Ginger beer cocktails have become a go-to choice for drink enthusiasts looking for that perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
With its distinctive zingy flavor and effervescent quality, ginger beer adds a refreshing kick to any mixed drink, making it a versatile ingredient for both classic and creative concoctions.
Whether you’re a fan of the timeless Moscow Mule or looking to explore beyond the copper mug, these ginger beer cocktails offer something for every taste preference and season.
You’ll find that ginger beer pairs wonderfully with a variety of spirits, from rum and vodka to tequila and whiskey, creating drinks that can warm you up in winter or cool you down in summer.
1. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that combines vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. It’s typically served in a copper mug, which helps keep the drink cold.
To make this refreshing drink, pour 2 ounces of vodka and 1/2 ounce of lime juice into a copper mug filled with ice.
Top it with about 4 ounces of ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
You can customize your Moscow Mule by choosing a ginger beer with the right amount of spice for your taste. Bundaberg is a popular choice, but there are many options available.
This cocktail is perfect for hot summer days but works well year-round.
2. Dark and Stormy
The Dark and Stormy is a classic cocktail that combines dark rum with spicy ginger beer. Its name comes from the storm-like appearance when dark rum floats on top of the ginger beer.
To make this refreshing drink, you’ll need just three simple ingredients: dark rum, ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime. The combination creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Pour the ginger beer over ice in a tall glass, then gently layer the dark rum on top. Add a lime wedge for garnish. Some popular rum options include Gosling’s Black Seal or Plantation dark rum.
This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for warm weather but can be enjoyed year-round.
3. El Diablo
El Diablo is a fiery cocktail that combines reposado tequila with ginger beer for a spicy kick. The drink gets its devilish name from the bold flavors that dance on your palate.
To make this classic cocktail, you’ll need tequila, lime juice, Crème de Cassis, and ginger beer. The black currant flavor from the Crème de Cassis adds a fruity dimension and gives the drink its signature pink hue.
Mix tequila with lime juice and Crème de Cassis, then pour over ice in a rocks glass.
Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge. The combination of spicy ginger beer and smooth tequila creates a refreshing drink with just the right amount of heat.
4. Irish Buck
The Irish Buck is a simple yet delightful cocktail that combines Irish whiskey with ginger beer. This refreshing drink requires just a few ingredients to create a perfect balance of flavors.
To make an Irish Buck, you’ll need Irish whiskey, ginger beer, lime or lemon juice, and sometimes apple juice. The spicy kick from the ginger beer complements the oaky notes of the whiskey.
Some recipes include honey for added sweetness or fresh basil for an aromatic twist. The drink is typically built directly in the glass over ice.
This cocktail is dangerously easy to drink, especially on warm days. It’s a perfect choice when you want something light with the distinct character of Irish whiskey.
5. Margarita with Ginger Beer
Ginger beer adds a spicy kick to the classic margarita, creating a refreshing twist on this popular cocktail. The combination works surprisingly well together.
To make this drink, combine 1.5 oz tequila, fresh lime juice, and a splash of orange juice in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a glass with fresh ice.
Top with ginger beer and add a squeeze of lime. The spicy notes from the ginger beer complement the tequila while adding effervescence to the drink.
This 5-ingredient cocktail is simple to make but full of flavor. It’s perfect for gatherings or enjoying on a warm evening.
6. Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew
Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew is a unique cocktail that blends gin with ginger and beer. This semi-frozen drink offers a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
To make this popular drink, you’ll need gin, lemon juice, ginger syrup, and British bitter ale or London Pride beer. The standard recipe calls for 45ml gin, 60ml lemon juice, 60ml ginger syrup, and 120ml of beer.
Serve it in an ice-cold mug for the best experience. This cocktail has been described as a Frankenstein creation – part ginger beer, part shandy, with a gin kick that brings it all together.
7. Floradora
The Floradora is a refreshing cocktail that combines gin, raspberry, lime, and ginger beer. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors.
To make a Floradora, you’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of raspberry syrup or liqueur. Combine these ingredients in a shaker and give them a quick shake.
Pour the mixture into a tall glass with ice and top it off with ginger beer or ginger ale. The spicy kick from the ginger beer complements the sweet raspberry and tart lime perfectly.
This cocktail is great for warm weather but can be enjoyed year-round. It’s also quite adaptable – some versions use brandy instead of gin for a different flavor profile.
8. Whiskey Highball
The Whiskey Highball is a simple yet refreshing cocktail that combines whiskey with a bubbly mixer. This drink follows the classic highball format – spirits topped with something fizzy.
To make a Whiskey Highball, you’ll need 2 ounces of your favorite whiskey, ice, and 4-6 ounces of either ginger ale or club soda. Some versions use ginger beer for a spicier kick.
Pour whiskey over ice in a highball glass, then top with your chosen carbonated mixer. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of fresh lime juice or a lemon twist as garnish.
The result is a crisp, effervescent drink that lets the whiskey shine while remaining light and easy to sip.
9. French Mule
The French Mule is a classy variation of the classic Moscow Mule that swaps vodka for cognac. This sophisticated twist brings warm, fruity notes to the zesty cocktail.
To make a French Mule, pour 2 ounces of cognac (like Rémy Martin VSOP) and ½ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice into a copper mug filled with ice.
Top with 4 ounces of ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish your drink with a lime slice or wedge. The combination of smooth cognac, spicy ginger beer, and bright lime creates a perfectly balanced cocktail that’s refreshing year-round.
10. Ginger No-jito
The Ginger No-jito is a refreshing non-alcoholic twist on the classic mojito. This mocktail combines the spicy kick of ginger beer with the freshness of mint and lime.
To make this drink, muddle about 12 fresh mint leaves in a glass. Add 3/4 shot of lime juice and 1/2 shot of simple syrup.
Fill the glass with ice and pour in 3.5 shots of ginger beer.
For an extra layer of flavor, add 4-5 dashes of bitters. Garnish with a lime wedge and additional mint leaves. This mocktail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a sophisticated drink without alcohol.
11. Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing cocktail that combines Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur with ginger beer or ginger ale for a perfect summer drink. This British classic is simple to make but packed with flavor.
To make a Pimm’s Cup, pour Pimm’s over ice, then top with ginger beer and stir lightly. You can also use a mixture of lemonade and ginger ale if you prefer.
For extra flavor, add fresh cucumber, strawberries, and mint as garnish. Some versions include kaffir lime leaves for an aromatic twist.
This cocktail is light and fruity, making it ideal for cookouts and summer gatherings. The dry flavor of ginger beer balances perfectly with the herbal notes of Pimm’s.
12. Mexican Mule
A Mexican Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping vodka for tequila. This simple swap adds a complex agave flavor that pairs wonderfully with spicy ginger beer.
To make this cocktail, fill a copper mug with ice, add tequila and fresh lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently to combine all flavors.
For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños to create a spicier version. This gives the drink an authentic Mexican heat.
You can garnish your Mexican Mule with a lime wedge and some candied ginger. The copper mug helps keep your drink cold and enhances the zingy ginger flavor.
13. Sumac Berry-Gin Spritz
The Sumac Berry-Gin Spritz is a refreshing cocktail that combines the botanical notes of gin with the tangy flavor of sumac. This drink offers a unique twist on traditional gin cocktails.
To make this spritz, add gin and sumac berry lemonade to a glass and stir them together.
Top it with Fever Tree Ginger Beer for a fizzy finish.
The citrusy notes of the sumac complement the gin beautifully. You can enhance the flavor profile by using a citrus-forward gin as your base.
This bright and bubbly drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings. The tartness of sumac with the spice of ginger beer creates a balanced and thirst-quenching combination.
14. Cranberry Apple Moscow Mule Punch
This festive punch combines the classic Moscow Mule with seasonal cranberry and apple flavors. It’s perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare in larger batches.
To make this punch, you’ll need vodka, cranberry apple juice, lime juice, and ginger beer. The typical recipe calls for 2 cups vodka, 1 cup cranberry apple juice, ¼ cup fresh lime juice, and 6 bottles of ginger beer.
For garnish, add fresh cranberries and diced apples to the punch bowl. You can also rim glasses with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of fall flavor. Serve over ice in copper mugs to maintain the Moscow Mule tradition.
15. Mediterranean Mule
The Mediterranean Mule puts a sunny twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This refreshing cocktail combines fig vodka, limoncello, and ginger beer for a bright, zesty flavor.
To make this drink, mix 0.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz gin, and 3/4 oz limoncello.
Add 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice and top with 3 oz of ginger beer.
Serve in a copper mule mug filled with ice. For a beautiful garnish, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few fresh figs when in season.
This cocktail works well year-round but feels especially right during warm weather gatherings.
16. Hegemonic Stardom
Hegemonic Stardom is a unique ginger beer cocktail that stands out from the crowd. Its name might sound complex, but the drink itself is refreshingly straightforward.
This cocktail blends premium vodka with ginger beer and adds a surprising twist of star anise for a subtle licorice flavor.
You can garnish it with a floating star anise pod for visual appeal. The spicy kick from the ginger beer pairs wonderfully with the aromatic star anise, creating a drink that’s perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.
17. Harlem Mule
The Harlem Mule is a refreshing variation of the classic Moscow Mule that brings its own unique character to the table. To make this cocktail, you’ll need a copper mug, freshly squeezed lime juice, and ginger beer.
Start by adding half an ounce of lime juice to your copper mug. Then, toss the lime rind in as well for extra flavor. Add your whiskey or bourbon instead of the traditional vodka.
Top with spicy ginger beer and ice. This twist on the original mule may have connections to the Horse’s Neck cocktail, which combines bourbon, ginger ale, and lemon peel.
18. Shift Drink
The Shift Drink is a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail option for those looking to enjoy ginger beer without the alcohol. It combines citrus flavors with the spicy kick of ginger beer.
This drink calls for grapefruit and lemon juice, which provide a bright, tangy base. The addition of ginger beer gives it that signature spicy fizz we all love.
The recipe also includes Amass Riverine (a non-alcoholic spirit) and honey spiced syrup for depth of flavor. This makes it perfect for those who want a complex drink without the alcohol.
Try this at your next gathering when you need a sophisticated non-alcoholic option.
19. Dark ‘n’ Stormy
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a simple yet flavorful cocktail made with dark rum and ginger beer. This refreshing drink requires just a few ingredients but delivers bold taste.
To make this cocktail, fill a tall glass with ice, pour in ginger beer, and float dark rum on top. The result looks like a storm cloud forming in the glass, giving the drink its name.
For an authentic Dark ‘n’ Stormy, Goslings Black Seal Rum is traditionally used. You can add a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
This spicy, sweet cocktail is perfect for any weather and makes an impressive yet easy-to-prepare drink for guests.
20. Ginger Mojito
The Ginger Mojito adds a spicy twist to the classic mojito recipe. It combines the refreshing mint and lime of a traditional mojito with the fiery kick of ginger beer.
To make this cocktail, first muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice in a glass. Add ice cubes and white rum, then top with ginger beer. Some recipes include a homemade ginger simple syrup for extra flavor.
The result is a perfectly balanced drink with bright citrus notes and a warm ginger finish. It’s ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing cocktail with a bit of heat.
Garnish with extra mint leaves and lime slices for a picture-perfect presentation.
21. Tequila Mule
The Tequila Mule, also known as a Mexican Mule, puts a south-of-the-border spin on the classic Moscow Mule. It swaps vodka for tequila while keeping the zippy ginger beer and fresh lime juice.
To make this refreshing cocktail, fill a copper mug with ice, add 2 ounces of good tequila and 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice. Top with cold ginger beer (about 4 ounces) and give it a gentle stir.
Some recipes include Cointreau for added citrus sweetness. The tequila brings a distinct agave complexity that pairs wonderfully with the spicy kick of ginger beer.
Garnish with a lime wedge. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for warm days or anytime you crave something crisp and flavorful.
Understanding Ginger Beer
Ginger beer serves as the foundation for many popular cocktails due to its distinctive spicy kick and refreshing qualities. Before mixing your next drink, it helps to understand what makes this versatile mixer special.
What Is Ginger Beer?
Ginger beer is a fizzy, non-alcoholic beverage made from ginger, sugar, water, and a fermenting agent. Unlike most sodas, authentic ginger beer has a strong, spicy bite that comes from fresh ginger root.
Modern commercial ginger beers typically contain 0.5% alcohol or less, making them suitable for all ages. The intensity of flavor varies between brands—some offer a bold, fiery experience while others provide a milder, sweeter taste.
You’ll find ginger beer in two main styles: cloudy and clear. Cloudy versions often contain more natural ginger sediment and offer a more robust flavor profile. Clear varieties tend to be more filtered and sometimes have a gentler taste.
History of Ginger Beer
Ginger beer originated in England in the mid-1700s as an alcoholic beverage made through the natural fermentation of ginger, sugar, and water. Colonial traders helped spread its popularity across the British Empire.
Traditional brewing involved a “ginger beer plant”—a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast that fermented the mixture. This process typically produced beverages with 11% alcohol content or higher.
By the early 20th century, lower-alcohol versions became more common. During Prohibition in America, ginger beer’s popularity surged as people sought flavorful non-alcoholic alternatives.
Today’s commercial ginger beers are generally non-alcoholic, though craft producers have revived traditional fermentation methods. The Moscow Mule cocktail, created in the 1940s, helped cement ginger beer’s place in modern mixology.
Difference Between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale
Ginger beer and ginger ale are often confused, but they differ significantly in production and taste. Ginger beer undergoes fermentation, while ginger ale is simply carbonated water flavored with ginger.
The production method creates distinctly different flavor profiles. Ginger beer delivers a more robust, spicy punch with noticeable heat and complexity. Ginger ale offers a milder, sweeter experience with a subtle ginger flavor.
Texture also separates these beverages. Ginger beer often has a thicker mouthfeel and may contain visible sediment. Ginger ale is typically clear and has a lighter, more effervescent quality.
For cocktails requiring bold ginger flavor, like Moscow Mules or Dark ‘n Stormies, ginger beer is the preferred choice. Its stronger character stands up better to spirits and adds distinctive character to mixed drinks.
Mixology Techniques for Ginger Beer Cocktails
Making great ginger beer cocktails requires understanding how to balance the spicy kick of ginger beer with other ingredients and serving them in appropriate glassware. These skills will elevate your drinks from basic to impressive.
Balancing Flavors
Ginger beer has a distinctive spicy flavor that needs proper balancing. When mixing cocktails, use the 2:1 ratio – two parts ginger beer to one part spirit – as a starting point. This helps prevent the ginger from overwhelming other flavors.
For sweeter drinks, add simple syrup or maple syrup in small amounts (¼ to ½ oz). The search results show maple syrup works particularly well with whiskey and ginger beer.
Citrus juice, especially lime and lemon, cuts through the spiciness of ginger beer. Add ½ to 1 oz of fresh juice to bring brightness to your cocktail.
Try muddling fresh ginger pieces for extra flavor depth before adding other ingredients. This technique appears in several popular recipes and enhances the natural ginger notes.
Choosing the Right Glassware
The proper glass enhances both the presentation and drinking experience of your ginger beer cocktails.
Copper mugs are traditional for Moscow Mules and retain cold temperature longer than regular glassware.
For bourbon or whiskey ginger cocktails, rocks glasses (also called old-fashioned glasses) work best. They provide enough room for ice while showcasing the rich amber color.
High-ball glasses suit tall, fizzy ginger beer drinks with more mixer than alcohol. Their narrow shape helps maintain carbonation longer.
When serving more elegant ginger beer cocktails, consider coupe glasses for drinks that don’t need ice, or hurricane glasses for fruit-forward tropical variations.
Always chill your glassware before serving for the best temperature retention and drinking experience.
