Gluten Free Margarita

It only takes 4 ingredients to make the BEST Gluten Free Margaritas on the rocks! Not all margaritas are gluten free, so we include tips for keeping your margarita gluten free plus how to make this for a crowd.

Are margaritas gluten free? Can celiac’s drink margaritas?

Technically, margaritas should be gluten free. However, there’ lots of different ways that gluten can make its way into the ingredients. Not all tequila or triple sec are gluten free. If your margarita comes from a mix or ready to drink bottle, there’s generally coloring, additives and sweeteners that can are hidden sources of gluten. Not to mention the risk of cross contamination during processing if a facility is not gluten free.

To ensure that your margarita is gluten free, it’s best to DIY at home. Margaritas are easy to make and use only a few ingredients, so they are very easy to make from scratch.

Is triple sec gluten free?

Like tequila, triple sec should be gluten free. Triple sec is an orange flavored liqueur and an important ingredient in margaritas. However, there are lots of different ways that gluten can make its way into the ingredients. Without knowing the specific ingredients used in the triple sec, it’s hard to say if it’s gluten free. However, Cointreau specifically says that their products are gluten free on their website. There’s more information over in my ‘Is Tequila Gluten Free?’ post.

Are strawberry margaritas gluten free?

If you’re wanting to use a mix, then you could run the risk of cross contamination or additional ingredients with hidden gluten. It’s best to make them at home, from scratch.

To make a gluten free strawberry margarita, muddle a few strawberries into your cocktail shaker and use a strawberry simple syrup (like this Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup) instead of the Honey Simple Syrup.

Does tequila contain gluten? Which tequila is gluten free?

Technically, tequila is supposed to be made from the blue agave plant. However, not all tequila is purely from agave. Brands are allowed to add a certain amount of additives and still be called tequila. Between the additives and the process of bottling can introduce gluten into the tequila. Honey, maple syrup and other types of liquor have similar issues.

It’s best to stick with brands that say 100% blue agave tequila and then contact the brand to see if they test for gluten or are certified gluten free. For more information about gluten free tequila and a complete list of tequila brands with their gluten statements, check out the post ‘Is Tequila Gluten Free?’

Gluten free tequila brands

• Avion tequila is certified gluten free.
• According to the Teremana website, their tequila is gluten free.
• There are 5 Don Julio products that are tested to ensure that they are gluten free. For more information and to see the Don Julio gluten free statement, check out the post ‘Is Tequila Gluten Free?’

What makes a margarita? An ingredient breakdown.

• Lime: You’ll need enough limes for juice and garnishes.
• Tequila: Make sure to use a gluten free tequila brand
• Cointreau: This is a type of triple sec or orange flavored liquor. Cointreau is recommended because it’s gluten free, according to their website.
• Honey Simple Syrup
• Ice
• Salt

How to make Gluten Free Margaritas

1. Prepare the serving glass by swiping a lime wedge around the rim. Dip the rim into salt. Then add ice to a cocktail shaker.

2. Pour the lime juice, tequila, Cointreau, and simple syrup into the cocktail shaker.

3. Strain the drink into the prepared glass. Then serve with a lime wedge.

Tips for making the best Gluten Free Margaritas

• If you prefer your Gluten Free Margarita on the rocks, you can add ice and all the ingredients to a glass and stir to combine.
• If you like strawberry margaritas, muddle a few strawberries into your cocktail shaker and use a strawberry simple syrup (like this Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup) instead of the Honey Simple Syrup.
• To make this a Skinny Margarita, use orange juice instead of Cointreau and Honey Simple Syrup.
• To make this a non-alcoholic margarita (also Paleo/AIP), use orange juice instead of Cointreau and lemon kombucha (or citrus flavored kombucha) instead of tequila. Or a 1 oz of apple cider vinegar. Both options taste good but the Apple Cider Vinegar is the most like tequila.   
• To keep your drink gluten free, be sure to use a gluten free tequila and Cointreau.
• Refer to the post, ‘Is Tequila Gluten Free?’ for more information about gluten free tequila brands.
• To make this vegan, substitute the honey in the honey simple syrup for maple syrup or coconut sugar. Traditionally simple syrup is made with refined sugar, but we avoid refined sugar in favor of less refined options that have health benefits like honey or maple syrup. However, refined sugar can also be used.

How to make margaritas for a crowd

To make enough Gluten Free Margaritas for a crowd, you’ll need to increase the amounts of the ingredients to fill a pitcher. 

You’ll need:

• 6 ounces lime juice
• 12 ounces tequila
• 6 ounces Cointreau
• 6 ounces Honey Simple Syrup

You can easily combine the ingredients into a pitcher and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. No cocktail shaker required. Just pour over ice and serve with a salt rim and lime wedge. This is enough to make 6 drinks. And you’ll need a pitcher that holds at least 32 ounces of liquid.

Easy skinny margarita recipe

Skinny Margaritas generally skip the sugar. To adapt this recipe, swap the Cointreau and simple syrup for orange juice.

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Helpful Info for All Recipes

• I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise.
• I always use Himalayan sea salt or Celtic sea salt, unless otherwise noted.
• The majority of my recipes are strict AIP or include notations for reintroductions. However while I make every effort to label non-AIP ingredients and recipes sometimes they slip past me. If you have questions, check out this post regarding 'What is the AIP diet?' or ask in advance.

If you like this cocktail, try these gluten free drinks.

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