Ginger beer cocktails offer a zesty and refreshing twist to your drink menu. These fizzy concoctions blend the spicy kick of ginger with various spirits and mixers to create unique flavor profiles. From classic favorites to modern creations, there’s a ginger beer cocktail for every taste.
You can easily make many ginger beer cocktails at home with just a few ingredients. Whether you prefer vodka, rum, whiskey, or non-alcoholic options, ginger beer adds a lively spark to drinks. Get ready to explore a world of tangy, bubbly, and delicious cocktails that will liven up any occasion.
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that combines vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It’s typically served in a copper mug, which keeps the drink cold and adds to its unique appeal.
To make a Moscow Mule, you’ll need:
2 oz vodka
1/2 oz lime juice
4-6 oz ginger beer
Ice
Fill your copper mug with ice. Pour in the vodka and lime juice. Top it off with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.
The Moscow Mule offers a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and bubbly flavors. It’s an easy-to-make cocktail that’s great for any occasion.
The Kentucky Mule puts a bourbon twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This refreshing cocktail combines the rich flavors of bourbon with zesty ginger beer and tangy lime juice.
To make a Kentucky Mule, fill a copper mug with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon and 0.5 ounces of fresh lime juice. Top it off with 4 ounces of ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
Garnish your drink with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint for added flair. The copper mug isn’t just for looks – it helps keep your drink cool and enhances the flavors.
This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for bourbon lovers looking for a refreshing summer drink.
The Ginger Beergarita puts a zesty spin on the classic margarita. This drink blends tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer for a refreshing twist.
To make it, rim a glass with salt. Mix tequila and fresh lime juice in the glass. Add ice and top with ginger beer. Stir gently to combine.
The ginger beer adds a spicy kick that complements the tequila’s warmth. The lime juice balances the flavors with its tartness.
Garnish your Ginger Beergarita with a lime wedge. You can also add a slice of candied ginger for extra flair. This cocktail is perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a unique drink.
The Ginger Mojito puts a spicy twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. You’ll love this refreshing drink that combines rum, mint, lime, and ginger beer.
To make it, muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice and sugar in a glass. Add white rum and fill the glass with ice. Top it off with ginger beer for a zesty kick.
Stir gently to mix all the flavors. Garnish your Ginger Mojito with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge. The ginger beer adds a unique zing that complements the traditional mojito ingredients.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum and use more ginger beer or club soda instead. You’ll still get a tasty, refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days.
The Spicy Paloma adds a fiery twist to the classic grapefruit cocktail. You’ll need tequila, ginger beer, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a spicy element like jalapeño or chili pepper.
Rim your glass with salt and chili powder for extra kick. Mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a slice of jalapeño. The spicy-sweet combo makes for a refreshing summer drink with a punch.
This refreshing cocktail blends the sweetness of strawberries with the spicy kick of ginger beer. You’ll love how the flavors come together in this easy-to-make drink.
Start by muddling fresh strawberries with lime juice in a glass. Add a splash of simple syrup or honey for extra sweetness if you like.
Pour in your favorite gin and give it a good stir. Fill the glass with ice, then top it off with ginger beer. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
Garnish your Strawberry Ginger Smash with a strawberry slice and a sprig of mint. The result is a perfect balance of fruity, spicy, and refreshing flavors.
Tropical Ginger Beer Punch brings island vibes to your glass. Mix ginger beer with pineapple juice and coconut rum for a taste of paradise.
Add a splash of lime juice to balance the sweetness. Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
This punch is perfect for summer parties or when you need a vacation in a glass. Serve it in a large pitcher or individual tiki mugs for extra fun.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less pineapple juice. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum and enjoy a refreshing tropical mocktail.
The Ginger Beer Negroni puts a spicy twist on the classic Italian cocktail. You’ll mix equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth as usual. Then top it off with a splash of ginger beer for extra zing.
This drink balances bitter and sweet flavors with a ginger kick. The fizzy ginger beer lightens up the traditionally strong Negroni. It also adds a refreshing quality perfect for warm weather sipping.
To make it, combine 1 oz each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in an ice-filled glass. Stir gently to chill. Top with 1-2 oz of ginger beer and garnish with an orange peel.
The Ginger Beer Daiquiri adds a spicy twist to the classic rum cocktail. You’ll love this refreshing drink that combines the zing of ginger beer with the sweetness of rum and lime juice.
To make it, mix white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with ginger beer for that signature kick.
Garnish your Ginger Beer Daiquiri with a lime wheel or a slice of candied ginger. This drink is perfect for warm summer days or anytime you want a tropical-inspired beverage with a spicy edge.
The Apple Ginger Beer Fizz is a tasty drink that mixes the crisp taste of apples with the spicy kick of ginger beer. You’ll love this combo of sweet and zesty flavors.
To make it, you’ll need apple cider, ginger beer, and a splash of lime juice. Pour these over ice in a tall glass. Give it a quick stir to mix everything up.
For extra flavor, you can add a dash of cinnamon or a slice of fresh apple as a garnish. This drink is great for fall, but you can enjoy it any time of year.
It’s easy to make and perfect for parties or relaxing at home. Try it out next time you want a fun, non-alcoholic option or a new twist on ginger beer drinks.
Autumn Spice Ginger Beer blends the zesty kick of ginger with warm fall flavors. This seasonal cocktail captures the essence of crisp autumn days.
To make it, mix ginger beer with a splash of apple cider and a dash of cinnamon. Add a shot of spiced rum for extra warmth. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
The drink’s spicy-sweet balance makes it perfect for cozy evenings. It’s a great choice for fall gatherings or quiet nights by the fire. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less ginger beer to suit your taste.
Health Benefits of Ginger Beer
Ginger beer offers several health advantages due to its main ingredient, ginger. It can support digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
Nutritional Profile
Ginger beer contains key nutrients that contribute to its health benefits. It’s low in calories but rich in antioxidants. A typical 12-ounce serving has about 114 calories and 28 grams of sugar.
Ginger beer provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including:
Vitamin C
Potassium
Magnesium
Copper
The active compounds in ginger, like gingerols and shogaols, give ginger beer its potential health effects. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The gingerols in ginger beer can help reduce inflammation in your body. This may ease symptoms of various conditions.
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects can:
Soothe digestive discomfort
Reduce muscle pain after exercise
Lessen joint pain from arthritis
Some studies suggest ginger may help lower blood sugar levels. It might also improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure.
Ginger beer can settle an upset stomach. It may relieve nausea, especially during pregnancy or after chemotherapy.
History and Origin of Ginger Beer
Ginger beer has a long and interesting past. It started as a medicine and became a popular drink over time. People have enjoyed it for hundreds of years.
Traditional Brewing Methods
Ginger beer was first made in England in the 1700s. People used ginger, sugar, water, and yeast to make it. They let it ferment for a few days. This process made the drink fizzy and a bit alcoholic.
The mix of ingredients was called “ginger beer plant.” It wasn’t really a plant, but a mix of yeast and bacteria. This mix helped the drink ferment.
At first, ginger beer was stronger than it is now. It had about 11% alcohol. Today’s ginger beer usually has less than 0.5% alcohol or none at all.
People liked ginger beer because it was tasty and they thought it was good for health. They drank it to help with stomach problems and to feel better when sick.
Mixing Techniques for Ginger Beer Cocktails
Proper mixing techniques are key to creating the perfect ginger beer cocktail. The right method and tools can enhance flavors and textures.
Shaking vs. Stirring
Shaking is best for cocktails with fruit juices or cream. It aerates the drink and blends ingredients well. Fill a shaker with ice, add all ingredients except ginger beer, and shake for 10-15 seconds.
Stirring works better for spirit-forward drinks. It keeps the cocktail clear and avoids over-dilution. Use a mixing glass and bar spoon. Stir gently for about 30 seconds.
For both methods, add ginger beer last. Pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to keep the fizz.
Glassware Selection
The right glass can boost your cocktail’s taste and look. For Moscow Mules, use copper mugs. They keep drinks colder longer and add a nice touch.
Highball glasses work well for tall, fizzy drinks. Their shape shows off layered cocktails nicely.
Rocks glasses are good for shorter, stronger drinks. They let you add big ice cubes that melt slowly.
Always chill your glasses before use. This keeps your drink cold longer. You can put them in the freezer or fill with ice water for a few minutes.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
