Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten-free diet, checking the gluten content of alcoholic beverages like vodka can be an important consideration.
Deep Eddy Vodka is a popular brand of vodka produced in Austin, Texas. Deep Eddy makes a range of vodkas, including their original vodka, flavored vodkas like grapefruit and ruby red, and special releases like cranberry and peppermint flavored vodkas for the holiday season.
Is Deep Eddy Vodka gluten-free?
The good news is that Deep Eddy’s original vodka is certified gluten-free. According to their website, Deep Eddy Vodka contains no gluten and is safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Deep Eddy Vodka is distilled from corn, making it naturally gluten-free.
For those who prefer flavored vodkas, most of Deep Eddy’s flavored varieties are also gluten-free. Their website indicates that Deep Eddy grapefruit, peach, lemon, and ruby red vodkas are gluten-free products. However, it’s important to note that their cranberry vodka contains gluten, so this particular flavor should be avoided if you require a gluten-free diet.
Is soda gluten-free?
Plain, unflavored soda water or club soda is inherently gluten-free. These types of soft drinks contain just carbonated water and sometimes sodium salts. The gluten-free status applies to popular club soda brands like Schweppes and Canada Dry.
Flavored sodas and colas generally contain gluten-based caramel color as an additive. While the amounts are often small, flavored sodas are technically not gluten-free. Some exceptions include ginger ale and lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7UP, which are made without caramel color and are considered gluten-free.
Is vodka and soda gluten-free?
Based on the above information, combining Deep Eddy’s gluten-free vodka with plain, unflavored soda water will result in a gluten-free vodka soda drink.
Here are some key points to remember when ordering a vodka and soda:
- Deep Eddy’s original and flavored vodkas, except cranberry, are gluten-free. Stick to those varieties for a gluten-free vodka soda.
- Use plain seltzer or club soda, not flavored soda.
- Ask for no additional garnishes like citrus wedges, which may have come into contact with gluten.
- Request gluten-free straws if drinking from a glass.
- Ask about cross-contamination if you have severe Celiac disease. The vodka itself is gluten-free, but bars may not take precautions against cross-contamination from other drinks.
With those considerations in mind, a Deep Eddy vodka soda made with plain soda water is a gluten-free mixed drink option you can enjoy without worry.
What about other vodka brands?
Deep Eddy is not the only gluten-free vodka option on the market. Many popular vodka brands are made from wheat or potatoes, which are gluten-containing grains. However, some vodka brands use other gluten-free bases:
- Tito’s Vodka – Made from corn, so gluten-free
- Ciroc – Made from grapes, so gluten-free
- Rain Organic Vodka – Made from organic gluten-free grains
- Ketel One – Made from wheat, so not gluten-free
- Grey Goose – Made from wheat, so not gluten-free
As long as you select a certified gluten-free vodka brand like those made from corn, grapes, or gluten-free grains, you can mix up a gluten-free vodka soda cocktail.
Gluten-free vodka cocktail recipes
A vodka soda is a go-to gluten-free drink, but it’s not the only gluten-free cocktail you can mix up with vodkas like Deep Eddy. Here are some recipes to try:
Gluten-Free Paloma Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 ounces Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka
- 1⁄2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- Ice
- Sparkling water or grapefruit soda
- Grapefruit wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, lime juice and grapefruit juice.
- Top with sparkling water or grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Gluten-Free Deep Eddy Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka
- 3 ounces fresh lemonade
- Lemon wedge
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka.
- Top with fresh lemonade.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Is vodka processed with gluten?
While vodka itself does not contain gluten as an ingredient, some claim the distillation process involves wheat or barley. However, any residual gluten is removed in the distillation process. To be labeled gluten-free, vodka must test below 20 parts per million of gluten. Therefore, reputable gluten-free vodka brands should be safe for Celiac patients when consumed in normal quantities.
Is flavoring added after distillation?
For flavored vodkas like Deep Eddy’s, the flavorings and any added sugars are introduced after the final distillation. This prevents any gluten cross-contamination risk during the flavoring process. The final flavored vodka is tested to ensure it remains below 20 ppm of gluten before bottling.
Which Deep Eddy flavors are not gluten-free?
As covered earlier, Deep Eddy’s flavored vodkas are gluten-free with one exception: Deep Eddy Cranberry. The cranberry flavor contains gluten. Therefore, anyone following a gluten-free diet should avoid Deep Eddy Cranberry vodka.
Are any Deep Eddy products not vodka?
Deep Eddy primarily produces vodkas, but they have expanded their product line in recent years. Beyond vodkas, they also produce ready-to-drink vodka beverages and non-alcoholic soda waters.
Some key products to note:
- Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka Soda – Gluten-free flavored vodka soda
- Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka Soda – Not gluten-free due to cranberry vodka
- Deep Eddy Soda Waters – Non-alcoholic, but not labeled gluten-free
So any pre-mixed vodka soda products from Deep Eddy should be checked for the specific vodka variety used, as the cranberry is not gluten-free. Their plain non-alcoholic soda waters are not marketed as gluten-free.
Should you trust gluten-free labels?
For those with Celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, it’s reasonable to take any “gluten-free” labeling with some skepticism. Some products may have minimal levels of cross-contamination that remain below 20 ppm. Consulting with your doctor is wise if you need to strictly eliminate all gluten exposure.
That said, Deep Eddy states its vodka and flavored varieties (excluding cranberry) are third-party tested to ensure they qualify as gluten-free. The brand can likely be trusted by the majority of those following a gluten-free diet due to Celiac disease or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity.
Summary
To summarize the key points on consuming Deep Eddy vodka and soda gluten-free:
- Deep Eddy’s original and flavored vodkas (except cranberry) are gluten-free products.
- Plain soda water or club soda are inherently gluten-free.
- Combining Deep Eddy gluten-free vodka with gluten-free soda water makes a gluten-free vodka soda.
- Other gluten-free vodka brands can also be used to make gluten-free vodka sodas.
- Stick to unflavored soda water, not flavored sodas.
- Avoid any cross-contamination from garnishes, straws, or preparation surfaces to be extra safe.
With proper precautions, a vodka and soda made with a gluten-free vodka brand is a delicious gluten-free cocktail option for those with Celiac, gluten sensitivity, or who simply want to reduce gluten intake. Just be sure to double check your vodka brand and soda ingredients, ask your bartender the right questions, and enjoy your gluten-free drink.
