Ginger Beer Buying Guide: What To Look For

Ginger beer is a popular drink with a unique, refreshing flavour. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a mixer in cocktails and mocktails. There are many different brands of ginger beer available to purchase, both online and in stores, and it can be bought in bottles or cans. Some brands offer sugar-free or diet options. Prices vary depending on the brand and quantity purchased, but it is generally an affordable drink. When buying ginger beer, it is important to consider the ingredients and whether it contains any artificial sweeteners or colours. Some brands use only natural ingredients, which can be appealing to those seeking a healthier alternative to sugary drinks.

Where to buy ginger beer online

There are several online options for buying ginger beer. Amazon offers a wide variety of ginger beer brands, including Fever Tree, Bundaberg, Gosling's, and Barritt's, with options for subscription and saving.

Barritt's also has its own website where you can purchase its ginger beer, which is a family-owned product from Bermuda.

If you are looking for Jamaican-style ginger beer, Goya offers a four-pack of its bold and spicy product.

For those in the San Diego area, you can order local delivery or pickup from Prestons' Ginger Beer, which is a healthy, non-alcoholic alternative to sugary drinks, made with fresh organic Peruvian ginger root.

Finally, Rachel's Ginger Beer offers nationwide shipping in the US for a flat rate of $25 per four-pack, with the option to contact the company directly for faster shipping.

Where to buy ginger beer in-store

If you're looking to buy ginger beer in-store, there are several options available to you. Firstly, you can check with local grocery stores, bodegas, and speciality beverage shops in your area. These stores often carry a variety of ginger beer brands, including popular options such as Reed's, Fever-Tree, and Gosling's. Additionally, if you're located in Seattle, Washington, you can visit Rachel's Ginger Beer, which offers a range of ginger beer products in their physical locations.

Another option is to explore partnerships between beverage companies and retailers. For instance, Maine Root Beverages has a partnership with Whole Foods, HEB, and other grocery stores, making it convenient to find their handcrafted drinks near you. Similarly, Instacart offers an online platform that connects you with local and national retailers providing ginger beer for delivery or in-store pickup. This service allows you to browse a wide selection of ginger beer brands and choose the most convenient option for your purchase.

When visiting your local grocery store or speciality shop, you can typically find ginger beer in the beverage aisle. It is often stocked alongside other soft drinks, mixers, and craft sodas. Keep an eye out for well-known brands, as well as local or small-batch producers, to discover a variety of flavours and styles. Some stores may also offer ginger beer in their international food sections, particularly if they carry Caribbean or UK products, as ginger beer is popular in those regions.

Lastly, if you're specifically looking for craft or small-batch ginger beer, local farmers' markets or specialty food markets can be a great option. These markets often feature local producers and artisans, and you may be able to find unique ginger beer offerings with interesting ingredients or flavour profiles. You can also inquire about the producers' recommendations for purchasing their products, as they may have partnerships with specific retailers or suggest in-store locations.

How much ginger beer to buy

When buying ginger beer, it is important to consider the quantity you need to purchase. The amount of ginger beer you should buy depends on several factors, such as the purpose, the number of people, and your budget. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:

Purpose:

If you are buying ginger beer for a specific event or occasion, consider how many people will be attending and how much each person is likely to consume. For example, if you are hosting a cocktail party and plan to serve ginger beer cocktails, each guest may consume one or two drinks. In this case, buying a larger quantity, such as a 24-pack, would be a good option. On the other hand, if you are purchasing ginger beer for your personal consumption or for a small gathering, a smaller quantity, such as a 4-pack or 12-pack, may be more suitable.

Number of People:

Consider the number of people who will be consuming the ginger beer. If you are buying for a large group, it is generally a good idea to buy in bulk. Many brands offer larger packs, such as 24-packs or even cases of 24 cans/bottles. This can often be more cost-effective than buying multiple smaller packs. However, if you are buying for a smaller group or for personal consumption, a smaller pack size may be more appropriate.

Budget:

Your budget will also play a role in determining the quantity of ginger beer to purchase. Compare the prices per can or bottle between different pack sizes to find the most cost-effective option for your needs. Sometimes, larger packs may offer a better value in terms of price per unit. Additionally, look out for subscription or bulk purchase discounts offered by some brands, which can help you save money when buying in larger quantities.

Storage:

Another factor to consider is storage. Ginger beer typically has a long shelf life, but it is still important to ensure that you have adequate storage space for the quantity you purchase. Check the expiration dates and plan to consume the ginger beer within a reasonable timeframe.

In summary, when deciding on the quantity of ginger beer to buy, consider the purpose, the number of people, your budget, and storage constraints. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and ensure you have the right amount of ginger beer for your needs.

Ginger beer brands to consider

When it comes to ginger beer, there is a wide range of brands and flavours to choose from. Here are some popular ginger beer brands to consider:

• Fever-Tree Ginger Beer: This premium ginger beer is known for its spiciness and aromatic complexity. It is sweetened with sugar and contains real ginger root. It pairs well with sweeter bourbons and can be used in cocktails or mocktails.
• Gosling's Stormy Ginger Beer: Gosling's is a classic choice for a Dark 'n Stormy cocktail. It has a good balance of sweetness and spice, although it is a bit more syrupy than some other brands due to the use of high fructose corn syrup. It is also more affordable, making it a good option for batch cocktails.
• Q Mixers Ginger Beer: This ginger beer strikes a nice balance between sweet, spicy, and fresh. It is sweetened with agave and includes extracts of cardamom, orange, lime, chili pepper, and coriander, resulting in a bright and piquant flavour. It is a great choice for a Moscow Mule.
• Reed's Extra Craft Ginger Beer: This Jamaican-style ginger beer has a good amount of spice balanced by the sweetness of cane sugar. It is a versatile option that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed in cocktails like the Moscow Mule. It is widely available at stores like Trader Joe's, Target, Amazon, and Walmart.
• Barritt's Ginger Beer: One of the longest-tenured ginger beers on the market, Barritt's Ginger Beer originates from Bermuda and is family-owned. It has a zesty ginger flavour and can be enjoyed on its own or in cocktails like the Mule. It comes in both original and sugar-free diet versions.
• Maine Root Ginger Brew: This soda company is based in Maine and is committed to sustainable and organic ingredients. Their ginger beer provides a strong, spicy kick without a strong finish. It uses fair-trade certified organic sugar cane, ginger, and a few mystery spices. It can be found at Whole Foods or other retailers, as it tends to be marked up on Amazon.
• Devil's Foot Ginger Beer: Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Devil's Foot offers two craft ginger beers: Classic and Fuego, with an extra spice kick. Their ginger beers are made with fresh citrus, organic ginger root, honey, and organic cane sugar. They are a good option for pairing with bourbon or rye whiskey. Devil's Foot is available on their website and may be harder to source than other brands.
• Betty Buzz Ginger Beer: Founded by actor Blake Lively, Betty Buzz offers a line of non-alcoholic mixers, including a ginger beer with a nuanced flavour. It has a stronger acidity that can add a bite to mocktails. It can be purchased from Amazon, Boisson, and other retailers.

These are just a few of the many ginger beer brands available. Each brand has its unique flavour profile, so it's worth experimenting to find your favourite!

Ginger beer pricing

Ginger beer is available in a variety of pack sizes, ranging from 4 to 24 cans or bottles, with prices to match. The pricing of ginger beer varies depending on the brand, quantity, and retailer. Here is a detailed breakdown of the pricing:

Online Retailers:

Amazon:

• Gosling's Ginger Beer (12 oz, Pack of 24): $14.98
• Barritt's Ginger Beer Original (7.5 oz, Pack of 24): $29.00
• Barritt's Ginger Beer Original (12 oz, Pack of 24): $43.50
• Fever-Tree Ginger Beer (6.8 oz, Pack of 4): $5.09
• Old Jamaica Ginger Beer (10 oz, Pack of 6): $9.18
• Barritt's Sugar-Free Diet Ginger Beer (12 oz, Pack of 12): $30.15
• Fever-Tree Ginger Beer (6.8 oz, Pack of 4): $5.09
• Q Drinks Ginger Beer Lite (7.5 oz, Pack of 4): $3.99
• Old Jamaica Ginger Beer (11.16 oz, Pack of 24): $39.89
• Barritt's Sugar-Free Diet Ginger Beer (7.5 oz, Pack of 24): $35.00
• Zevia Zero Calorie Ginger Root Beer (12 oz, Pack of 24): $16.24
• Gosling's Diet Stormy Ginger Beer (12 oz, Pack of 24): $39.00

Walmart:

• Gosling's Ginger Beer (12 oz, Pack of 12): $11.48
• Bundaberg Ginger Beer (Pack of 4): $5.48

Other Retailers:

Drizly:

Gosling's Ginger Beer (12 oz, Pack of 6): $7.37

Barritt's Mixers:

• Barritt's Original Ginger Beer (7.5 oz, Pack of 24): $20.00
• Barritt's Original Ginger Beer (12 oz, Pack of 12): $20.00

Frequently asked questions