Gluten Free Bourbon and Coke

A few months ago (my boyfriend) Taylor and I discovered Garden & Gun Magazine. For those unfamiliar with this unusually named bimonthly, it's a: Southern lifestyle magazine, all about the magic of the new South – the sporting culture, the food, the music, the art, the literature, the people, and the ideas. (-GardenAndGun.com)


So when we came across a mouthwatering, summer cocktail recipe centered around a specialty bourbon, we took notice. And when we read about the soaring popularity of Coca-Cola imported from Mexico, favorite amongst chefs, supper clubs and connoisseurs alike, we were simply inspired.

Could we round up some Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon and some Mexican Coke? And would I even be able to partake--would they both prove gluten free and casein free?

Well, I did a bit of research on the matter, and yes, both are safe bets for those who are gluten sensitive, and of legal drinking age!

According to Truman Cox, the Old Rip Van Winkle chemist: Our products are distilled and aged with no additives after the distillation process. To the best of our knowledge, the distillation does remove or denature the proteins and gluten associated with the starting grains.

And according to the Coca-Cola site, yes, their regular coke is gluten-free.

My first bourbon or Mexican coke in nearly a year. Mignon Faget glasses stuffed with ice, bourbon and coke sizzling with carbonated fizz, condensation running down the glass sides letting us know it was time to drink up. This was one gluten-free night that stays warmly with the taste buds.