Ginger Beer Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One

Ginger beer has taken over bar menus and our fridges. Perfect for spicing up a cocktail or simply quenching your thirst with a drink that has a real kick, its success is undeniable. But with an ever-expanding range of options, making the right choice can be tough. Are you looking for that authentic fiery kick for a proper Moscow Mule cocktail or a more refined alternative to traditional sodas??

Our mission?: to guide you through this sea of labels to track down the ginger beer that will meet all your expectations. Follow our guide?!

How to Choose the Right Ginger Drink??

Before you buy, there are a few criteria to consider to ensure you make the right choice.

1. Ginger Beer vs. Ginger Ale?: A Matter of Character

They are often confused, yet these two drinks have completely different characters.

• Ginger beer is made by fermenting ginger root. This process gives it a powerful, complex, and often very spicy flavour. Rest assured, most commercial versions are non-alcoholic drinks.
• Ginger ale, on the other hand, is a ginger-flavoured soda. It is simply carbonated water with flavouring. Its taste is milder, sweeter, and much less fiery, which makes it a more subtle mixer.

It all depends on the intensity you're looking for.

2. Scrutinise the Label?: The Key to Flavour

The quality of a ginger drink is primarily revealed in its ingredients list. For an authentic flavour, look for recipes that list real ginger root rather than just "flavourings". The sugar content is also a decisive factor?: some are very sweet, while others rely entirely on the natural heat of the ginger to achieve their balance.

3. The Occasion?: For Cocktails or Sipping Solo??

How you plan to use it will naturally guide your choice.

• For a cocktail like the Moscow Mule, it needs to pack a punch?! A ginger beer with a pronounced fiery kick is essential to stand up to the vodka and lime.
• For sipping on its own, a more balanced version, or even a perfectly smooth ginger ale, will be more pleasant. If you drink it often or are planning a party, buying a pack is often a smarter, more economical choice.

Recommended Ginger Beers to Try

To help you see more clearly, we've selected three products with bold character, each tailored to a specific need.

1. BUNDABERG Ginger Beer Drink 375?ml

Hailing from Australia, Bundaberg is a true institution for lovers of authentic flavours. It is brewed from real pieces of ginger root using a traditional method, which gives it a remarkable aromatic complexity.

• What makes it unique?: Its brewing process, which spans several days, extracts the very best from the ginger. The result?? A rich taste and a spicy finish that is perfectly balanced.
• Key features?:
  • Brewed with real ginger root.
  • Authentic taste, balancing sweetness and spice.
  • Fine, pleasant bubbles.
• Best for???: Purists seeking a traditional ginger beer experience. It's the perfect choice for sipping neat, on the rocks, or for crafting premium cocktails where the ginger needs to express itself with nuance.

2. CANADA DRY Pack 24 x 33?cl

Canada Dry is the quintessential ginger ale. Famous for its mildness and very refreshing quality, it's the most approachable take on the ginger drink.

• Its key strength?: Its deliberately less spicy and sweeter profile makes it an ultra-versatile mixer that complements many spirits without ever overpowering them. Its pack format is perfect for always having a can on hand.
• Key features?:
  • Mild and subtle ginger taste.
  • Very thirst-quenching.
  • Convenient and economical pack format.
• Best for???: Those who prefer a subtle ginger soda over an explosion of spice. Ideal for large gatherings, families, or as a cocktail base where the ginger shouldn't steal the spotlight.

3. Old Jamaica Ginger Beer 500?ml

As its name suggests, Old Jamaica immerses us in the Caribbean heritage of ginger beer with an intense recipe. Expect a sharp kick that lingers.

• What makes it unique?: Its recipe is built around a powerful extract of Jamaican ginger, which delivers an immediate and lasting warming sensation. This is an uncompromising drink for those who like it hot.
• Key features?:
  • A very spicy and bold flavour profile.
  • Made from a Jamaican ginger extract.
  • Perfect for giving backbone to cocktails with character.
• Best for???: Thrill-seekers who love it when the ginger has a real bite. It's the top choice for a Moscow Mule cocktail with a kick, or for anyone who finds other ginger beers far too tame.

Not Convinced?? Explore Other Options

The world of mixers and sparkling drinks is endless. If our selection didn't catch your eye, or if you're simply curious to explore other flavours for your aperitifs, take a look at our other recommendations.

Discover our full selection of tonics and sodas to find the perfect mixer for your next creations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale??

It all comes down to intensity and production method. Ginger beer is brewed, which gives it a powerful and spicy ginger taste. Ginger ale, on the other hand, is a flavoured soda that is much milder and more subtle.

Does ginger beer contain alcohol??

Despite its name, the vast majority of commercial ginger beers are non-alcoholic. The word "beer" refers to its historic production method (fermentation), but the process is now controlled to produce no alcohol (or a trace amount, less than 0.5%).

How do you make the perfect Moscow Mule??

The classic recipe is deceptively simple and showcases the ginger beer. In a copper mug filled with ice, pour?:

• 60?ml of vodka
• 15?ml of fresh lime juice
• 120?ml of chilled ginger beer

Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge. The choice of your ginger beer (a fiery one like Old Jamaica or a balanced one like Bundaberg) is what will make all the difference.