Allergy-Friendly Cocktail Guide

Surprisingly, one of the most common questions we get at Spokin actually has nothing to do with food. In honor of National Cocktail Day, we asked Spokin Ambassadors and friends (all 21 and older) how they safely drink alcohol. Our guide shares their usual, tips on how they order, what they always avoid, and even places they’ve safely had drinks.

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Frozen Margarita

Who’s ordering: Carlin, managing peanut, tree nut, milk, and sesame allergies
Tips on how to order safely: I always ask if there could be cross contamination with the blenders. Typically, they are made in their own blender machine so I haven’t had a lot of problems with it. The mix itself is usually always safe because it’s normally water, sugar, lime juice and tequila but always good to double check.
What she always avoids: I typically try to avoid shaken drinks whenever possible, ESPECIALLY at a busy bar (looking at you, college bars), just in case there’s any cross contamination with something I am allergic to.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Lolita Fort Point in Boston, MA
Where to find her: Spokin: @carlinhanley, Insta: @carlinhanley, TikTok: @cmhanleyy

Canned Hard Kombucha

Who’s ordering: Alyssa, managing a peanut allergy
Tips on how to order safely: Take a cocktail class! Working one-on-one with the mixologist or bartender, you can get all your questions answered while you safely craft your own drink. You will have the skills to remake it in the comfort of your own kitchen, too! Chicago offers plenty of bartending classes and they make for a perfect date night.
What she always avoids: For alcohol-related party games, I never drink out of shared cups! I may use a clean Solo cup to participate in the activity, but anything that is sipped will come from my own personal canned cocktail. My friends have been nothing but accommodating and welcoming of this change in the rules!
Favorite spot to get drinks: Beatnik on the River in Chicago, IL
Where to find her: Spokin: @alyssabauder, Insta: @allthingsallergies, TikTok: @allthingsallergies

Canned Hard Kombucha

Who’s ordering: Emily, managing peanut and tree nut allergies and a non-celiac gluten sensitivity
Tips on how to order safely: I always quickly scan behind the bar to see if they have any nuts present for snacks or to add to drinks.
What she always avoids: I always double check the menu for peanut butter whiskey and beer/stout.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Harry’s Bar in San Francisco, CA
Where to find her: Spokin: @emsnutfreeeats, Insta: @emsnutfreeeats

Holidaily Brewing Favorite Blonde Ale

Who’s ordering: Dave, managing celiac and dairy and red meat allergies
Tips on how to order safely: I don’t order mixed drinks. I order gluten-free beer and drink from the can.
What he always avoids: I avoid using beer glasses from a bar, as I don’t trust the rinsing process.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Holidaily Brewing Company in Golden, CO
Where to find him: Spokin: @glutenfree.dave, Insta: @glutenfree.dave

Mojito with Bacardi Rum, Lime, Mint + a Splash of Soda

Who’s ordering: Jenna, managing milk, egg, beef, and pork allergies
Tips on how to order safely: I always talk to the bartender myself and tell them I have a severe milk allergy. I kindly ask them to use a fresh mixer/stirrer before making my drink. If I need to keep it simple, I’ll stick to a tequila soda or canned beverage like a hard kombucha.
What she always avoids: I never order blended drinks with my milk allergy, as cross contamination can be dangerous with blenders. I also stay away from espresso martinis, Bailey’s, and whiskey sours due to egg whites.
Favorite spot to get drinks: The Tropicale in Palm Springs, CA
Where to find her: Spokin: @jennatso8, Insta: @tsoyum, TikTok: @tsoyum

Mojito with Bacardi Rum

Who’s ordering: Sarah, managing peanut, tree nut, legume, soy, and mustard allergies
Tips on how to order safely: Whenever I order a mojito, I always specify the brand of rum I would like them to use. I have contacted Bacardi in the past to be sure they are free of my allergens, and make sure to follow-up every so often to reconfirm. Additionally, I make sure that the mixer has been washed before they make my drink.
What she always avoids: Because of my tree nut allergy, I always avoid gin and amaretto. Gin is pretty popular, so when getting a mixed drink I make sure the mixer is clean and hasn’t been used for anything else.
Favorite spot to get drinks: The Ugly Duckling in New York City, NY
Where to find her: Spokin: @girlbehindhive, Insta: @girlbehindthehive

Moscow Mule

Who’s ordering: Emma, managing celiac
Tips on how to order safely: I always ask if they can use Tito’s vodka if it’s not specified on the drink menu. I also ask them to stir the drink with a clean spoon. I usually ask to read the ingredients of the ginger beer being used—ginger beer is naturally gluten-free (ginger, water, sugar, and fermented yeast) but I always err on the side of caution and read labels just in case!
What she always avoids: I avoid most vodkas that aren’t Tito’s, since I know Tito’s is 100% celiac-safe. Moscow Mules are also a safe option for celiacs since they’re not usually made in a shaker due to the bubbles in ginger beer.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Charlotte’s Speakeasy in Farmingdale, NY
Where to find her: Spokin: @getmovingluten, Insta: @getmovingluten

Skinny Spicy Margarita

Who’s ordering: Nicole, managing celiac and tree nut, fish, and sesame allergies
Tips on how to order safely: I always ask them to change their mixers and utensils. If I’m doing vodka, I specify that I want Tito’s only! I try to stay away from any liqueurs, as they may have hidden gluten in them.
What she always avoids: Any dark liquors, as they usually have gluten in them! I always specify that I want Tito’s for vodka.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Serena Rooftop or BAKAN all in Miami, FL
Where to find her: Spokin: @girlwnogluten, Insta: @girlwithnogluten_, TikTok: @girlwithnogluten_

Tequila Añejo with Ginger Ale + Lime

Who’s ordering: Gabby, managing peanut and tree nut allergies
Tips on how to order safely: Knowing how easy it is to combine tequila and soda, they only need to measure out the shot of tequila, which minimizes the amount of tools needed!
What she always avoids: I stay away from gin, flavored liqueurs, and any dark colored liquors.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Cure in New Orleans, LA
Where to find her: Spokin: @gabbylevinson, Insta: @gabbylevinson, TikTok: @chickenangelpants

Tequila Soda with Lime

Who’s ordering: Kelsey, managing peanut, tree nut, milk, soy, wheat, shellfish, kiwi, banana, raspberry, and blackberry allergies, and OAS
Tips on how to order safely: I order drinks that are prepared directly in the glass I will be drinking from. I also check the bar for nuts as a bar snack and decide if I am going to order anything at all.
What she always avoids: I avoid drinks made with gluten products (whiskeys, beer, etc.), dairy products (Bailey’s), or nut products (Bombay Sapphire, Amaretto, Frangelico).
Favorite spot to get drinks: Dear Irving Gramercy in New York City, NY
Where to find her: Spokin: @allergytravelr, Insta: @allergytraveler

Vodka Cran with Tito’s

Who’s ordering: Bre, managing a peanut allergy and eating vegan
Tips on how to order safely: I will verify whether any peanut butter liqueurs or flavorings are used at the bar. Since I am vegan, I will also ensure that any “foam” in a drink does not come from egg whites.
What she always avoids: I will avoid mixed drinks at bars that serve the increasingly popular peanut butter whiskey. Brands to look out for include Screwball, Bird Dog, and Sqrrl.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Bar Vegan in Atlanta, GA
Where to find her: Spokin: @the1bre, Insta: @peanutfree_vegan

Vodka Soda with Ketel One, no Lemon or Lime

Who’s ordering: Jaclyn, managing peanut and tree nut allergies
Tips on how to order safely: I try to avoid any drinks that will go in the shaker or be mixed. I feel safe with a Vodka Soda because they pour it straight into the glass. I ask for no lemon or lime since they cut it with a knife, which may have been used for other foods in the bar/restaurant.”
What she always avoids: I avoid any drink that goes in the shaker. NO GIN! No Amaretto. Some bars also have peanut butter whiskey—in that case, I would ask for a plastic cup and not use their glassware. Whenever I go to a bar, I ALWAYS ask if they serve nuts or any snacks in the bar area. Some bars and hotels, especially in Chicago, still serve mixed nuts at the bar, so I won’t order any drinks there. Make sure they do not use almond bitters! Also, make sure the glassware that they use for your drink is not used for their desserts—for example, some places serve ice cream sundaes in martini glasses or mugs.
Favorite spot to get drinks: T-BAR in New York City, NY because they’re a peanut-free steakhouse
Where to find her: Insta: @itsjaclynsage

Cosmopolitan

Who’s ordering: Izzy, managing tree nut, sesame, and salmon allergies
Tips on how to order safely: If I see drinks that have nuts in them on the menu (walnut liqueur, Amaretto), I always ask if there can be cross contamination with the blenders/if the blenders can be cleaned before using them.
What she always avoids: Amaretto sours are made with almond liqueur! Any liqueur with nuts (I’ve seen walnut liqueur), and then Bombay Sapphire also has almond in it, I believe.
Favorite spot to get drinks: NOLA Restaurant wine bar was always my favorite in college! They had such a variety of safe drinks. My go-to’s were a cosmo, a glass of white wine, and a Prosecco and elderflower mixed drink!
Where to find her: Spokin: @izzytri12, Insta: @izzytrinin

Raspberry Vodka Lemonade

Who’s ordering: Katherine, managing peanut and tree nut allergies
Tips on how to order safely: I ask for drinks to be mixed in the glass and ensure materials have been cleaned.
What she always avoids: ‘Chocolate flavored’ drinks or liquors, as these sometimes have hazelnuts.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge in New York City, NY
Where to find her: Spokin: @ksomlyo, Insta: @simplytravelgirls, TikTok: @katesomlyo

Eleven 20 Tequila Soda with Lime

Who’s ordering: Julianna, managing celiac and nut and dairy allergies
Tips on how to order safely: Pour drink into glass I’m drinking. No mixer or blender.
What she always avoids: Dark liquor
Favorite spot to get drinks: Rafeles in Rye, NY
Where to find her: Spokin: @jmurphy, Insta: @julianamurphy

Spicy Margarita

Who’s ordering: Alex, managing a wheat allergy
Tips on how to order safely: I stick to asking for premium brands I know are free from additives or unknown flavorings like Tequila Ocho, Patron, or Don Julio. The cheaper the spirit, the riskier it is. If it’s a busy bar or not a cocktail-focused spot (like a dive bar), I stick to simple orders like tequila soda with lime. Higher end restaurants and bars are usually using fresh juices/mixers or simple syrups infused with real foods like fruits and peppers, so they are typically safe.
What she always avoids: I avoid grain-based spirits like vodka (except Tito’s, made from potatoes, and Ciroc, made from grapes), gin, and whiskey, and stick to tequila or rum since they are naturally gluten-free.
Favorite spot to get drinks: The Lido Bayside Grill in Miami, FL
Where to find her: Spokin: @passthetreats, Insta: @passthetreats

Whiskey Sour

Who’s ordering: Katie, managing peanut, tree nut, and sesame allergies
Tips on how to order safely: I look at the entire cocktail menu to see if there are any outrageous cocktails (I’m looking at you, peanut butter whiskey) that could cause cross contamination issues. If it’s a busy night at a bar, I order something simple like a gin and tonic, but when I‘m at a restaurant, I’ll ask about their safety practices!
What she always avoids: I avoid locally brewed beers that are described like desserts (s’more, chocolate), as well as cocktails that involve chocolate. Before I did a food challenge for almonds, I also avoided orgeat as it’s almond syrup! I’ve never had issues with blended drinks, but that’s mostly because I’m only ordering them on vacation where they only have fruity ones on the menu.
Favorite spot to get drinks: The Spare Room at The Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, CA
Where to find her: Spokin: @kqwright5, Insta: @katie_wrong

Margarita, no bitters

Who’s ordering: Esha, managing celiac
Tips on how to order safely: I always make sure to look at the cocktail ingredients for the margarita listed on the menu, because sometimes cocktail bars can be fancy with their ingredients and add things like bitters. I always ask for the marg sans bitters. Margaritas are tequila-based, so they are totally gluten-free and safe for those of us with celiac disease.”
What she always avoids: The only thing I avoid is bitters; I’ve never really had an issue with cross contamination in a shaker.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Big Star, any location. Their margaritas are delicious!
Where to find her: Spokin: @gfreebasicb, Insta: @glutenfreebasicb

Frozen Margarita

Who’s ordering: Allison, managing peanut, tree nut, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame, sunflower, avocado, legume, and fruit allergies
Tips on how to order safely: When ordering my drink, I first look at the bar and make sure there aren’t any bowls of nuts on the counter, and that there aren’t any liquors like “peanut butter whiskey” on the menu to begin with, just to be most safe about cross contamination. I ask the bartender if there are any egg or nuts in the drink (no matter how silly it may seem to ask), since many cocktails use have egg-whites or, they may add a flavoring I never would’ve guessed would contain my allergen! Sometimes “sour mixes” contain egg as well.
What she always avoids: I avoid artisanal/craft beers because a lot of times they are made in facilities with nuts or cross contaminated with nuts, as they do funky flavor combinations we may never even think of (like cookies and cream or peanut brittle)! I avoid gin because some gins are made with almonds (and I don’t feel like taking a chance when there are many alternatives I like!), and with wines, I always research the brand and website to make sure there are no added fruits or nuts I am allergic to.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Cowgirl SeaHorse in New York City, NY
Where to find her: Spokin: @alliw, Insta: @allison_wexler

Bavarian beers

Who’s ordering: Bella, managing peanut and tree nut allergies
Tips on how to order safely: I usually email the bar ahead of time to see if they would be able to accommodate my allergies and if they have bar-side nuts. It significantly decreases the stress, so I can safely walk in and not have to worry about miscommunication while shouting over the noise.
What she always avoids: I usually avoid anything that requires a shaker unless they have separate shakers. I also avoid beer on tap due to potential cross contamination with peanut butter craft beers.
Favorite spot to get drinks: A4Cade (Roxie’s Grilled Cheese Speakeasy) in Cambridge, MA
Where to find her: Spokin: @nutfreefun, Insta: @nutfreefun

Cosmopolitan

Who’s ordering: Laynie, managing a gluten allergy
Tips on how to order safely: I inform them of my allergies and always order Tito’s, which I know is gluten-free.
What she always avoids: I always avoid any flavored vodkas, just in case the flavoring isn’t gluten-free!
Favorite spot to get drinks: American Bar in New York City, NY
Where to find her: Spokin: @glutenfreenyc, Insta: @glutenfreee_nyc, TikTok: @glutenfreee_nyc

Spritzer

Who’s ordering: Caitlin, managing celiac
Tips on how to order safely: I always ask the bartender to use a freshly cleaned shaker. If ordering a drink with flavor, I always ask if any of the ingredients contain gluten.
What she always avoids: When ordering any drink made with vodka, I typically always ask for Tito’s as I know it is 100% gluten-free and is available at most, if not all, bars! I avoid all wine coolers (Mike’s Hard, Seagram’s, etc.) because they usually contain gluten.
Favorite spot to get drinks: Friedman’s in New York City (multiple locations) has a great spritzer. I love Besito Mexico Restaurant in West Islip and Lucharitos in Greenport for a great margarita!
Where to find her: Spokin: @gflongisland, Insta: @glutenfree__longisland

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