Why Your Cocktail Might Not Be as Plant-Based as You Think

You’re out with friends, sipping a gorgeous cocktail — orange peel curled just right, clinking ice cubes, a little sprig of mint for flair. You clink glasses, take a sip, and feel pretty good knowing your plant-based lifestyle is on point.

But wait — did you know your cocktail might not actually be vegan?

I know. That was me too. For the longest time, I assumed that if I wasn’t drinking milk or eating meat, I was in the clear. But the world of alcohol, especially cocktails, hides some surprising non-vegan ingredients. And they don’t always show up on the label.

If you're vegan, plant-curious, or just like knowing what’s in your glass, here’s what you need to know.

The Sneaky Truth: Alcohol Isn’t Always Vegan

Most people assume alcohol is just fermented plants. Grapes, grains, sugarcane, agave — what’s the problem?

The catch isn’t always in the alcohol itself — it’s in how it’s processed or what’s added afterward. Here’s where cocktails (and spirits in general) get tricky:

• Fining agents used in wine and some spirits
• Additives like honey or cream
• Colorings and flavorings derived from animals
• Garnishes that include non-vegan elements

And unfortunately, alcoholic beverages aren’t required to list ingredients in most countries. So unless you know what to ask or where to look, it’s easy to sip without realizing what’s in your glass.

1. Wine and Beer: The Hidden Animal Ingredients

Let’s start with the basics: wine and beer.

Many are “fined” using animal-based agents like:

• Isinglass – made from fish bladders
• Casein – milk protein
• Egg whites (albumin)
• Gelatin

These are used to clarify the beverage — to remove cloudiness or sediment — and are technically removed before bottling, but traces can remain.

The worst part? You won’t find any of this on the label.

Tip: Look for wines and beers labeled as “unfined” or “vegan-friendly,” or use the website Barnivore.com — a lifesaver for checking alcohol vegan status.

2. Spirits: Are Vodka, Gin, Whiskey Vegan?

Good news first: most plain distilled spirits are technically vegan — think vodka, rum, gin, tequila, whiskey. The issue comes when they’re flavored, aged, or altered.

Watch out for:

• Honey-flavored whiskey or liqueurs
• Cream-based drinks like Baileys (though they now have a vegan version!)
• Color additives (like carmine, derived from crushed beetles)
• Spirits aged in animal-based wax-sealed barrels

Plain spirits = generally safe. Flavored ones = always worth checking.

3. Cocktail Ingredients That Might Trip You Up

So your spirits are vegan. Great! But what about everything else?

Here are some common non-vegan cocktail ingredients:

Egg whites

Used for frothy textures in classics like the whiskey sour. Definitely not vegan.
Swap it: Use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) — works beautifully.

Honey

Found in drinks like the Gold Rush or Bee’s Knees.
Swap it: Maple syrup or agave.

Vermouth

Some vermouths are not vegan due to fining agents.
Tip: Check brands individually.

Carmine

A red dye from crushed beetles, used in some bitters or pre-made mixers.

Cream

Obvious but worth mentioning — avoid white Russians, Irish creams, etc., unless specifically plant-based.

4. Bar Garnishes: Yes, Even These Can Be Non-Vegan

It seems silly, but garnishes are part of the drink — and they can be sneaky too:

• Candied bacon strips in Bloody Marys
• Maraschino cherries dyed with shellac (from insects)
• Honey-drizzled rims or foam toppings
• Milk or whipped cream-based toppings

Always ask, especially at craft cocktail bars where chefs get, well… creative.

5. How to Order Vegan Cocktails Like a Pro

Don’t worry — you don’t have to quiz your bartender about every molecule.

Here’s a simple script:
“Hey, I’m vegan — are any of these cocktails made with egg whites, honey, or dairy?”

Most bartenders will know and are happy to help. Some will even offer to make adjustments on the spot.

And if you’re hosting at home? Even better — you’re in total control. Aquafaba sours, maple margaritas, coconut cream white Russians… the vegan cocktail world is delicious.

My Go-To Vegan Cocktail at Home

One of my favorites is a Maple Whiskey Sour — no eggs, no dairy, no guilt.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 oz maple syrup
• 2 tbsp aquafaba
• Ice

Shake vigorously without ice (dry shake), then add ice and shake again. Strain into a glass. Garnish with lemon peel. That’s it.

It’s rich, silky, and no chickens were harmed in the making.

Final Thoughts: Sip Kindly, Drink Consciously

Going plant-based doesn’t mean giving up cocktails. It just means paying closer attention.

When you think about it, choosing plant-based drinks isn’t about being difficult — it’s about being thoughtful. About animals, about your values, and about what you put into your body.

So next time you raise a glass, maybe give it a little more love. A little more curiosity. And maybe a splash of aquafaba.