Ginger beer cocktails offer a spicy and refreshing twist on classic mixed drinks. These zesty beverages combine the bold flavor of ginger with various spirits and mixers to create unique and tasty concoctions.
Whether you prefer gin, rum, vodka, or tequila, there’s a ginger beer cocktail to suit your taste.
You can find over 19 different ginger beer cocktail recipes to try at home or order at a bar. From well-known favorites like the Moscow Mule and Dark ‘n’ Stormy to more creative blends, these drinks showcase the versatility of ginger beer.
Get ready to explore exciting flavor combinations that will add some zing to your cocktail hour.
1. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make and refreshing to drink. You’ll need vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer to create this tasty beverage.
Mix these ingredients in a copper mug filled with ice. The copper mug isn’t just for looks – it helps keep your drink cold.
Despite its name, the Moscow Mule was actually invented in the United States in the 1940s. It’s part of a family of drinks called “buck” cocktails, which combine liquor, citrus, and ginger beer.
The Moscow Mule’s crisp, spicy flavor makes it perfect for warm weather sipping. You can also try variations with different spirits or added fruit juices for a twist on the original.
2. Dark ‘n Stormy
The Dark ‘n Stormy is a classic cocktail from Bermuda. It mixes dark rum with ginger beer for a refreshing drink.
To make one, pour dark rum over ice in a tall glass. Top it with ginger beer and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
The drink gets its name from its appearance. The dark rum floats on top of the lighter ginger beer, creating a stormy look.
For the best flavor, use a high-quality dark rum and a spicy ginger beer. Gosling’s Black Seal Rum is the traditional choice.
3. Ginger Beer Margarita
Ginger beer adds a zesty twist to the classic margarita. This refreshing cocktail combines tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer for a spicy-sweet flavor.
To make a ginger beer margarita, mix 2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, and 3-4 oz ginger beer in a glass with ice. Stir gently to combine.
For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice or Cointreau. Rim the glass with salt if you like. Garnish with a lime wheel.
This drink is perfect for summer sipping. The ginger beer gives it a nice fizz and balances the tart lime. You’ll love how the spicy ginger complements the smooth tequila.
4. Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s Cup is a classic British cocktail perfect for summer sipping. You’ll love its refreshing taste and fruity flavors.
To make a Pimm’s Cup, start with Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur. Add ginger beer or lemonade for fizz and sweetness.
Garnish your drink with cucumber slices, strawberries, and fresh mint. These add visual appeal and enhance the flavors.
For extra zing, squeeze in some lemon juice. Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the ingredients, and give it a gentle stir.
Enjoy your Pimm’s Cup on a warm day or at garden parties. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to drink.
5. Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule puts a bourbon twist on the classic Moscow Mule. You’ll love this refreshing drink that combines the warmth of bourbon with zesty lime and spicy ginger beer.
To make one, fill a copper mug with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon and 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice. Top it off with 4-6 ounces of ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
Garnish your Kentucky Mule with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint for extra flair. The copper mug keeps your drink icy cold while you enjoy the bold flavors.
This cocktail is perfect for bourbon fans looking for a crisp, bubbly drink. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests at your next gathering.
6. Ginger Beer Mojito
The Ginger Beer Mojito puts a spicy twist on a classic cocktail. You’ll love this refreshing drink that combines rum, ginger beer, mint, and lime.
To make it, muddle mint leaves with lime juice in a glass. Add some ice cubes, then pour in white rum and ginger beer. Give it a quick stir to mix the flavors.
The result is a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and spice. It’s ideal for sipping on hot summer days or anytime you want a zesty pick-me-up.
You can garnish your Ginger Beer Mojito with extra mint leaves or a lime wedge. It’s an easy cocktail to make at home that’s sure to impress your guests.
7. Ginger Beer Sangria
Ginger beer sangria offers a zesty twist on the classic Spanish drink. You’ll love this refreshing cocktail for summer gatherings or holiday parties.
Mix ginger beer with white wine for a bubbly base. Add your favorite fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples for a colorful touch.
For extra flavor, include a splash of brandy or whiskey. Let the mixture chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves. This drink combines the spiciness of ginger beer with the sweetness of fruit for a crowd-pleasing beverage.
8. Ginger Beer Collins
The Ginger Beer Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. You’ll love this zesty drink on a hot summer day.
To make it, mix gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with ginger beer for a spicy kick.
Garnish your Ginger Beer Collins with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh mint. The combination of citrus, gin, and ginger creates a perfect balance of flavors.
This cocktail is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Give it a try at your next gathering or enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon sipper.
9. Ginger Beer and Vodka
Ginger beer and vodka make a great team in cocktails. The spicy kick of ginger beer balances the smooth, neutral taste of vodka.
You can create a simple yet delicious drink by mixing these two ingredients. Pour 2 ounces of vodka over ice in a tall glass. Top it off with 4-6 ounces of ginger beer.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This creates a basic Moscow Mule, a popular cocktail enjoyed worldwide.
Try experimenting with different ratios to find your perfect balance. You can also add fruits or herbs for unique twists on this classic combination.
10. Spicy Paloma
The Spicy Paloma adds a fiery kick to the classic grapefruit cocktail. Mix tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and lime juice in a glass.
Add a splash of spicy ginger syrup for heat and sweetness. Top with ginger beer for extra zing and bubbles.
Rim the glass with a mix of salt and cayenne pepper for an extra spicy touch. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and jalapeño slice.
This zesty drink balances sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. It’s great for summer parties or anytime you want to spice up your cocktail game.
11. Ginger Beer Daiquiri
The Ginger Beer Daiquiri is a zesty twist on the classic cocktail. You’ll love how it combines the refreshing kick of ginger beer with the smooth taste of rum.
To make this drink, you’ll need white rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and ginger beer. Mix the rum, lime juice, and syrup in a shaker with ice.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with ginger beer for a spicy fizz. Give it a quick stir and garnish with a lime wheel.
This cocktail is perfect for warm days or when you want a drink with a bit of zing. The ginger beer adds a unique flavor that sets it apart from a regular daiquiri.
12. Ginger Beer Punch
Ginger beer punch is a tasty drink for parties. You can make a big batch to serve lots of people.
Mix ginger beer with fruit juices like cranberry, apple, or pineapple. Add some vodka or rum if you want alcohol.
Toss in fresh fruit slices and herbs for extra flavor. Mint, lemon, and lime work well.
Chill the punch before serving. Pour it over ice in a large bowl or pitcher. Your guests can help themselves throughout the event.
13. Caribbean Mule
The Caribbean Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It swaps vodka for rum, giving it a tropical flair.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need rum, lime juice, and ginger beer. Pour the rum and lime juice over ice in a copper mug. Top it off with ginger beer for a spicy kick.
You can use white, gold, or spiced rum based on your preference. Some recipes even mix different types of rum for added complexity.
Garnish your Caribbean Mule with a lime wedge or pineapple slice. It’s perfect for sipping on a hot day or when you want to feel like you’re on a beach vacation.
14. Ginger Beer Negroni
The Ginger Beer Negroni puts a zesty spin 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 spicy ginger beer for extra zing. The ginger beer adds a lively fizz and complements the bitter Campari nicely.
Garnish your Ginger Beer Negroni with an orange peel to bring out the citrus notes. This refreshing twist is perfect for sipping on warm evenings.
You can adjust the ginger beer amount to suit your taste. Add more for a spicier, bubblier drink or less for a subtler flavor.
15. Ginger Beer Martini
The Ginger Beer Martini puts a spicy twist on the classic cocktail. You’ll mix vodka, ginger beer, and a splash of lime juice in a shaker with ice.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. For extra flair, rim the glass with sugar and candied ginger before pouring.
Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger or a twist of lime peel. This drink balances the bite of ginger beer with the smoothness of vodka.
It’s perfect for sipping at cocktail parties or enjoying as an after-dinner treat. The Ginger Beer Martini offers a unique flavor that will surprise your taste buds.
16. Fiery Old Fashioned
This spicy twist on a classic cocktail packs a punch. You’ll need whiskey, ginger beer, and bitters to create this fiery concoction.
Start by adding ice to your glass. Pour in 2 ounces of whiskey and a dash of bitters. Top it off with ginger beer for that signature spicy kick.
Stir gently to combine the flavors. The ginger beer adds a zesty fizz that complements the smooth whiskey. For extra heat, try using a spicy ginger beer variety.
Garnish with a slice of candied ginger or an orange peel. This drink offers a perfect balance of warmth and refreshment. Enjoy responsibly!
17. Ginger Strawberry Smash
The Ginger Strawberry Smash is a fruity and refreshing cocktail that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the spicy kick of ginger beer. You’ll love this drink on a warm day.
To make it, muddle fresh strawberries in a glass. Add ice, vodka or gin, and a splash of lemon juice. Top it off with ginger beer for a fizzy finish.
For extra flavor, you can include a touch of honey syrup or fresh mint leaves. Garnish with a strawberry slice and a piece of candied ginger.
This drink is easy to customize. Try using bourbon instead of clear spirits for a deeper taste. You can also add a dash of pomegranate juice for more complexity.
18. Pineapple Ginger Beer Fizz
This refreshing drink combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the spicy kick of ginger beer. You’ll love how the flavors complement each other.
To make it, mix pineapple juice with ginger beer in a tall glass filled with ice. Add a splash of lime juice for extra zing.
Garnish your drink with a pineapple wedge and a sprig of mint. For a fun twist, try rimming the glass with sugar and a pinch of ground ginger.
This mocktail is perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a tasty non-alcoholic option. It’s easy to adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences.
19. Lime Lager with Ginger Beer
This refreshing drink mixes the crisp taste of lager with zesty lime and spicy ginger beer.
It’s easy to make and perfect for hot summer days.
Pour a light lager into a tall glass filled with ice. Add a splash of fresh lime juice for a tart kick.
Top it off with ginger beer to give it a spicy edge.
Garnish with a lime wedge and serve. You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of bitters or a sprig of mint.
This cocktail blends the smoothness of beer with the zing of ginger and citrus. It’s a great choice for backyard parties or relaxing after work.
Historical Background of Ginger Beer Cocktails
Ginger beer has a long and fascinating history as both a standalone drink and a cocktail ingredient. Its journey from medicinal tonic to popular mixer spans centuries and continents.
Origins and Evolution
Ginger beer got its start in 18th century England. Brewers in Yorkshire made the first versions as an alcoholic drink.
It spread quickly across Britain and to other parts of the world.
Over time, non-alcoholic ginger beer became more common. This opened up new uses for the spicy, refreshing beverage.
By the early 1900s, people started mixing ginger beer into cocktails.
The Moscow Mule, created in the 1940s, helped ginger beer gain popularity in cocktails. This mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice became a hit in the United States.
Cultural Significance
Ginger beer holds an important place in many cultures. In the Caribbean, it’s a key part of holiday celebrations and social gatherings. The Dark ‘n’ Stormy, Bermuda’s national drink, pairs ginger beer with dark rum.
In Britain, ginger beer remains a beloved soft drink. It’s often enjoyed on its own or in cocktails like the London Buck.
The spicy kick of ginger beer adds depth to many classic and modern mixed drinks.
Craft cocktail bars now use ginger beer in creative new recipes. Its unique flavor helps bartenders make exciting drinks that appeal to today’s adventurous drinkers.
Flavor Profile and Ingredients
Ginger beer cocktails offer a spicy kick and refreshing taste. They mix bold ginger flavors with complementary ingredients for balanced, flavorful drinks.
Core Ingredients
Ginger beer is the star of these cocktails. It has a strong, spicy ginger taste and fizzy bubbles. Most ginger beer is non-alcoholic, but some brands make alcoholic versions.
Spirits are also key. Vodka and rum are common choices. They add alcohol without overpowering the ginger flavor.
Lime juice is often used too. It brings tartness to balance the spice.
Some recipes call for simple syrup. This sweetens the drink and softens the ginger’s bite.
Ice is important to keep the cocktail cold and crisp.
Complementary Flavors
Citrus fruits pair well with ginger beer. Lemon, lime, and orange add bright, fresh notes.
They cut through the spiciness.
Herbs like mint and basil bring a cool, aromatic touch. They can make the drink more complex and interesting.
Fruit juices and purees work nicely too. Apple cider, pineapple juice, and raspberry puree are good options.
They add sweetness and depth.
Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the warmth of ginger. Use them sparingly to avoid overpowering other flavors.
Some cocktails use bitters for extra depth. Just a few drops can make a big difference in taste.