Ginger beer adds a spicy kick to cocktails. This zesty mixer pairs well with many spirits, creating tasty drinks for all seasons.
From classic recipes to new twists, ginger beer cocktails offer something for everyone.
You’ll find 18 ginger beer cocktails to try in this article. These drinks range from simple two-ingredient mixes to more complex creations.
Whether you prefer rum, vodka, whiskey, or other spirits, there’s a ginger beer cocktail that will suit your taste. Get ready to explore some refreshing and flavorful drink ideas.
1. Dark ‘n’ Stormy
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a classic cocktail from Bermuda. It’s a simple mix of dark rum and ginger beer with a splash of lime juice.
To make one, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in 4-5 ounces of ginger beer.
Float 2 ounces of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum on top. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice if you like.
The drink gets its name from its appearance. The dark rum floats on the lighter ginger beer, looking like a storm cloud.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot day. The spicy ginger beer balances nicely with the rich rum flavors.
2. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a classic ginger beer cocktail that’s easy to make and refreshing to drink. You’ll need vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
Fill a copper mug with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and squeeze half a lime.
Top it off with ginger beer.
Give it a quick stir and garnish with a lime wedge. The copper mug isn’t just for looks – it keeps your drink extra cold.
The Moscow Mule offers a perfect mix of spicy ginger and tangy lime. It’s great for warm days or anytime you want a crisp, bubbly drink.
3. Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule puts a bourbon twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This cocktail swaps vodka for whiskey, giving it a richer flavor profile.
To make one, 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 stir gently.
The spicy kick of ginger beer balances nicely with the smooth bourbon. For best results, choose a high-quality ginger beer with a strong flavor.
Garnish your Kentucky Mule with a lime wheel and mint sprig. The copper mug isn’t required, but it keeps the drink ice-cold and adds to the presentation.
4. Jamaican Mule
The Jamaican Mule puts a Caribbean spin on the classic Moscow Mule. You’ll swap vodka for spiced rum, giving the drink a warm, tropical flavor.
Mix spiced rum with lime juice in a copper mug. Add ice and top with ginger beer for a fizzy kick. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Garnish your Jamaican Mule with a lime wedge or slice of fresh ginger. The spiciness of the ginger beer pairs well with the rich rum, creating a tasty balance.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests at your next party.
5. Gin-Gin Mule
The Gin-Gin Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This cocktail combines gin, ginger beer, lime juice, and fresh mint for a zesty and herbaceous drink.
To make a Gin-Gin Mule, muddle mint leaves with simple syrup and lime juice in a shaker. Add gin and ice, then shake well.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top with ginger beer.
This cocktail offers a perfect balance of flavors. The gin provides a botanical base, while the ginger beer adds spice and effervescence. The lime and mint bring brightness and freshness to the drink.
6. London Mule
The London Mule puts a British spin on the classic Moscow Mule. It swaps vodka for gin, giving the drink a unique flavor profile.
To make a London Mule, you’ll need gin, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. Mix these ingredients in a copper mug filled with ice.
The gin’s botanical notes blend nicely with the spicy kick of ginger beer. A squeeze of lime adds a refreshing citrus touch.
This cocktail is perfect for warm summer days or as a zesty pick-me-up. Its crisp taste and fizzy texture make it a crowd-pleaser.
Try different gin varieties to find your favorite combination. Each type will bring its own character to the drink.
7. Suffering Bastard
The Suffering Bastard is a unique cocktail that blends gin and bourbon. It was created as a hangover cure in Cairo during World War II.
To make this drink, you’ll need gin, bourbon, lime juice, and bitters. Shake these ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass over fresh ice.
Top it off with ginger beer for a spicy kick. Don’t shake the ginger beer, as it will lose its fizz.
Garnish your Suffering Bastard with a fresh mint sprig. This cocktail is usually served in a tall glass, perfect for sipping on a hot day.
8. Bermuda Highball
The Bermuda Highball is a refreshing cocktail that mixes cognac, dry vermouth, and gin with ginger ale. It’s a perfect drink for warm weather or anytime you want something light and bubbly.
To make one, fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in equal parts cognac, dry vermouth, and gin.
Top it off with ginger ale.
You can garnish your Bermuda Highball with a lemon slice for extra zest. The mix of spirits gives this drink a complex flavor, while the ginger ale adds a sweet fizz.
Try a Bermuda Highball next time you want a twist on a classic highball cocktail. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
9. Cranberry Ginger Sparkler
This festive cocktail combines the tartness of cranberry with the spicy kick of ginger beer. You’ll need cranberry juice, vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
Mix the cranberry juice and vodka in a shaker with ice. Shake well to chill the mixture.
Pour it into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top off your drink with ginger beer for a fizzy twist. Add a splash of lime juice for extra zest. Garnish with fresh cranberries or a lime wedge if you like.
This sparkler is perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests with its vibrant color and refreshing taste.
10. Blood Orange Ginger Beer Fizz
The Blood Orange Ginger Beer Fizz is a tasty drink that mixes sweet and tangy flavors. You’ll love how the blood orange juice blends with spicy ginger beer.
To make it, you’ll need blood orange juice, ginger beer, and gin. Mix these together in a tall glass with ice.
The drink has a pretty pink color from the blood orange.
For extra flair, add a slice of blood orange on the rim. You can also use a bit of soda water to make it fizzier. This cocktail is great for parties or just relaxing at home.
11. Ginger Beer Mojito
This twist on the classic mojito adds a spicy kick to the refreshing mint-lime combo. To make it, muddle mint leaves with lime juice in a glass.
Add ice cubes, then pour in white rum and ginger beer.
The ginger beer brings a zesty fizz that complements the other flavors perfectly.
You can garnish with extra mint leaves and a lime wedge. For best results, use a high-quality ginger beer with real ginger flavor.
This cocktail is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you want a refreshing drink with a bit of zing. The ginger beer mojito offers a fun twist on two popular cocktails in one glass.
12. Spicy Paloma
The Spicy Paloma adds a fiery twist to the classic Mexican cocktail. You’ll love this zesty drink that blends tequila, grapefruit juice, and ginger beer.
To make it, mix tequila and fresh grapefruit juice in a glass. Add a splash of lime juice for extra tang.
Pour in spicy ginger beer to give it a kick and effervescence.
Rim your glass with chili salt for an extra punch. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice of jalapeno. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their drinks.
The Spicy Paloma is great for summer parties or anytime you want a refreshing yet bold beverage. It’s sure to wake up your taste buds and impress your guests.
13. Pineapple Ginger Beer Margarita
This tropical twist on a classic margarita will transport you to a sunny beach. Mix tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and ginger beer for a refreshing cocktail.
The pineapple adds sweetness, while the ginger beer brings a spicy kick.
Rim your glass with salt or tajin for extra flavor.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and lime slice to make it picture-perfect. This drink is great for summer parties or anytime you want a taste of the tropics.
14. Ginger Beer Sour
The Ginger Beer Sour is a zesty twist on the classic whiskey sour. You’ll love its bold flavors and refreshing kick.
To make this drink, mix whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain it into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Top it off with a splash of ginger beer for extra fizz and spice. The ginger beer adds a unique depth to the traditional sour taste.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a candied ginger piece for a fancy touch. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on warm evenings or enjoying at parties.
15. Blackberry Ginger Smash
The Blackberry Ginger Smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines the sweetness of blackberries with the spicy kick of ginger beer. You’ll love this drink on a warm summer day.
To make it, muddle fresh blackberries in a glass. Add ice, gin or vodka, and a splash of lemon juice.
Top it off with ginger beer for a fizzy finish.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the spirits and add more ginger beer. You can also mix in some fresh basil or thyme for extra flavor.
This cocktail is easy to make in large batches for parties. Just remember to add the ginger beer right before serving to keep it fizzy.
16. Ginger Pimm’s Cup
The Ginger Pimm’s Cup puts a zesty twist on the classic British summer drink. You’ll love this refreshing cocktail that combines Pimm’s No. 1 with spicy ginger beer.
To make it, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Top it off with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish your drink with cucumber slices, strawberries, and fresh mint leaves. The ginger beer adds a bright, effervescent kick that complements the fruity Pimm’s perfectly.
This cocktail is great for summer parties or relaxing in the garden. You can easily make a larger batch in a pitcher for gatherings.
17. Hibiscus Mule
The Hibiscus Mule adds a floral twist to the classic Moscow Mule. You’ll love this refreshing cocktail that combines vodka, ginger beer, and hibiscus syrup.
To make the hibiscus syrup, simmer dried hibiscus flowers with water, sugar, and spices. Strain and cool before using.
Mix the syrup with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer in a copper mug filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig for a pretty touch.
This drink offers a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spicy flavors. The vibrant red color makes it visually appealing too.
18. Apple Cider Mule
The Apple Cider Mule puts a fall twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This drink blends vodka, apple cider, and ginger beer for a refreshing autumn cocktail.
To make it, fill a copper mug with ice. Pour in vodka and apple cider. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the mug.
Top it off with ginger beer and give it a quick stir.
For garnish, add a cinnamon stick and apple slice. The spicy ginger beer pairs well with the sweet apple cider, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Add more vodka for a stronger drink, or use less for a milder version. This cocktail is great for sipping on cool fall evenings.
History of Ginger Beer Cocktails
Ginger beer has a rich history that spans centuries. Its journey from a homemade fermented drink to a key ingredient in popular cocktails is fascinating.
Origins of Ginger Beer
Ginger beer first appeared in England in the mid-1700s. People made it at home using ginger, sugar, water, and a fermenting agent called “ginger beer plant.”
This drink was much stronger and spicier than today’s versions. It often had an alcohol content of 11% or higher.
Sailors loved ginger beer for its supposed ability to ease seasickness. They spread it to other parts of the world during their voyages.
By the 1800s, ginger beer became a common drink in many countries. Its popularity led to commercial production and bottling.
Evolution into Cocktails
Ginger beer’s transition into cocktails began in the early 1900s. Bartenders started experimenting with it as a mixer.
The Moscow Mule, created in 1941, was a turning point. This mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice in a copper mug became wildly popular.
Other classic ginger beer cocktails followed:
- Dark ‘n’ Stormy: A mix of dark rum and ginger beer
- Irish Mule: A variation using Irish whiskey instead of vodka
These drinks showcased ginger beer’s versatility. Its spicy kick could complement various spirits.
Today, ginger beer is a staple in many bars. Craft cocktail makers continue to create new drinks with it, keeping its legacy alive.
Benefits of Using Ginger Beer in Cocktails
Ginger beer adds a unique kick and flavor to cocktails. It brings both spice and effervescence to your drinks.
Flavor Profile Enhancements
Ginger beer gives cocktails a zesty, spicy taste. Its bold flavor stands out even when mixed with strong spirits.
You’ll notice a warming sensation from the ginger that lingers after each sip.
This mixer pairs well with many liquors. It complements the oakiness of whiskey and the sweetness of rum.
Ginger beer also balances out tart citrus juices in drinks.
For a less intense option, try using half ginger beer and half soda water. This lets you adjust the spice level to your liking.
Versatility in Drink Recipes
You can use ginger beer in many different cocktails. It’s not just for Moscow Mules!
Try it with vodka, rum, whiskey, or even tequila for new taste combinations.
Ginger beer works in both simple and complex drinks.
For a quick mix, just add your favorite spirit and a squeeze of lime. Or get creative with fresh fruits and herbs for more layered flavors.
It’s great in both cold and hot cocktails too.
Use it in refreshing summer drinks or warm it up for cozy winter beverages.
Ginger beer’s versatility makes it a must-have for any home bar.