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Here are all the best ginger beer cocktails and drinks to try! This fizzy, spicy soda is ultra versatile and makes for zingy, refreshing drinks, from the classic Moscow Mule to unique seasonal spins.
Ginger beer is a popular mixer for cocktails, full of bubbles with a spicy ginger finish. It adds a fizzy flair to mixed drinks of all kinds: and it’s perfect for mocktails! What is it, exactly? Ginger beer is a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage made with sugar and ginger; it’s similar to ginger ale, but less sweet with a stronger ginger flavor.
As two cocktail experts, we love drinks with this bubbly, tasty mixer, so we’ve combed our archives to find all our top ginger beer cocktails and drinks. Of course, the classic Moscow mule is the most popular of all ginger beer drinks! But don’t stop there: try all the mule variations, a bubbly whiskey highball, and even the most famous mocktail of them all, the Shirley Temple!
Our top ginger beer cocktails and drinks
The most famous ginger beer cocktail: the Moscow mule! This classic cocktail was born in the 1940’s. It's part of a family of cocktails called a buck: a cocktail made with liquor, ginger ale or ginger beer, and citrus juice. So, it can also be called a vodka buck! It's bubbly, zingy and bold; make it with just 3 ingredients in 3 minutes.
Ingredients: Vodka, lime juice, ginger beer
Just 3 ingredients make up this classic cocktail: the Dark and Stormy! This refreshing highball drink has quite the reputation…because it’s just that good. Each ingredient has lots of personality: the rich, earthy dark rum, with vanilla and brown sugar notes. Add to that spicy ginger beer, fruity and filled with effervescent bubbles. Top it off with a squeeze of tangy lime, and there’s not much better for sipping...any time and any season.
Ingredients: Dark rum, ginger beer, lime wedge
Here’s a highball that immediately shot to the top our favorite ginger beer cocktails: the El Diablo! This one flies under the radar, but take one sip and you’ll become a new convert. Bold berries, zingy lime, and spicy ginger complement the bite of the tequila in a way that’s indescribable. You’ve just got to taste!
Ingredients: Tequila reposado, crème de cassis, lime juice, ginger beer
Here's a unique ginger beer cocktail: the classic Whiskey Highball! This two-ingredient cocktail originated around the turn of the 20th century and it’s still popular to this day. Why? It’s so easy to make, and it's an intriguing way to enjoy the flavors in a sip of whiskey. This drink has two variations: one straight classic with soda water for whiskey lovers, and one as a more balanced drink with ginger beer.
Ingredients: Whiskey, ginger beer
Looking for a refreshingly easy ginger beer cocktail? Enter the Pimm’s Cup! This popular British mixed drink is all about bubbly soda and fruity flavored gin. It’s so tasty that it’s dangerously easy to sip at lightening speed. It’s also great for entertaining: just a few ingredients and no need to dirty a cocktail shaker.
Ingredients: Cucumber slices, Pimm’s No 1, ginger beer
Here's a fun spin on the classic mule: the Mexican mule! This drink is bold, it’s bubbly, and it’s ready to spice up your next gathering. This tequila-based version might be even better than its inspiration. The way the bite of the tequila combines with spicy ginger and zingy lime makes it impossible not to immediately take another sip. Another version? The Mezcal Mule adds mezcal for a smoky spin.
Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, ginger beer
Here’s a light, bubbly classic highball cocktail that’s flown under the radar for too long: the Floradora! This beautifully pink drink was inspired by a Broadway show by the same name and dates back to the early 1900’s. Raspberry syrup pairs beautifully with lime, gin, and the spicy kick of ginger beer! With its sweet name and delicious sweet tart flavor, we think it’s time for another spot in the limelight!
Ingredients: Gin, raspberry syrup (or Chambord), lime juice, ginger beer
Here's a unique ginger beer cocktail: th Gin Gin Mule! Now, this cocktail is more than meets the eye. Considered a modern classic, it’s a mashup of the Moscow mule and minty Mojito. The bubbly ginger beer and lime of a mule is balanced by the mint and sweetness of a mojito.
Ingredients: Gin, lime, ginger beer, mint, simple syrup
One of the arguably most fun ways to drink bourbon? With ginger beer! This ginger beer cocktail swaps the classic vodka for bourbon to make a Kentucky mule. It’s bubbly, bright and bold: with zingy lime and a spicy whiskey finish. There’s no shaking or stirring required: just pour it all into the glass. It’s easy for parties: or a summer evening on the porch. Another version? The Irish Mule uses Irish whiskey.
Ingredients: Bourbon whiskey, lime, ginger beer
Can we add a ginger beer...mocktail? It's the Shirley Temple! Now, listen. This isn’t the overly sweet, syrupy version of this drink. The classic way is actually made with ginger beer! It’s not just for kids! This mocktail works for anyone looking for a bubbly, refreshing non-alcoholic drink. Even better: try our all-natural homemade grenadine syrup that skips the artificial flavors and colors.
Another whiskey-based ginger beer cocktail: the Irish mule! This spin on the classic Moscow Mule is bubbly and light, with a spicy Irish whiskey finish. It’s a good intro drink to whiskey and a way to make any party more fun! As with all the types of mules, it couldn’t be easier: all you do is pour 3 ingredients into a glass.
Ingredients: Irish whiskey, lime, ginger beer
Last up...a seasonal spin on the Moscow mule: the cider mule! This seasonal spin is even more fun than the original. It pairs apples and ginger in a bubbly, effervescent mix that looks perfectly cozy nestled in a copper mug. Why stop drinking the mule when autumn hits? This fall cocktail is ideal for when the temps start to drop: it even works as a winter cocktail for holiday gatherings, too.
Top brands of ginger beer
These days, there are many types of ginger beer brands on the market. Here are a few notes on the top brands to try for these ginger beer drinks:
- Q Ginger Beer: This is our top choice! It has great flavor and is made with real ginger. It comes in small cans so you don’t have to open a large bottle.
- Fever Tree Ginger Beer: Fever Tree also has great flavor and is our backup! It’s made with real ginger and has no artificial sweeteners.
- More Ginger Beer Brands: Here’s a list of more top brands.
Also, here’s what to know about the differences between ginger beer vs ginger ale.
Frequently asked questions
Lime, lemon, berries, and mint all complement the spicy notes of ginger beer beautifully.
Yes, you can use any type of ginger beer, but keep in mind that the flavor intensity and sweetness can vary between brands.
Most commercially available ginger beers are gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the label to be sure.
You can find ginger beer in most grocery stores, usually in the soda or mixer aisle.
Ginger Beer Cocktails: Moscow Mule & More!
The best ginger beer cocktail? The bold and fizzy Moscow mule! Mix lime, ginger beer and vodka in an ice cold copper mug.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) vodka
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces (½ cup) ginger beer
- For the garnish: lime wheel or wedge, fresh mint (if desired)
Instructions
- In a copper mug or glass, pour in the vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- Add ice and garnish with a lime slice. Serve immediately.
More cocktail recipes
Outside of these ginger beer cocktails, there are so many great cocktail recipes to try! Pick from some of the following:
- Vodka Cocktails Try the greats like the Gimlet and Mule.
- Gin Cocktails All the classics: Gin Fizz, Tom Collins, Gin & Tonic, etc.
- Orange Juice Cocktails OJ is a great mixer!
- Bourbon Cocktails Try these bourbon greats, like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
- Amaretto Cocktails From the Amaretto Sour to the Italian margarita.
- Vermouth Cocktails All the best drinks using dry or sweet vermouth.
- Sour Cocktails All the very best sours: Whiskey Sour, Sidecar, Mojito and more.
- Cointreau Cocktails All the great drinks using this orange liqueur.
- Scotch Cocktails Unique mixed drinks using this Scottish whisky.
- Campari Cocktails Brilliant red cocktails starring this bitter liqueur.
Love these creative ginger beer cocktails! Perfect for summer gatherings. Will definitely be trying out the Dark ‘N’ Stormy Spritz soon!