Just like a perfectly crafted cocktail, a great ginger beer cocktail requires balance and harmony. The spicy kick of ginger beer is what sets it apart from its sweeter counterpart, ginger ale. Unlike ginger ale, which is often non-fermented and less intense in flavor, ginger beer has a more robust taste profile due to its fermentation process. This makes it an ideal mixer for a variety of spirits, including rum, vodka, and gin.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, experimenting with these 17 unique ginger beer cocktails will help you hone your skills and become the master of cocktail hour in no time.
Ginger Beer Cocktails & Drink Recipes
Moscow Mule
Vodka-based cocktails often get a bad rap for being too sweet or overpowering, but not so with the Moscow Mule. This classic drink is a masterclass in balance, combining the spicy kick of ginger beer with the zesty freshness of lime and mint, all tied together with a crisp, clean vodka like Tito’s. The result is a refreshing and invigorating cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
As a bonus, using copper mugs to serve your Moscow Mule adds an extra touch of elegance to the presentation. If you’re just starting out with this recipe, don’t worry – it’s easy to make and requires only four simple ingredients: vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and a lime wedge.
Pimm’s Cup
When it comes to crafting the perfect summer cocktail, few drinks are as refreshing as a Pimm’s cup. This classic British concoction is like a gateway drink for those new to craft cocktails, luring them in with its simple yet elegant charm. One of the reasons why Pimm’s cups are so appealing is because they’re incredibly easy to make – just combine Pimm’s No.1 and quality ginger beer in a tall cocktail glass, and you’re good to go! The floral essence of the gin liquor in Pimm’s No.
1 is what really sets this drink apart, packing a punch despite its subtle flavor profile. Of course, the beauty of Pimm’s cups lies in their versatility – feel free to pick and choose your garnishes from an array of options, including orange slices, strawberries, cucumber, and mint.
Dark and Stormy
You’re in luck if you’re searching for an easy cocktail recipe to whip up quickly. The Dark and Stormy is a fantastic choice for beginners, as it’s incredibly simple to make. One reason why this drink stands out is that it uses dark rum instead of light rum, much like the Moscow Mule. The bold flavor of the dark rum perfectly complements the robust taste of ginger beer, making it an ideal combination.
To prepare this delightful cocktail, simply mix the dark rum and ginger beer in a copper mug or glass filled with ice, then garnish with a lime wedge. As you take your first sip, you’ll be amazed by how well the flavors meld together to create a truly dazzling experience.
Blueberry Buck Whiskey Cocktail
Elevating the classic spirit and ginger beer combo is a refreshing twist that involves incorporating sweet and tangy flavors. By combining it with fresh blueberries and blueberry juice, this concoction takes on an even more delightful character. When it comes to selecting the spirit, consider using high-quality Irish, Scotch, or bourbon whiskey for optimal taste. This revitalizing cocktail is perfect for a summer evening spent around a campfire with close friends and family.
Irish Mule
Essentially, an Irish mule is another excellent spin on the classic Moscow mule, which adds a unique twist by substituting vodka with the rich flavor of Irish whiskey. It’s worth noting that in the world of whiskey, the term ‘whiskey’ is used to differentiate it from Scotch whisky, where the spelling is ‘whisky.
‘ When crafting this recipe, Jameson is an excellent choice for pairing with a snappy ginger beer, as its smooth and approachable flavor complements the spicy kick of the ginger perfectly. The ingredients required for this refreshing cocktail are Irish whiskey, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, ice, a lime wedge, and some fresh mint.
Foghorn Cocktail
For those who enjoy their mule with a twist of gin, the foghorn cocktail is sure to become a new favorite. Fragrant and fizzy, this delightful drink has its roots in New York City, where it was first created. Notably, the recipe suggests pairing either Old Tom or London dry gin with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime juice for an unparalleled drinking experience.
The ideal ingredients to bring out the full flavor of the foghorn include Old Tom or London dry gin, freshly squeezed lime juice, and ginger beer or ginger ale, garnished with a lime wedge. Go to Recipe
Ginger Rickey
Skeleton Key
Paying homage to the rich flavors of autumn, this bewitching cocktail was inspired by the striking rusty hue of its glassware. The harmonious blend of smooth bourbon, fragrant St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and spicy ginger beer is perfectly balanced by a dash of bitters. This concoction is sure to cast a spell at your next Halloween gathering, where it’s all about indulging in the sweet treats.
Ginger Beer Margaritas
Year after year, I keep discovering new ways to elevate my favorite cocktails. One of the most unexpected yet ingenious additions I’ve made to a margarita is ginger beer. The effervescent quality it brings perfectly complements the sweet and citrusy flavor profile that margaritas are known for. Rather than relying on a mix, this recipe uses fresh lime juice and simple syrup to create a delightfully refreshing drink.
White Wine Ginger Beer Sangria
Rounding out your cocktail collection with a refreshing twist? Ginger beer sangria is the perfect choice. This show-stopping pitcher drink combines the best of both worlds – bubbly ginger beer and sparkling white wine. Add to that a generous helping of fresh fruit, such as orange slices, lemon wedges, and lime juice, plus a drizzle of homemade ginger simple syrup for an extra depth of flavor.
With its ease of preparation and impressive presentation, this sangria is sure to be the life of the party. Whip it up in just 15 minutes and get ready to delight your guests! Ingredients: white wine, ginger simple syrup, orange, lemon juice, lime juice, and ginger beer
Horsefeather Cocktail
Unlocking the secret behind this intriguing cocktail, you’ll find that its name may sound peculiar at first glance. However, rest assured that it’s a true delight for those who take a sip! This Whiskey Mule, as it’s affectionately known in Kansas, is a masterful blend of whiskey, ginger beer, and a hint of lime, all elevated by the subtle yet potent flavor of Angostura bitters.
Angostura bitters are renowned for their ability to balance acidity and amplify flavors, making them an essential component in this cocktail. If you’re curious about the origin of its name, it’s simply because locals refer to this refreshing concoction as a Whiskey Mule. To recreate this mouthwatering drink, gather these key ingredients: ice, whiskey, ginger beer, Angostura bitters, and a lemon or lime wedge.
Ginger Beer Paloma
Taking center stage among cocktail enthusiasts is the allure of pink drinks, particularly those with a vibrant hue that immediately screams fun. This perfect blend for your next social gathering with friends is none other than the paloma, boasting an incredible combination of citrusy notes, ginger flavor, and subtle sweetness. I’m particularly drawn to its ravishing color, making it a true showstopper. To recreate this masterpiece, combine grapefruit juice, tequila, and ginger beer in a glass.
Don’t forget to add a dash of agave for that extra oomph! Stir the mixture well before serving on ice. If you’re intrigued by the recipe, take a look at the ingredients needed:* Grapefruit juice* Lime juice* Agave syrup* Mezcal or tequila* Ginger beer* Salt* Grapefruit slices* Lime slicesYou can find the complete recipe below.
Kentucky Mule
Sometimes, when it comes to creating the perfect mule cocktail, one recipe stands out from the rest – the Kentucky mule. What sets this three-ingredient version apart is its use of authentic Kentucky bourbon, which adds a rich and full-bodied flavor profile. Pairing the bourbon with Powell & Mahoney ginger beer creates a delightful balance of bold and bright notes.
However, the most challenging aspect is selecting the ideal bourbon to use, as the Kentucky bourbon trail boasts numerous award-winning distilleries, each offering its unique characteristics.
El Diablo
Savoring the unique flavors of Mexico, a special cocktail stands out among the rest – one that combines the smoothness of reposado tequila with the tanginess of creme de cassis and the boldness of ginger beer. This drink takes it up a notch by incorporating a twist of lime and garnishing it with fresh blackberries for an added fruity flair. The end result is nothing short of tantalizing, making this Mexican cocktail a true standout in the world of mixology.
With its refreshing blend of flavors, it’s easy to see why this drink is sure to become a favorite among those who dare to be different. Ingredients: Reposado tequila, creme de cassis, lime juice, ginger beer, blackberry, lime wedge
Apple Cider Irish Mule
Creating the perfect autumnal cocktail is a breeze when you combine the warmth of Irish whiskey with the sweetness of apple cider and the spiciness of ginger beer. This soothing and comforting concoction is elevated by garnishing it with sliced apples and a cinnamon stick, adding an elegant touch to your drink. To serve, pour the mixture into a copper glass to keep everything chilled to perfection.
This autumnal delight pairs exceptionally well with a warm bowl of apple brown Betty, making for a delightful combination that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Mexican Tequila Mule
Perfectly suited for those who prefer the bold taste of tequila, the Mexican mule is a must-try cocktail. This classic combination of ginger beer and lime juice is elevated by the use of tequila instead of vodka or whiskey, resulting in a unique flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
While the recipe itself is straightforward, the real secret to this drink lies in the type of ginger beer used – some brands may be sweeter or spicier than others, making it essential to choose one that complements your taste preferences. If you like a little heat in your drinks, Q Ginger Beer is an excellent choice.
Ginger Beer Blood Orange Cocktail
17 Best Ginger Beer Cocktails
Falling in love with ginger beer cocktails is inevitable when you experience the electrifying flavors and effervescent qualities of these refreshing beverages. From classic concoctions like the Moscow Mule to more complex combinations such as the Dark ‘N’ Stormy, and even unique twists on traditional margaritas, ginger beer has become a staple ingredient in many cocktail enthusiasts’ pantries.
Instructions
Delving into the world of craft cocktails, one essential step is selecting the perfect recipe. To start, gather and organize all necessary ingredients, carefully considering their quantities and measurements. With these basic requirements met, the fun part begins – concocting a delightful ginger beer in under 30 minutes!
