Think Before You Drink-- 4 Unfriendly Drinks For Those With Nut Allergies

Are you allergic to nuts but enjoy a nice drink at the end of the day? If so, you need to make sure you don't drink anything that could cause you to have an allergic reaction. Here are some drinks that you should stay away from:

Amaretto

Amaretto is almond-flavored liquor used in a number of drinks. Some amaretto is stronger than others, which often means they include more almonds. Some of these liquors, especially the less expensive types, are only made with artificial almond extract, which could be safe for those with nut allergies. If you want to try a drink with a certain brand of amaretto, you should first check the website of the liquor you plan to drink to see the exact ingredients.

Flavored Vodka

Vodka comes in all types and flavors these days, so it come as no surprise that there are nut-flavored vodkas available on the market. One of these includes vodka that is flavored like peanut butter. While that may seem odd, it is becoming more and more popular in bars. If you have a nut allergy, it would be best to steer clear of anything made with peanut butter-flavored vodka, as it is often infused with true peanut flavoring.  

Beer

Beer is traditionally made from corn or wheat, which is usually fine for those with nut allergies. However, there are many beers on the market today that are flavored with all types of ingredients. There's apple beer, orange beer, lemon beer, and more. There is also beer flavored with nut flavors including pecan and hazelnuts. These should be avoided by anyone with a nut allergy. You should be able to determine if nuts are included by reading the ingredients on the label, or simply by the name of the beer as it usually indicates the flavor.

Hazelnut Liquor

Hazelnut liquor is a very popular addition to many drinks, including martinis and chocolate cocktails. It is even a popular addition to coffee. This should be avoided by anyone with a nut allergy as it is distilled with actual nuts and can trigger a reaction.

In addition to avoiding these substances, you should also be aware of cross contamination in the bar, especially maraschino cherries. These are often soaked in almond extract, which can be dangerous for anyone with nut allergies.

If you have a nut allergy and are planning to drink, you should be well-informed of what types of liquor you should avoid. Talk to your allergist, like Diane L. Ozog, MD, SC, about the best ways to keep yourself safe.


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