Ginger beer is a spicy addition to many classic cocktails, and the sweet heat from its intense ginger flavor is welcome in our drinks during colder seasons. Less bubbly and sweet than ginger ale, ginger beer gets its intense flavor from ginger root being directly brewed and fermented with sugar and water, the bold flavor profile leaving ginger ale tasting pale in comparison. Originating as an alcoholic drink similar to ales and lagers, ginger beer is now usually produced as a non-alcoholic soft drink, with fermentation being stopped before it reaches 0.05%, making it the perfect mixer to warm up cocktails when the temperatures fall.
Videos by Outdoors
The Moscow Mule
Credited with popularizing vodka in the 1940’s, the Moscow Mule is best served in a copper mug.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2 oz. vodka
- ½ oz. lime juice
- ½ oz. giner-infused simple syrup
- 4 oz. ginger beer
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Add vodka, lime juice, and infused simple syrup to a copper mug over ice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a slice of lime.
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy
The national drink of Bermuda and the drink of choice for sailors in the Caribbean, the Dark ‘n’ Stormy is perfect for waiting out bad weather.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2 oz. dark rum
- 4 oz. ginger beer
- Lime slice
Instructions
- Pour ginger beer over ice in a lowball glass and gently float dark rum on top, creating a two-layer effect.
- Garnish with a slice of lime on the rim.
The Tina Louise
Named after the redheaded beauty who played Ginger on Gilligan’s Island, this cocktail combines big ginger flavor with fiery Irish whiskey.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2 oz. Irish whiskey
- 6 oz. ginger beer
- Lemon wedges
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- In a highball glass, pour the Irish whiskey over ice and top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with wedges of lemon and lime.
Â