Tequila is a popular liquor made from the blue agave plant. It originates from the region around the city of Tequila in Mexico. Many people enjoy sipping tequila straight or mixing it into cocktails like margaritas. However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity wonder if tequila is safe to drink. The good news is that most tequila is naturally gluten-free. Here’s a look at how tequila is made, which brands are gluten-free, and how to choose safe gluten-free tequila.
Is Tequila Naturally Gluten-Free?
Yes, tequila is distilled from the fermented juices of blue agave, which does not contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.
The basic process for making tequila is:
- Harvest blue agave plants
- Extract the juice and sugars
- Ferment the agave juice
- Distill the fermented agave juice into tequila
Since this process does not use any gluten-containing ingredients, pure tequila is gluten-free. Avoiding additives or flavorings that contain gluten is important when selecting a gluten-free tequila.
Is All Tequila Gluten-Free?
Be aware that not all tequila is certified gluten-free. Some distilleries may add flavors, colors, or additives that contain gluten during processing. It’s important to verify that your brand of choice is 100% agave tequila with no gluten-containing additives.
Some specific types of tequila are more likely to be gluten-free than others:
- 100% Blue Agave Tequila – This highest quality of tequila made only from fermented blue agave juice. It will be labeled “100% de agave” or “100% puro de agave” on the bottle. This type of tequila has the highest chance of being gluten-free.
- Mixto Tequila – Made from at least 51% blue agave with added sugars. Mixto tequilas run a higher risk of gluten contamination during production.
- Mezcal – Related to tequila but made from any type of agave plant. Most mezcal is also gluten-free but check labels.
- Flavored Tequila – Flavored tequilas like citrus, coffee, or chocolate have added ingredients and may contain gluten.
Sticking with a 100% agave tequila labeled “gluten-free” is the safest option. Contacting the distillery directly is the best way to confirm a brand is gluten-free if uncertain.
Popular Gluten-Free Tequila Brands
Many major tequila producers voluntarily label their 100% agave tequilas as gluten-free. Here are some of the most popular gluten-free tequila brands:
Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo has certified its Tradicional, Especial Silver, Especial Reposado, Especial Añejo, and Platino lines as gluten-free. Avoid the flavored gold tequilas.
Patrón
Patrón tequilas are made from 100% Weber Blue Agave and the company confirms they are gluten-free. This includes Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo.
1800 Tequila
1800 Tequila’s 100% agave lines including Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Colección are labeled gluten-free. The lower-end mixto 1800 Select Silver is potentially subject to gluten contamination.
Don Julio
All of Don Julio’s 100% agave tequilas are gluten-free. This wide range includes Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, 70, 1942, and their Real line. Don Julio also makes a gluten-free vodka distilled from agave.
Herradura
Herradura produces 100% agave tequila and their portfolio of Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Ultra, and Selección Suprema are all confirmed gluten-free.
Cazadores
Cazadores makes a 100% agave Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo that are labeled gluten-free. Their mixto Cazadores Cristalino is potentially not gluten-free.
Espolòn
Espolòn’s main line of Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas are distilled from 100% blue agave and marked gluten-free.
Hornitos
Sauza’s premium Hornitos range including Plata, Reposado, and Añejo are confirmed gluten-free. Avoid Sauza’s mixto Gold tequila which may contain gluten.
Milagro
Milagro produces 100% agave Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Barrel Select that are certified gluten-free.
Olmeca Altos
Olmeca Altos Plata, Reposado, and Añejo 100% agave tequilas are labeled as gluten-free.
Corzo
Corzo crafts a 100% agave Silver and Reposado tequila that they confirm as gluten-free.
Corralejo
Parras Group’s Corralejo tequila comes in 100% Blue Agave Silver, Reposado, Añejo and 99,000 Hours varieties that the company guarantees as gluten-free.
Siete Leguas
Siete Leguas makes a range of 100% agave tequilas including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, D’Antaño, and Extra Añejo that are gluten-free.
Centinela
Centinela offers 100% agave Añejo, Extra Añejo, and limited edition tequilas. The company confirms they use no additives and their tequila is gluten-free.
Chinaco
Chinaco Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo are distilled from 100% Tamaulipas blue agave and certified gluten-free.
Ocho
Small batch Ocho focuses on vintage dated tequilas unique to each year’s agave harvest. Their range is gluten-free.
Avion
Avion Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo are produced from hand-selected 100% agave and confirmed gluten-free.
Tres Generaciones
Tres Generaciones Plata, Reposado, and Añejo are 100% blue agave tequila guaranteed gluten-free by the Sauza family.
Tequila 512
Austin, Texas based Tequila 512 certifies their 100% agave Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo as gluten-free.
Calle 23
Calle 23 Criollo and Reposado organic tequilas are gluten-free.
Casa Noble
Casa Noble produces organic 100% agave Crystal, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas that are gluten-free.
Corralejo
All Corralejo 100% agave tequilas including Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and 99,000 Hours carry gluten-free certification.
Don Elias
Baja California’s Don Elias crafts premium 100% agave Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo and Legacy tequila guaranteed to be gluten-free.
El Tesoro
El Tesoro handmakes estate-grown 100% agave Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Paradiso tequilas that are certified gluten-free.
Maestro Dobel
Maestro Dobel Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Diamante tequilas are distilled in small batches from estate grown agave and gluten-free.
Tapatio
Tapatio produces handmade 100% agave Excelencia, Reposado, and Añejo tequilas that are gluten-free.
Tequila Ocho
Small batch producer Tequila Ocho offers vintage dated gluten-free Plata, Reposado, and Añejo 100% agave tequilas.
What About Flavored and Mezcal Tequila?
When it comes to flavored tequilas and mezcal, extra care must be taken to ensure they are gluten-free:
Flavored Tequila
Many popular flavored tequilas like citrus, strawberry, pineapple, chocolate or coffee have added flavorings that may contain gluten. Double check labels for assurance of no gluten ingredients. Some brands like Jose Cuervo Golden flavored tequilas specifically state they are gluten-free.
Mezcal
While most mezcal is gluten-free, some smaller brands may add gluten ingredients. Check the label to verify 100% agave and no gluten additives. Large mezcal brands like Del Maguey, Ilegal, and Fidencio are labeled gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Risks
Even if a tequila is made from 100% agave, cross-contamination is still a concern in facilities that also process gluten grains:
- Verify the distillery has a gluten-free production process.
- Check that machinery is thoroughly cleaned between gluten and non-gluten product runs.
- Confirm workers wash hands and change gloves between production.
- Finished gluten-free tequila should be bottled in separate facilities from gluten-containing spirits.
Reputable gluten-free brands will often provide info on their safety procedures if you inquire directly.
What About TequilaCERT Gluten-Free Certification?
TequilaCERT
One way tequila brands can provide gluten-free assurance is through TequilaCERT certification. TequilaCERT is an industry program that audits and certifies tequilas for strict quality, authenticity and gluten-free standards.
Tequila producers that achieve TequilaCERT verification undergo facility audits and product testing to be designated 100% Agave and Gluten-Free. Tequilas will carry the TequilaCERT seal on the label.
TequilaCERT Verified Gluten-Free Brands
Over 60 tequila brands have attained TequilaCERT’s gluten-free certification, including:
- Calle 23
- Casa Noble
- Corralejo
- Don Julio
- El Tesoro
- Gran Centenario
- Herradura
- Milagro
- Ocho
- Olmeca Altos
- Patrón
- Siete Leguas
- Tapatio
- Tequila 512
- Tres Generaciones
The TequilaCERT program provides extra assurance for those seeking verified gluten-free tequila.
Tips for Picking Safe Gluten-Free Tequila
When evaluating a tequila brand for gluten safety, here are some key tips:
- Select 100% agave tequila for highest chance of being gluten-free.
- Call distillery or check website to verify no gluten ingredients added.
- Look for “gluten-free” labeled directly on the tequila bottle.
- Opt for major brands that openly declare gluten-free status.
- Avoid mixto tequilas, which may contain added gluten.
- Steer clear of any flavored or mezcal tequilas without a gluten-free label.
- Pick TequilaCERT certified brands for extra assurance.
Sticking with reputable 100% agave tequila brands that provide transparency on gluten-free production is key for peace of mind.
Drinking Gluten-Free Tequila Safely
Once you’ve selected a gluten-free tequila, here are some tips for avoiding cross-contact while drinking:
- Use fresh 100% agave mixers like orange juice, not pre-made margarita mixes that may contain gluten.
- Skip beer back shots, which defeat the purpose of gluten-free tequila.
- Use separate shot glasses from establishment’s regular barware.
- Wash fruit slices in fresh water before use to remove contamination.
- Inform bartenders to avoid cross-contact with beer taps and wheat rims.
Following basic precautions helps prevent gluten exposure when enjoying gluten-free tequila.
Cooking with Gluten-Free Tequila
Gluten-free tequila adds fantastic flavor to recipes. Here are some tips for cooking safely:
- Use 100% corn or gluten-free flour for batters and sauces.
- Substitute corn tortillas in tequila dishes calling for flour ones.
- Verify all ingredients from marinades to desserts are gluten-free.
- Clean cooking tools thoroughly before prepping gluten-free dishes.
- Avoid cross-contact by keeping ingredients and finished foods separate.
With some minor adaptations, you can easily prepare delicious meals and baked goods with gluten-free tequila. Margaritas, tequila-lime shrimp, tequila-glazed chicken wings, or a boozy chocolate cake are all on the menu!
Is Tequila on a Gluten-Free Diet Safe?
Many people following a strict gluten-free diet are concerned about exposure from alcohol sources like gluten-free beer, wine, and tequila:
- Most experts consider distilled gluten-free spirits safe due to the purification process.
- Those highly sensitive should opt for TequilaCERT certified brands.
- Limit portions to 1-2 standard drinks to minimize any potential issues.
- Avoid tequila-based cocktails with gluten ingredient concerns.
- Stick to 100% agave tequila to remove the unknowns.
Drinking certified brands like those covered in this guide in moderation is unlikely to cause problems for most gluten-free dieters. However, individuals should consult their doctor if still concerned.
The Bottom Line
Pure, 100% agave tequila offers a gluten-free spirit that people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can comfortably enjoy. Major tequila brands make it easy to identify gluten-free options, especially those that voluntarily label bottles or attain third-party certification. Sticking to reputable 100% agave tequilas, verifying gluten-free production methods, and contacting companies directly provides assurance. With some care in choosing, planning and preparing, tequila can be safely appreciated on a gluten-free diet. ¡Salud!
