Alcohol allergy: What’s in your New Year’s Eve tipple?

Posted: 23rd December 2024 | Posted by Costa

Alcohol allergy: What’s in your New Year’s Eve tipple?

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration; for many, that means raising a glass (or two). But for those with allergies or sensitivities, festive drinks can sometimes cause unpleasant reactions. From hidden allergens in beer, wine, and spirits to the creamy indulgence of eggnog, understanding what’s in your glass is key to enjoying the night safely. Let’s explore common allergens in popular beverages, offer alternatives, and share allergy-safe tips for toasting the New Year.

Common allergens in alcohol

Beer

• Contains gluten from barley or wheat.
• May include other potential allergens like corn or added flavourings.

Wine

• Can contain sulfites, which act as preservatives and are a common trigger for sensitivities.
• Fining agents like egg whites or fish-derived isinglass might linger in the final product.

Spirits

• Distilled spirits like vodka or whiskey can contain trace allergens from the base ingredients (e.g., wheat, corn, or rye).
• Flavored spirits may include artificial additives or natural allergens like nuts.

Eggnog

• Packed with dairy, eggs, and sometimes nutmeg, which can trigger allergies.
• Commercial versions may also contain preservatives or flavouring agents.

How to enjoy allergy-safe drinks

• Read labels: Check for allergen information, especially on flavoured or mixed drinks.
• Ask questions: Ask about ingredients in cocktails or pre-mixed drinks at bars or parties.
• Opt for safe alternatives: Choose gluten-free beers, organic wines, or spirits labelled as allergen-free.
• BYOB: Bring your own beverages to ensure you have safe options.

Five popular New Year’s Eve cocktails and allergy-friendly alternatives

Here are five classic cocktails, their traditional ingredients, and how to make them allergy-safe:

1. Mojito

• Ingredients: White rum, lime juice, sugar, soda water, fresh mint.
• Potential allergens: None in the base recipe, but flavoured rums may contain allergens.
• Alternatives:
  • Home: Use certified gluten-free rum.
  • Out: Ask if the rum is unflavored and allergen-free; opt for a mocktail version if unsure.

2. Espresso martini

• Ingredients: Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, sugar syrup.
• Potential allergens: Flavored vodkas or liqueurs may contain allergens like nuts or gluten.
• Alternatives:
  • Home: Use plain, gluten-free vodka and dairy-free coffee liqueur (e.g., Mr Black).
  • Out: Request the drink without cream-based liqueurs, or opt for a simple vodka-and-espresso blend.

3. Piña colada

• Ingredients: White rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, sugar.
• Potential allergens: Dairy in cream-based versions; nuts in some coconut products.
• Alternatives:
  • Home: Use canned coconut milk instead of coconut cream, and confirm it’s nut-free.
  • Out: Ask if the coconut product used is dairy- and nut-free, or switch to a tropical mocktail.

4. Whiskey sour

• Ingredients: Whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, egg white (optional).
• Potential allergens: Egg white in traditional recipes; gluten in some whiskeys.
• Alternatives:
  • Home: Skip the egg white or use aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan option. Choose gluten-free whiskey.
  • Out: Order it without egg white and confirm the whiskey’s gluten-free status.

5. Classic Margarita

• Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, triple sec (orange liqueur).
• Potential allergens: Flavored tequilas or mixers may contain allergens.
• Alternatives:
  • Home: Use pure tequila and fresh lime juice; swap triple sec for an allergen-free orange extract or juice.
  • Out: Ensure the tequila is 100% agave and avoid pre-mixed margarita blends.

Tips for allergy-safe drinking

• Stick to basics: Simple drinks like gin, tonic, vodka, and soda are less likely to have hidden allergens.
• Avoid creamy drinks: Opt for non-dairy alternatives or fruit-based cocktails.
• Choose organic: Organic wines and spirits are less likely to contain sulfites or artificial additives.
• Test small sips first: If you’re trying a new drink, start with a small amount to gauge your reaction.

When in doubt, take an allergy test

If you’re experiencing reactions after drinking but aren’t sure of the cause, it’s time to dig deeper. From gluten in beer to sulfites in wine, knowing your specific triggers can help you make safe, confident choices.

Register as a new patient with us today for a comprehensive evaluation at our London-based allergy clinic or prefer the convenience of our home allergy test and raise a glass to a healthier, happier New Year!