconut (all of them)
Tequila - Yay!
Vodka - high end vodka made from potatoes, this is your chance to be a vodka snob!
Whiskey*
Wine - all wine is gluten free, most people have no clue so this is another opportunity to be a snob and be picky about what you're drinking!
*Whiskey is a grain alcohol but it's considered safe for Celiacs due to the distilling process. Same goes for scotch.
Example drinks: Rum & coke, malibu (coconut rum) & pineapple juice, tequila sunrise (orange juice), crown & water (my drink of choice), Chopin Vodka & cranberry, Gin & tonic... you have options, but have a game plan before you head into that bar. Choose a drink and stick with it all night!
Absolutely NOT gluten free and to be AVOIDED:
Beer - all of it
Malt beverages - ie: mike's hard lemonade and all it's varieties
Flavored Vodkas - who knows what they put in that stuff!
Flavored liquors - ie: hot damn!
Any thing creamy - ie: Bailey's, Godiva Liquors
Any thing not of a natural color - ie: UV Blue
Mixed Shots - don't do it
Until you're 100% comfortable with your gluten free lifestyle and have your will power in check - avoid heavy drinking situations, just to be safe.
and Always drink responsibly :)
-Justine
