Beatrix Montes
Ginger beer is a popular mixer for cocktails, adding a fizzy, spicy kick to a wide range of drinks. While it is usually non-alcoholic, it can also be brewed to create an alcoholic drink.
The most famous ginger beer cocktail is the Moscow Mule, which is made with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer. But there are many more cocktails that use this versatile mixer, including the Dark and Stormy, the El Diablo, the Pimm's Cup, the Mexican Mule, the Kentucky Mule, and the Irish Mule.
Ginger beer can also be added to a margarita for an effervescent twist, or to sangria for a fruity, fizzy batch cocktail.
Alcoholic Drinks Made with Ginger Beer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names of drinks | Moscow Mule, Dark and Stormy, Pimm's Cup, Blueberry Buck Whiskey Cocktail, Irish Mule, Foghorn, Horsefeather, Mexican Mule, Kentucky Mule, El Diablo, Floradora, Gin Gin Mule, Cider Mule, Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew, Irish Buck, White Wine Ginger Beer Sangria, Ginger Beer Margaritas, Apple Cider Irish Mule, Mexican Tequila Mule, Ginger Beer Blood Orange Cocktail |
| Main alcohol base | Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, Whiskey, Bourbon |
| Other ingredients | Lime juice, mint, cucumber, orange, strawberry, honey, lemon juice, apple juice, apple liqueur, cloudy apple juice, lime wedge, Angostura bitters, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit juice, clove syrup, ice cream, rosemary, sugar syrup, balsamic vinegar, peach nectar, passionfruit, honey and ginger sorbet balls, green chartreuse, Licor 43, sweet sherry, southern comfort, agave syrup, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, simple syrup, mezcal, tequila, salt, grapefruit juice, lime slices, bourbon, elderflower liqueur, bitters, Stoli Ohranj vodka, Solerno Blood Orange liqueur, blood orange juice, blood orange liqueur, white wine, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, St. Germain, agave tequila, simple syrup, coarse salt, cranberry juice, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, bourbon, St. Germain, Angostura bitters, lime or lemon wedge, tequila, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, agave syrup, mezcal, tequila, salt, grapefruit juice, lime slices, tequila, lime juice, mint, lime, Reposado tequila, creme de cassis, lime juice, blackberry, lime wedge, Irish whiskey, apple cider, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, tequila, lime juice, ginger beer, mint, lime |
What You'll Learn
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail made with vodka, fiery ginger beer, and fresh lime. It is typically served in a copper mug, which gives it an extra-cold and refreshing feel. The copper mug is not essential, however, and the drink can be served in a regular glass or mug.
The Moscow Mule was invented in 1941 in Los Angeles, California, as part of an early marketing push for vodka. It is said that two men, John Martin and Jack Morgan, combined vodka and ginger beer with a little lime to create the drink. Martin needed to sell Smirnoff vodka, a new and unknown spirit at the time, while Morgan wanted to deplete his stash of ginger beer at his bar, Cock 'n' Bull.
The Moscow Mule is part of a family of cocktails called a "buck", which includes a spirit with citrus and ginger beer. It is a simple cocktail to make, requiring no tools, and can be mixed directly in the serving mug. While any unflavoured vodka will work, it is recommended to use a high-quality ginger beer with a strong spicy kick to complement the liquor and lime.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice (about ½ medium lime)
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka and lime juice.
- Fill the glass with ginger beer and gently swirl to mix.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
The Moscow Mule has spawned several variations, including the Mezcal Mule (with mezcal), the Kentucky Mule (with bourbon), and the Mexican Mule (with tequila).
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Dark and Stormy
The Dark and Stormy is a cocktail that combines dark rum, ginger beer, and a splash of lime. It is a close cousin of the Moscow Mule, with vodka instead of rum. The drink is said to have been invented over 100 years ago when members of Bermuda's Royal Naval Officer's Club added a splash of local rum to their spicy homemade ginger beer. The drink's ominous hue was described as "the colour of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under".
The Dark and Stormy is now enjoyed worldwide and is even considered the national drink of Bermuda, officially or unofficially. The cocktail is typically served with the dark rum floating on top of the lighter ginger beer, resembling a stormy sky. The drink is then stirred, and a lime wedge is added so the drinker can squeeze lime into the cocktail at their discretion.
The official Dark and Stormy recipe uses Gosling's Black Seal rum from Bermuda, which has notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. Gosling's lays claim to the drink, having successfully registered a trademark in 1991 dictating that any drink called a Dark and Stormy must be made with their rum. The company has even sued other beverage brands that have attempted to sell the cocktail with a different type of rum.
While the lime juice in the recipe is optional, it is highly recommended for balancing out the sugar with a touch of tartness. Similarly, a candied ginger slice garnish is not imperative, but it does make for a lovely finishing touch.
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Irish Mule
The Irish Mule is a refreshing cocktail that is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any time of year. It is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, replacing the vodka with Irish whiskey. The drink is typically served in a traditional copper Moscow Mule mug, which keeps the beverage refreshingly cold and makes you feel fancy while drinking it.
Ingredients:
- Irish whiskey
- Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Ginger beer (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Mint (optional)
- Lime slices (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
- Pour in the whiskey and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir to mix.
- Garnish with lime slices and a mint sprig (optional).
Variations:
The Irish Mule is a versatile cocktail, and you can easily customise it to your taste preferences. Here are some variations to try:
- Add more ginger beer for a sweeter drink.
- Use less ginger beer for a stronger whiskey taste.
- Muddle the mint for extra flavour.
Similar Drinks:
The Irish Mule is part of the "mule" family of cocktails, which typically include liquor, ginger beer or ginger ale, and citrus juice. Here are some similar drinks:
- Moscow Mule (vodka, lime juice, ginger beer)
- Mexican Mule (tequila, lime juice, ginger beer)
- Kentucky Mule (bourbon, lime juice, ginger beer)
- London Mule (gin, lime juice, ginger beer)
- Dark 'n Stormy (dark rum, lime juice, ginger beer)
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Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a bourbon-based twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. It replaces the Moscow Mule's vodka with Kentucky bourbon, resulting in a more flavourful drink.
To make a Kentucky Mule, fill a copper mug or cocktail glass with ice. Pour in 1.5-2 ounces of bourbon and 0.5 ounces of lime juice, then top off with ginger beer and give it a quick stir. The copper mug is traditional, but it can also be served in a regular cocktail glass or a highball glass. Finally, garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint, and serve.
The Kentucky Mule is an easy-to-make cocktail that's perfect for any party or season. It's a great way to add a twist to the classic Moscow Mule, and it's also a good introduction to whiskey-based drinks.
When choosing a ginger beer for your Kentucky Mule, opt for a high-quality brand with a spicier flavour profile, such as Q Ginger Beer or Fever Tree Ginger Beer. These will better stand up to the whiskey and enhance the overall taste of the cocktail.
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Mexican Mule
The Mexican Mule is a tequila-based twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping vodka for tequila. It's a bold, bubbly drink, perfect for spicing up your next gathering.
Ingredients
To make a Mexican Mule, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Tequila (preferably silver or blanco)
- Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Ginger beer (not ginger ale!)
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge, for garnish (optional)
Method
The Mexican Mule is one of the easiest cocktails to make. Here's how to prepare it:
- Pour the tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer into a copper mug, Collins glass, or serving glass of your choice.
- Add ice cubes and give it a brief stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- It is best not to use a cocktail shaker as you want to preserve the carbonation of the ginger beer.
- While a copper mug is traditional and helps keep the drink cool, it is not required. You can use any glassware you prefer.
- For an extra kick of spice, add a slice of jalapeño or a splash of jalapeño-infused tequila.
- For a cooling effect, garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Always use chilled ginger beer for a super cold and refreshing drink.
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Frequently asked questions
A good quality tequila is essential for a great margarita. Look for a tequila that is made with 100% agave, such as Altos.
Popular ginger beer brands include Q Ginger Beer, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, and Bundaberg Ginger Beer.
Tito's vodka is recommended for a clean and slightly sweet taste.
Ginger beer is less sweet, more carbonated, and has a stronger ginger flavor than ginger ale.
Other cocktails that can be made with ginger beer include the Dark 'N' Stormy, the Irish Mule, the Mexican Mule, and the Pimm's Cup.
