Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
If there’s a cocktail that can showcase ginger beer’s crowning glory, it is the Moscow Mule—but the fun doesn’t end there.
This spicy ginger finish is also perfect for mocktails and can create multiple Moscow Mule variations.
Its fizziness can add flair to concoctions and upgrade all kinds of mixed drinks.
Learn what to mix with ginger beer and serve summer in a glass with these recipes below. Read on.
Top 7 Best Ginger Beer Mixers
7. Vodka
Quick Description: Vodka and ginger beer combination plus a little lime juice makes a classic vodka-based concoction—the Moscow Mule cocktail.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2oz Vodka
- 4oz Ginger beer
- ½oz Lime juice
- 1pc Lime wedge, optional
Instructions: Pour the vodka and lime juice into a copper mug filled with ice. Top off with ginger beer and add an optional lime wedge garnish, then serve.
Serving: 1
6. Rum
Quick Description: This delicious highball cocktail with ginger beer, dark rum, and lime can create a Dark ’n Stormy cocktail, a rum version of Moscow Mule.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2oz Dark Rum
- 4oz Ginger beer
- ½oz Lime juice
- 1pc Lime wedge or dash of bitters
Instructions: Add dark rum and lime juice to a highball glass filled with ice. Pour ginger beer on top and garnish with a lime wedge or dash of bitters.
Serving: 1
5. Tequila
Quick Description: Ginger beer matched up with the Mexican twist—tequila can build a crisp and bold Mexican Mule cocktail.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2oz Tequila
- 4oz Ginger beer
- ½oz Lime juice
- 1pc Lime wheel or mint leaves
Instructions: Combine tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer in a copper mug, then fill it with ice. Serve with a lime wheel or mint leaves on top, and enjoy.
Serving: 1
4. Pimm’s No. 1
Quick Description: A gin-based liqueur like Pimm’s No. 1 plus ginger beer creates a summer cocktail called Pimm’s Cup.
“Ice cold ginger beer – that feisty, zesty stuff that brings tears to your eyes and make you sneeze.”
– Fennel Hudson, Countryside Author
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 3½oz Ginger beer
- 1oz Lemonade
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
Instructions: Pour Pimm’s No. 1 and lemonade into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and finish with a fresh mint sprig garnish.
Serving: 1
3. Lime Juice
Quick Description: You can make a refreshing and healthy Ginger Beer mocktail by mixing lime juice with the spicy ginger beer.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1oz Lime juice
- 5oz Ginger beer
- 1oz Simple syrup
- Mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions: Add lime juice and simple syrup in a highball glass filled with ice, then stir. Top with a ginger beer and garnish with mint leaves, then serve.
Serving: 1
2. Whiskey
Quick Description: Try this whiskey and ginger beer combination using Irish whiskey and make an Irish Mule cocktail.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2oz Irish whiskey
- 6oz Ginger beer
- ½oz Lime juice
- Mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions: Add whiskey and lime juice to a highball glass. Fill the glass with ice, then top it with ginger beer. Garnish it with a mint sprig, and enjoy.
Serving: 1
1. Grapefruit Juice
Quick Description: The spiciness of ginger beer plus the fruity notes from grapefruit juice creates an extra special fruity non-alcoholic mixed drink.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3oz Grapefruit juice
- 3oz Ginger beer
- ½oz Lime juice
- ½oz Simple syrup
- Mint leaves, optional
Instructions: Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until cold, pour it into a highball glass with ice, then garnish with mint leaves.
Serving: 1
FAQs Related to What to Mix with Ginger Beer?
What can I mix with ginger beer?
Ginger beer pairs well with a variety of spirits such as vodka, rum, whiskey, and tequila to create refreshing cocktails.
What are some classic cocktails made with ginger beer?
Classic cocktails made with ginger beer include the Moscow Mule, Dark ‘n Stormy, and the Kentucky Mule.
Can I mix ginger beer with non-alcoholic beverages?
Yes, ginger beer can be mixed with non-alcoholic beverages like fruit juices, lemonade, or sparkling water to create mocktails and refreshing drinks.
Are there any fruit garnishes that complement ginger beer cocktails?
Yes, citrus fruits like lime, lemon, or orange slices are popular garnishes for ginger beer cocktails, adding a zesty flavor and visual appeal.
Can I experiment with herbs and spices when mixing ginger beer?
Absolutely! Herbs like mint or basil and spices like cinnamon or cloves can enhance the flavor profile of ginger beer cocktails, providing depth and complexity.
What types of liquor work best with ginger beer?
Liquors such as vodka, rum, whiskey, and tequila are commonly paired with ginger beer due to their complementary flavors and versatility in cocktail recipes.
Are there any specific brands of ginger beer recommended for mixing?
While personal preference plays a role, some popular brands of ginger beer for mixing include Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, and Reed’s Ginger Beer.
Can I customize the sweetness level of ginger beer cocktails?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness level of ginger beer cocktails by adding simple syrup or adjusting the ratio of ginger beer to other ingredients.
Are there any unique or unconventional ingredients that pair well with ginger beer?
Ingredients like bitters, flavored syrups, or even jalapeño slices can add complexity and a spicy kick to ginger beer cocktails, creating a unique flavor experience.
In Summary
From simple mocktails to endless cocktail mule variations, ginger beer is the ultimate top mixer for refreshing concoctions—and making cocktails with it is never complicated.
Moscow Mule is a great choice to make your first ginger beer cocktail, but if you want it alcohol-free, with just some ingredient alterations, you can make mocktails with ginger beer.
Vodka, rum, tequila, lime juice, you name it—the zippy snap and spiciness of ginger beer can complement not just alcoholic drinks but also other fruit juices.
References:
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ginger%20beer
- https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/a15873518/alcoholic-ginger-beer-vs-ginger-ale/
