Ginger Beer Mixology: Creative Cocktails And Mocktails

Ginger beer is a popular mixer for cocktails, adding sweet, effervescent notes to a mixed drink. It is a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage made with sugar and ginger, similar to ginger ale but less sweet with a stronger ginger flavour. It is a key ingredient in the classic Moscow Mule, a cocktail that also includes vodka and lime juice. Ginger beer can also be used in a range of other cocktails, including the Mexican Mule, the Dark and Stormy, the Kentucky Mule, and the Gin-Gin Mule. It can even be used in mocktails such as the Shirley Temple.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime. It is typically served in a copper mug, though it can also be served in a regular glass. The copper mug is said to keep the cocktail well-chilled and give it a nice flavour.

The Moscow Mule is considered an example of the Buck family of drinks—those that include a spirit with citrus and ginger beer. It is also believed to have contributed to the rise of vodka in America.

Recipe

Fill a copper mug or tall glass with ice. Pour in the vodka and lime juice, and fill the glass with ginger beer. Gently swirl the mixture with a spoon once to mix. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Variations

The Kentucky Mule or Horsefeather: Use bourbon/whiskey instead of vodka.

Gin-Gin Mule: Use gin instead of vodka.

Mexican Mule: Use tequila instead of vodka.

Jamaican Mule or Cuban Mule: Use rum instead of vodka.

Dark 'n Stormy: Use Gosling's spiced rum instead of vodka.

Dark and Stormy

The Dark 'n Stormy is a cocktail featuring a refreshing trio of dark rum, ginger beer, and lime. It is a close cousin to the Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer, lime) and is said to be an easy transition for vodka drinkers wanting to try something new, but also familiar.

The popular cocktail can be found all over the world, from craft cocktail bars and chain restaurants to island hideaways. Its origin, like that of many drinks, is a bit hazy, though it’s likely that rum and ginger beer were first combined by sailors who enjoyed the obvious benefits of rum and the stomach-settling qualities of ginger.

The Dark 'n Stormy's direct lineage can be traced back to Bermuda, where the cocktail is said to have been invented by members of the Royal Naval Officer's Club after World War I. The cocktail gets its name from its appearance, resembling a looming storm cloud, with the dark rum floating on top of the lighter ginger beer.

The Dark 'n Stormy traditionally calls for Goslings Black Seal rum, which has a rich, flavorful profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. In fact, the cocktail is so closely associated with the rum that Goslings successfully registered a trademark in 1991, dictating that any drink titled Dark 'n Stormy must be made with their rum.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Goslings Black Seal rum
• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed (optional)
• 1 candied ginger slice (optional)
• 3-5 ounces ginger beer, chilled

Directions:

• Fill a cocktail shaker or a tall glass with ice.
• Add the rum and lime juice and shake or stir well.
• Strain into an ice-filled collins glass or leave the ice in the glass.
• Top with the ginger beer.
• Garnish with a lime wheel or a skewer of the ginger slice and lime.

Note: The Dark 'n Stormy is typically served unstirred, allowing the dark rum to float on top of the lighter ginger beer. However, if you prefer a less rum-forward first sip, you may choose to give it a stir before serving.

Mexican Mule

The Mexican Mule is a tequila-based twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It's a bold, bubbly, and zesty cocktail that's perfect for a late-night drink or a get-together with friends. Here's everything you need to know about this refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• Tequila (silver or blanco is recommended)
• Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Ginger beer
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnishes: lime wedge, mint sprigs, jalapeno slice

Directions:

The Mexican Mule is a simple cocktail to prepare. Here's what you need to do:

• Pour the tequila and lime juice into a copper mug or your serving glass of choice. A copper mug is not required, but it adds to the traditional experience and keeps the drink well-chilled.
• Add ice cubes and top it off with ginger beer.
• Garnish with a lime wedge, and your Mexican Mule is ready to serve!

Variations and Tips:

• For an extra kick, add a muddled jalapeno slice or a splash of jalapeno-infused tequila.
• If you want to enhance the flavour and keep your drink extra cold, use a copper mug. The copper takes on the temperature of the drink immediately, providing a unique sipping experience.
• Make sure to use chilled ginger beer to ensure your cocktail is super cold and refreshing.
• If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add simple syrup or agave nectar to taste.
• For a cooling effect, garnish with fresh mint leaves.

El Diablo

The cocktail combines tequila, crème de cassis (a sweet blackcurrant liqueur), lime juice, and ginger beer. The fruity liqueur takes the edge off the ginger beer, complementing the earthy tequila.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila
• 1/2 ounce crème de cassis
• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 3-4 ounces ginger beer
• 1 lime wedge, or cheek, for garnish

Method:

• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour the tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice.
• Strain into a collins glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge or cheek.

If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can build the drink in the glass. First, add the tequila to a collins glass with ice, then the lime juice, and ginger beer. Finally, add a float of cassis on top.

Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail, substituting vodka with Kentucky bourbon. The cocktail is made with just three ingredients: bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice.

How to Make a Kentucky Mule

To make a Kentucky Mule, fill a copper mug or cocktail glass with ice. Then, pour in the bourbon and lime juice, and top it off with ginger beer. Give it a quick stir, and garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.

The Kentucky Mule is best served chilled, and the copper mug helps to keep the cocktail cold while enhancing its taste. However, it can also be served in a regular cocktail glass, especially when serving a crowd.

The ingredients for a Kentucky Mule are simple: bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice.

For the bourbon, well-known brands such as Jim Bean, Maker's Mark, and Buillet are produced in Kentucky and can be used. However, there are also many other alternatives, including bourbon produced by local restaurants in Kentucky. Alternatively, a popular variation of the Kentucky Mule is the Tennessee Mule, which is made with whiskey produced in Tennessee, such as Jack Daniels.

For the second ingredient, ginger beer, look for a brand with a more robust flavour and a spicier profile than ginger ale. Powell & Mahoney's ginger beer is a good option, as it is made without refined sugars. Their blood orange-flavoured ginger beer is also a delicious choice and can be garnished with a slice of blood orange instead of lime.

Finally, for the last ingredient, it is best to use freshly squeezed lime juice. Spending a few extra minutes squeezing your own lime juice is worth it for the best Kentucky Mule drink.

Frequently asked questions