What is ginger beer? Hint: It's not the same as ginger ale!
What Is Ginger Beer?
Updated on Jul. 15, 2024
You know ginger beer as the main ingredient in drinks like the Moscow mule or the Dark n’ Stormy. But the beverage has a surprisingly long history.
In the late 1800s, ginger beer was a popular drink to sip in England. Back then, it was an alcoholic beverage, kind of like hard cider. (It was popular all through Queen Victoria’s reign—though no word on whether she drank the stuff.)
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What Is Ginger Beer?
Fast-forward to today, and ginger beer is a non-alcoholic beverage with a robust, spicy and aromatic flavor. It’s made with a blend of ginger, water and sugar that’s fermented with yeast, then carbonated and bottled.
You can sip ginger beer as a soft drink, use it to make a sparkling mocktail or enjoy in a classic Moscow mule.
The Best Ginger Beers to Buy
To make the perfect cocktail, ginger beer should have spicy ginger flavor. Here’s a look at our top recommendations, all of which can be found on Amazon or at a local grocery store:
- Fever Tree Premium Ginger Beer, $34 for 8
- Q Ginger Beer, $36 for 24
- Gosling’s Ginger Beer, $30 for 24
Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer is worth mentioning, too. It’s got 4.8% alcohol, so you can go ahead and sip, no mixology required.
Ginger Beer vs. Ginger Ale
Both drinks are carbonated, non-alcoholic and boast ginger flavor. But a true ginger beer will have been fermented with yeast, unlike a ginger ale that’s simply carbonated. Both make great mixers; however, the strong flavor of ginger beer means its ginger flavor is immediately more noticeable in a beverage.
Add a Splash of Ginger Beer Here!
Cranberry SparklerThe flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer's night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It's a favorite for our girls' night! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Kentucky LemonadeMint and bourbon give this drink a bit of a Kentucky kick, and ginger ale makes it a fizzy party punch.—Cathy Justus, Taylor, Michigan
Celebration PunchLooking for vodka punch recipes for your next party? Look no further! This easy punch is fresh, fruity and refreshing. Best of all—it's super simple to mix up for a crowd.
Champagne Party PunchTo make this punch even more festive, float an ice ring in the punch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cranberry FizzWith just five basic ingredients, this wonderfully tangy punch couldn't be much simpler to stir together. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California
Rhubarb Citrus PunchRhubarb grows abundantly in our large farm garden. I'll make this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario
Raspberry RefresherThis recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Cranberry Raspberry PunchThe blushing bride-to-be and her guests will ask for refills of this pretty pink punch. It's not too sweet, so my family never tires of it at events throughout the year. —Susan Rogers, Wilmington, Massachusetts
Watermelon-Lime CoolerWhen temps heat up, chill some glasses and cool down with a slushy blend of watermelon, lime and ginger ale. Slurp and repeat. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Orange Juice SpritzerHere’s a zippy twist on regular orange juice. It is not too sweet and is refreshing with any breakfast or brunch entree. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Salty Dog SangriaMix up grapefruit vodka, ginger ale, grapefruit juice, a little wine and simple syrup and what do you get? A perfectly refreshing and beautiful sipper fit for any holiday or special gathering. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
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