Here the most popular ginger beer cocktails and drinks, from the classic Moscow Mule to unique seasonal spins! These fizzy, spicy drinks are perfect for entertaining year-round.
Ginger beer is a popular mixer for cocktails, adding a fizzy flair to mixed drinks of all kinds! It’s a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage made with sugar and ginger: similar to ginger ale, but less sweet with a stronger ginger flavor.
As a cocktail expert I’ve spent countless hours testing different brands, perfecting ratios, and discovering the best ginger beer cocktails! I love how it adds layers of spicy flavor and fizzy bubbles to drinks. Here are all my top ginger beer cocktails and drinks: from the classic Moscow mule to mule variations, the moody Dark and Stormy, and even the famous Shirley Temple mocktail!
Top ginger beer cocktails and drinks
The crown jewel of ginger beer cocktails is the Moscow Mule! It was born in the 1940s and remains the most popular ginger beer drink worldwide. My favorite part is that you can build the drink right in the glass: vodka, fresh lime juice, and spicy ginger beer, making it easy to whip up at moments notice.
Arguably the second most popular ginger beer cocktail is the Dark and Stormy! This iconic three-ingredient highball cocktail pairs dark rum with bubbly ginger beer and a squeeze of tangy lime. The rum's vanilla and brown sugar notes complement the spicy ginger perfectly.
This classic two-ingredient cocktail from the turn of the 20th century offers a tasty way to enjoy whiskey's complex flavors. The ginger beer variation creates a more balanced drink than the traditional soda water version, making it more approachable (I personally prefer it with ginger beer!).
The Pimm's Cup is an easy British cocktail that combines cucumber slices with Pimm's No. 1 and bubbly ginger beer. (As a tennis fan, I've learned it's the signature drink of Wimbledon). This fruity, gin-based drink is easy to sip and requires no cocktail shaker, making it ideal for parties.
This modern classic ginger beer cocktail combines the Moscow Mule with the minty Mojito! It balances the bubbly ginger beer and lime of a mule with the fresh mint and sweetness of a mojito. This is another one of my personal favorites for its intruige in flavor!
This light, bubbly classic from the early 1900s was inspired by a Broadway show of the same name. It stars raspberry syrup along with gin, lime, and spicy ginger beer to create this fun, bright pink cocktail!
This bold, bubbly spin on the classic Moscow Mule substitutes tequila for vodka. The bite of the tequila pairs beautifully with spicy ginger and zingy lime, creating a drink I personally enjoy even better than its inspiration.
Here's the classic mocktail, made the traditional way with ginger beer instead of ginger ale. My version isn't overly sweet of syrupy: it's a bubbly, refreshing non-alcoholic drink that works for kids or adults seeking quality mocktails.
One of the most enjoyable ways to drink bourbon in a ginger beer cocktail, the Kentucky Mule swaps vodka for whiskey. It's bubbly, bright, and bold with a spicy whiskey finish that's perfect for summer evenings on the porch.
This whiskey-based variation uses Irish whiskey instead of vodka for a lighter whiskey ginger beer cocktail. It's a great intro to whiskey drinking and adds instant fun to any party.
Here's a seasonal twist that's even more fun than the original! This fall ginger beer cocktail perfectly pairs cider and ginger in a bubbly mix that looks beautiful in copper mugs and works well for entertaining.
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.
Expert tips for perfect ginger beer cocktails
- Temperature matters: Always use ice cold ingredients, especially the ginger beer. Room temperature mixers will dilute your drink and reduce carbonation.
- Fresh citrus only: Never use bottled lemon or lime juice in ginger beer cocktails: the flavor isn’t anywhere close!
- The right glassware: While copper mugs are traditional for mules, any chilled glass works.
- Invest in garnishes: Garnishes are what make the drink! Fresh lemon wedges or sprigs of mint make a world of difference.
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.
More cocktail ideas
If you love these ginger beer cocktails, try all my 40 Great Cocktails You Should Know. For specific liquors, try my favorite Whiskey Cocktails, Gin Cocktails, Vodka Cocktails, or Tequila Cocktails.
Or try my 12 Top Campari Cocktails for bitter liqueur alternatives, or my 15 Top Prosecco Cocktails collection offers bubbly options perfect for parties.
Love these creative ginger beer cocktails! Perfect for summer gatherings. Will definitely be trying out the Dark ‘N’ Stormy Spritz soon!