Ginger Beer: Best Alcoholic Mixes And Cocktails

Ginger beer is a popular drink mixer, often used in cocktails such as the Moscow Mule and Dark 'N' Stormy. It has a distinctive, intense ginger flavour and a spicy kick.

Most commercial ginger beers are non-alcoholic, but some do contain less than 0.5% alcohol. Ginger beer was originally an alcoholic beverage, made by fermenting ginger, yeast, and sugar. It is said to have originated in England, where it was brewed on a large scale in Yorkshire in the mid-18th century.

Today, ginger beer is often used as a mixer with spirits like vodka, rum, and whiskey. It can also be mixed with beer to make a type of shandy.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a cocktail that combines vodka, ginger beer, and lime. It is served in an iconic copper mug, which enhances the drink's cold temperature and makes it seem extra refreshing. The copper mug is not essential, however, and the drink can be served in a highball or cocktail glass.

To make a Moscow Mule, fill a copper mug or glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 1/2 ounce of lime juice, then fill the glass with ginger beer and gently stir. The best ginger beer for Moscow Mules is said to be Fever-Tree, which has a clear and pronounced fresh ginger flavour. Tito's is a recommended vodka brand for the cocktail, as it is affordable and high-quality.

The Moscow Mule was invented in 1941 in Los Angeles as part of an early marketing push for vodka, which was new to the United States at the time. The cocktail helped to popularize vodka in the 1940s and remains a popular drink today.

There are several variations of the Moscow Mule, including the Kentucky Mule or Horsefeather (which uses bourbon or whiskey), the Gin-Gin Mule (which uses gin), the Mexican Mule (which uses tequila), and the Jamaican or Cuban Mule (which uses rum).

Dark and Stormy

The Dark 'n Stormy is a cocktail that combines dark rum, ginger beer, and lime. It is said to have originated in Bermuda over 100 years ago when members of the Bermuda Royal Naval Officer's Club added a splash of the local rum to their spicy homemade ginger beer after World War I. The cocktail's name is derived from its ominous hue, described as "the colour of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under".

When preparing a Dark 'n Stormy, it is important to note that it should be made with dark rum, specifically Gosling's Black Seal rum, as per the company's 1991 trademark. Gosling's rum is a rich, flavourful rum from Bermuda, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. The cocktail is typically served in a highball glass, with the rum floating on top of the ginger beer, resembling a stormy sky. However, most drinkers will stir the drink before consuming it.

While the lime juice in a Dark 'n Stormy is optional, it is highly recommended as it adds a pleasant kick of citrus and helps to balance out the sweetness of the drink. A slice of candied ginger is also optional but makes for a lovely garnish.

• 2 ounces of Gosling's Black Seal rum
• 1/2 ounce of lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 5 ounces of ginger beer

Add the rum and lime juice to a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with the ginger beer and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lime wheel or a slice of candied ginger.

Irish Buck

The Irish Buck is a refreshing cocktail that combines Irish whiskey, citrus juice, and ginger beer or ginger ale. It is a variation of the classic buck, which is any mix of spirit, citrus juice, and ginger beer or ginger ale. The Irish Buck gets its name from the use of Irish whiskey, which is the defining spirit of the drink.

The recipe for an Irish Buck is simple and allows for some experimentation. The key ingredients are 1 1/2 ounces of Irish whiskey, 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed citrus juice (either lemon or lime), and 2 ounces of ginger beer or ginger ale. All ingredients are poured and stirred into a glass filled with ice. The drink is typically garnished with a basil sprig or a lime wheel.

The choice of whiskey can vary depending on preference and budget. Affordable and approachable options include Jameson or Bushmills, while a single malt or small-batch whiskey can be a more premium choice. The type of citrus juice and choice between ginger beer and ginger ale can also be adjusted to personal taste. Lemon juice tends to pair well with whiskey, while lime juice adds a refreshing sourness to the drink. Ginger beer, which is naturally fermented with ginger, will have a spicier and less sweet flavour profile compared to ginger ale.

The Irish Buck is a versatile cocktail that can be customised to individual preferences. It is a refreshing and simple drink, perfect for those who enjoy the combination of whiskey and ginger beer.

Dark Rum

The Dark 'n Stormy is said to have originated in Bermuda, where the cocktail is now the national drink. The recipe for this cocktail includes 2 ounces of dark rum, 1/2 ounce of lime juice, and 5 ounces of ginger beer. The drink is served in a tall glass filled with ice, and garnished with a lime wheel. The cocktail gets its name from the fact that the dark rum floats on top of the lighter ginger beer, resembling a storm cloud.

It is important to note that the Dark 'n Stormy cocktail should be made with ginger beer and not ginger ale. Ginger beer is brewed and fermented, and has a stronger flavour and spicier bite that pairs well with the rich dark rum.

Spicy Whiskey

A classic cocktail pairing, whiskey and ginger beer is a refreshing and spicy combination. The spicy notes of the whiskey blend beautifully with the sweet and bubbly notes of the ginger beer.

Ingredients

• Spicy whiskey (rye, bourbon, Irish whiskey, or Scotch)
• Ginger beer (Caribbean-style or regular)
• Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Ice
• Fresh basil or mint (optional)

Method

In an ice-filled highball glass, add your chosen whiskey, a generous amount of spicy ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime juice. Stir well with a long cocktail spoon and garnish with fresh basil or mint leaves, if desired.

Variations

For a stronger drink, use a smaller rocks glass and fill it to the brim with ginger beer. Alternatively, use ginger ale instead of ginger beer for a less spicy and sweeter version, known as a Whiskey Ginger or Irish Buck.

Frequently asked questions