Thirsty Thursday: 5 Best Gluten Free Summer Cocktails
By: Kelsey Ganes
Published: June 16, 2011

Don't let being gluten free get in the way of enjoying these 5 classic summer cocktails -- all featuring gluten free liquors and liqueurs to help you beat the heat!
Sangria
	Yields 1 Cocktail
For when you just want one, and not a whole beautiful pitcher.
1/2 ounce brandy
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 1/2 ounces light-bodied red wine
1 cup ice cubes
1 ounce club soda
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 apple slice
1 orange slice
1 Maraschino cherry
For the full recipe, click here...
Margarita
	Yields 1 Cocktail
What says summer like a margarita? And we're not talking about the blended kind...
1/4 cup kosher salt (for the salt rim)
	1 wedge of lime
	1 ounce fresh lime juice
	2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
	1/2 ounce Cointreau
	2 ouncea reposado tequila
	About 2 cups of ice cube
For the full recipe, click here...
Mint Julep
	Yields 1 Cocktail
1 ounce club soda
	2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
	15 fresh mint leaves, plus 5 small sprigs for garnish
	3 ounces Bernheim or other high-quality whiskey
	2 cups crushed ice
Now this opens up the "Is Whiskey Gluten Free?" debate. Because whiskey (and bourbon, and scotch) are all distilled from "mash" (using wheat, barley and/or rye ingredients) there is concern that the final product is not gluten free. There have been extensive studies by medical professionals, including internationally renowned dietician and New York Times Best Selling Author Shelley Case, which indicate that the distillation process removes any gluten from the final alcoholic beverage. The issue, as I have previously discussed, are the post-distillation additives so please be sure to read the label and/or contact the distributor. 
 
For the full recipe, click here...
 
Daiquiri
Yields 1 Cocktail
 
Touted as Ernest Hemingway's favorite cocktail, the Daiquiri is simple and elegant. 
 
1 ounce fresh lime juice
2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
2 ounces white rum
1 cup ice cubes
Lime wheel to garnish
 
For the full recipe, click here...
 
Mojito
	Yields 1 Cocktail
 
A personal favorite, the mojito is a refreshing blend of mint, lime and club soda, lightly sweetened with sugar. 
 
1 ounce fresh lime juice
2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
1 cup crushed ice
12 fresh mint leaves, plus 5 small sprigs for garnish
2 ounces white rum
1 ounce club soda
For the full recipe, click here...