Alcohol and Gout: 10 Drinks to Avoid with Gout

If you’ve ever had a gout flare after a few drinks, you’re not imagining things. Alcohol and gout have a strong connection, and the type of alcohol you drink matters more than you might think.

A 2014 Boston University study found that consuming just 1–2 alcoholic drinks within 24 hours raised the risk of a recurrent gout attack by 1.36 times, and heavier drinking pushed that risk even higher.

That’s not great news if you enjoy the occasional beer or cocktail. But don’t worry, this guide breaks down the top 10 alcoholic drinks that can affect gout, and why they do more harm than others.

Let’s start by explaining why alcohol triggers gout in the first place.

Why Alcohol Triggers Gout

So, can alcohol cause gout flares? Yes, and here’s why:

• It raises uric acid levels. Your body breaks down purines (natural compounds in food and drink) into uric acid.
• Alcohol, especially beer and liquor, is high in purines. Plus, alcohol increases your body’s production of uric acid.
• It slows down elimination. Alcohol makes it harder for your kidneys to flush out uric acid, so it builds up in your bloodstream.
• It causes dehydration. Dehydration concentrates uric acid in the blood, making it easier for crystals to form in your joints.
• It triggers inflammation. Alcohol creates oxidative stress, which worsens inflammation, and that’s a key part of any gout attack.

That’s the science behind gout from drinking. Now let’s get into the worst offenders.

Alcoholic Drinks That Can Trigger Gout

Not all drinks hit the same when you’ve got gout. Here’s a closer look at the alcoholic drinks most likely to trigger a flare.

1. Beer

Beer tops the list. It’s loaded with purines because it’s brewed from yeast. It also contains alcohol, which doubles the trouble.

Even light beer can increase uric acid and trigger flares. Studies show just two beers a day can raise your risk of gout significantly, even more than spirits or wine.

If you have gout, beer is one of the first drinks you should cut.

2. Vodka

Let’s talk about vodka and gout. Vodka may not be as high in purines as beer, but it still causes issues. It’s a distilled spirit, meaning it’s pure alcohol, and alcohol alone can increase uric acid and reduce kidney function.

Some people think clear spirits are safer, but vodka can still raise your flare risk, especially if you’re drinking regularly or in larger amounts.

3. Whiskey

Whiskey has a similar effect to vodka. It’s distilled, it’s strong, and it puts a load on your kidneys. Even though it doesn’t contain purines from grains like beer, its alcohol content is enough to drive up uric acid and kick off a flare.

Some aged whiskeys also contain congeners, chemical compounds from the aging process, that can add to the inflammatory response.

4. Wine

Wine seems like a safer choice, but don’t get too comfortable. Red or white, wine still contains alcohol that increases uric acid and limits your kidneys’ ability to clear it out.

One or two glasses occasionally might not trigger flares for everyone, but studies show that more than two glasses within 24 hours significantly raises your gout risk.

5. Hard Cider

Hard cider might feel light, but it’s still alcohol, usually with sugar. The sugar and alcohol combo is bad news for gout. Sugar (especially fructose) increases uric acid, and alcohol does too. Together, they can easily set off a flare.

6. Craft Beer

Craft beer often has a higher alcohol content and more yeast than commercial beers. That means more purines and more problems. Some craft IPAs clock in at 7–9% ABV, making them extra risky if you’re dealing with gout.

7. Rum

Rum is another distilled liquor that seems clean and simple, but it’s not gout-friendly. Like other hard liquors, rum can increase uric acid and reduce kidney clearance. Some flavored rums also contain added sugars, which makes things worse.

8. Champagne

Champagne may seem harmless in small amounts, but it still contains alcohol and can lead to dehydration and uric acid buildup. The bubbles don’t soften the blow, it’s still a trigger if your body is sensitive.

9. Sweet Cocktails

Mixed drinks like margaritas, daiquiris, or mojitos combine liquor with sugary mixers. That double-hit, alcohol plus sugar, is a big problem for gout sufferers.

Even if you only have one cocktail, the sugar alone can spike uric acid. Add alcohol, and you’re setting the stage for a flare.

10. Fortified Wines

Think port, sherry, and vermouth. These wines are stronger than your average glass of red, and they come with more alcohol content per sip. Fortified wines can easily sneak up on you and spike uric acid levels.

They also tend to be sweet, which only adds to the gout risk.

Better Drink Choices for Gout Are Out There

Having gout doesn’t mean you have to give up alcohol completely, but what you drink, and how often, really matters. It’s not about cutting out everything, just avoiding the stuff that quietly makes things worse. Water and sparkling water are still your safest bets, especially in social settings. If you really want a drink, a small glass of dry wine might be okay for some, but it’s not risk-free. Listen to how your body responds.

What most people miss is that it’s not just the alcohol itself, it’s the combo of sugar, purines, dehydration, and frequency. That’s why gout from drinking can sneak up on you. And yes, alcohol can cause gout flares, but some drinks are much more likely to trigger them. Knowing which ones to avoid can make a big difference.