“Is Alcohol Paleo?” and “Is Alcohol Paleo Friendly?” These questions seem to be the deal-makers and breakers when deciding to take the Paleo leap. So, what is the final answer?
The answer is: Alcohol is not an issue, with specific caveats.
Learn how to consume alcohol while keeping your Paleo principles intact. We created an infographic for you as a quick reference for the ideal alcohol choices, but here’s the long and short of alcohol for the paleo dieter.
In reality, alcohol preparation, the process of fermentation, distilling, and other treatments involved, are techniques which are no different than those used in typical food-making. The fact that alcohol is the final product of a specific process does not make it any less Paleo-friendly than transforming coconut milk into ice cream, for example. Sure, it would be nice to get a buzz from coconut milk, but that may be a topic for another article.
That being said, let’s look at what the general consensus is on alcohol consumption
Gluten
The main concern that Paleo practitioners often voice regarding alcohol is its natural gluten content. However, the process of distillation helps to remove gluten. Similarly, this also removes any Paleo-concerns regarding alcohol consumption. The final answer is a resounding, “Yes, you can drink alcohol as a Paleo practitioner”.
What are the rules?
There are really not that many restrictions with Paleo. Essentially, the “no-no’s” are those fruity mixers and the exotic combinations of alcohol and decorative, sugary (and synthetic) products, like maraschino cherries and bitters. For example, rum itself may be allowable, but when it is mixed with a creamy, sweet substance that is likened to coconut, and a fake cherry is put on top, this “Piña Colada” it becomes a potential Paleo nightmare.
Therefore, just follow these basic suggestions:
- No mixers with sugar, or sweet syrups- Paleo is a sugar-free lifestyle.
- Steer away from grain-based liquids- Check out the label of whatever alcohol you wish to purchase. It will tell you what it grain-based, or not.
- Beer, bourbon, and whiskey are made from wheat- Remember that the Paleo lifestyle consists on a wheat and grain-free daily diet.
Don’t whine? There’s wine!
Drinks that are made from all-natural and non-grain based substances are welcome in Paleo. They include tequila, white and sparkling wine (they have extremely low amounts of sugar), and red wine without added sugar.
Ever wonder what’s the best #alcohol to drink on #paleo?
Click To Tweet
The wine question.
Those of us who are familiar with wine may find it easier to know what to choose as a Paleo-friendly cocktail. If you are not that familiar, here is a little crash course on “Paleo-wine 101.”
White wines– Pick the driest ones. Dry, white wine is also good for cooking.
Look for the following labels under the name of the wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Albarino, Marlborough. Avoid: Moscato, Pinot Grigio (unless consumed in moderation), and Pinot Gris. Wine coolers are not really wine. They are basically soda pop drinks with added alcohol.
Sparkling White Wine– We could call it “Champagne” but the proper Champagne comes from that eponymous area in France. Anything else is considered “sparkling wine”. Look for these labels under the name of the wine: Cava, Extra Dry (extra dry is not the driest, Brut is), and Brut.
Red wines-Look for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Avoid anything that says “sweet” on the label. If you want to be introduced to good, red wine, try Hungarian “Bikaver”, also known as “Bull’s Blood”. It is full-bodied, dry enough, but also bold in taste. One glass can be enjoyed slowly, almost like a cup of coffee.
If you do not like dry wines, start trying them out by making a habit of drinking one glass of dry, red wine with dinner. It is not only good for you in helping to lower cholesterol and other benefits, but it may help you find a healthier, less- fattening alternative for a cocktail choice.
Final Words:
Is alcohol paleo? Yes, it can be. As long as you choose all-natural and sugar-free alternatives, you should be able to have your cocktail, and drink it, too! We created the above infographic to outline the best alcohol choices, but every paleo dieter has to make this decision for themselves. Decide what kind of paleo follower you are and choose accordingly.
