Q: Fiona - I recently heard that wine often contains casein. Is this accurate? Are beer and spirits the same?

A: Alisa - Most of the family celebrations for this year have passed, but for many, the biggest party of the year lies ahead. And while everyone is expected to drink responsibly, free-from dieters must take extra precautions. Some beverages look clear as water, but may have utilized casein (dairy) in the production process. Other liqueurs bear the title "creme" but are no more than thick sugary concoctions that have zero relation to dairy.

It is a confusing libation world, but over the years I have put together a few articles, recipes, and tips to help you "safely" enjoy a beverage or two for the New Year and other joyous gatherings:

Article: "Dairy-Free and Vegan Consumers Can Imbibe with Caution During the Holidays" - Basic tips and links for choosing wine, beer, and mixed drinks.

Article: "Barkeep, There’s Milk in my Stout Beer" - A quick note on beers that actually contain milk (usually in the form of lactose).

Recipes: "Numerous Nog Delights for Dairy-Free Diets" - Going well beyond milk-free, this brief offers recipes for vegan, soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free egg nog drinks too.

Recipes: "Four Warm Winter Beverages to Take the Chill Off" - Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic bevies to help your guests defrost from the outdoors.

Recipes: "Bahama Mamas" - Dreaming of a warm sandy beach? Bring a taste of the tropics home.

Recipes: "Homemade Bailey's Irish Cream" - Step by step tips for converting this dairy-based drink into a rich, yet milk-free pleasure.

Even More Tips and Recipes:

Many liqueurs begin with the title "crème de ..." In recipes and on store shelves you may spot it as crème de cassis, crème de menthe, or crème de cacao. Believe it or not, the "crème" in this case refers to the consistency and not the ingredients, as these liqueurs do not contain dairy. However, these must not be confused with cream liqueurs, which typically contain dairy cream.

Also, though that crème de menthe may not contain milk itself, it is often used in both beverage and food recipes that are rich with dairy. Always inquire when served with a mixed beverage as you may be surprised where a splash of cream or a foam of egg white has been added (yes, those with egg allergies must use great caution too!). To give an example, here is a "crème" recipe that we have modified to be dairy-free:

Kokomo - A retro drink from the food network (pictured above)

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce amaretto
• 1 ounce creme de cacao
• 1 ounce cream of coconut (a dairy-free sugar / coconut concoction)
• 1 ounce coconut cream (original calls for heavy cream; for coconut cream, let a can of regular coconut milk settle, and skim off 1 ounce of the thick cream from the top)
• Toasted shaved coconut, for garnish (optional)

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the vodka, amaretto, creme de cacao, cream of coconut and coconut cream. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with coconut, if desired.

Grasshopper - An easy classic

• 1 ounce creme de cacao
• 1 ounce creme de menthe
• 1 ounce coconut beverage (from So Delicious), light or regular coconut milk, or your favorite milk alternative (recipe typically calls for milk or light cream)

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

Eskimo Kiss Martini

• 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua®)
• 1/2 ounce creme de menthe
• 1 ounce light or dark creme de cacao
• 1 ounce coconut or cashew cream (typically made with dairy cream; use the coconut cream tip in the Kokomo recipe above, or use the cashew cream recipe in Go Dairy Free, or try a splash of MimicCreme)
• finely ground Oreo cookies, garnish (yes, Oreos are dairy-free and vegan, and you can even find some "healthier" brands as well as some gluten-free ones)

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with finely ground Oreo cookies.

Alisa Fleming is the founder of GoDairyFree.org and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living. In addition to her own dairy-free lifestyle, Alisa has experience in catering to the needs of various special diets, including gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, vegan, and multiple food allergies.

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