20 Ginger Beer Cocktails to Spice Up Your Life

Ginger beer is a spicy, aromatic mixer that can add a kick to all kinds of cocktails. Whether you’re a master mixologist looking for some inspiration or brand new to bartending artistry, here are some classic and unique ginger beer cocktails. 

Vodka-based ginger beer cocktails

Vodka is an excellent addition to ginger beer since its unassuming taste allows other flavors to shine through. Here are a few delicious options to try. 

1. Classic Moscow mule

Perhaps the most common drink made with ginger beer is the classic Moscow mule. It’s a simple mix of vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime. While a copper mug isn’t mandatory, it turns icy cold, making the drink taste even better. 

2. Apple cider mule

Adding some apple cider to a classic Moscow mule turns it into a festive fall-time drink. Garnish it with a cinnamon stick, sprig of thyme, or an apple slice. 

3. Christi extreme

This fun and unique ginger beer cocktail mixes vodka, grapefruit juice, ginger beer, and lingonberry syrup. It’s easy to make, but also super unique. 

4. Broad stripes and bright stars

If you’re looking for a creative drink to impress your friends, this is it! It features a mix of blueberry vodka, absinthe, simple syrup, lemon juice, raspberry liqueur, and ginger beer all poured over muddled blueberries and garnished with a sugar cube. 

5. Christmas mule

This festive drink starts with muddled rosemary and thyme topped with vodka, cranberry juice, and ginger beer. Garnish it with sugar-dusted cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. 

Gin-based ginger beer mixed drinks

The spice of ginger beer is the perfect complement to gin’s citrusy aroma. Grab a chilled glass and try it for yourself! 

1. Pimm’s cup

This fizzy drink has a citrus flavor paired with undertones of sweet and bitter herbs. In addition to gin, it also features strawberries, cucumber, basil, lemon, and sparkling water. 

2. Floradora

While you may not have heard of it before, the floradora is actually a classic cocktail. It features a fruity gin combined with cucumber, ginger beer, and lemon juice. Garnish this drink with lemon, fresh mint, and cucumber slices.

3. Gin gin mule

The first “gin” in this drink’s name refers to the liquor it’s made with, and the second is for the “gin-ger” beer. It also includes mint, simple syrup, and lime juice. 

4. Early autumn cocktail

What better way to celebrate the change of the season than with a tasty cocktail made from apple- and pear-infused gin? This creative cocktail also incluldes pear brandy, absinthe, apple cider, ginger beer, and a splash of chocolate bitters. Garnish it with a lemon peel and a cinnamon stick. 

Rum-based ginger beer cocktails

The rich flavor of rum goes exceptionally well with the strong flavor and bite of ginger beer, making it a popular base for many ginger beer cocktails. 

1. Dark and stormy

This super simple drink has just 2 ingredients: dark rum and ginger beer. If you like, you can garnish it with a lime.

2. Ginger peach fizz

The light, peachy flavor makes the ginger peach fizz a perfect summertime cocktail. It’s made with muddled peaches, ice, and equal parts vodka and ginger beer. 

3. The Tempest

This delicious drink starts with a basic dark and stormy recipe, then adds peaches, lemon juice, and bitters. 

Whiskey/bourbon ginger beer mixed drinks

The sweetness of many whiskeys and burbons pairs well with the spiciness of a good ginger beer. This makes them a natural combination when creating ginger beer cocktails. 

1. Kentucky mule

If you’re a whiskey drinker, you’ll love this Kentucky mule recipe. You can make it with just 3 ingredients: your favorite bourbon or whiskey, ginger beer, and a freshly squeezed lime. 

2. Whisky highball

This drink combines scotch whiskey, ginger beer, and a squeezed lemon zest. It’s simple but oh-so-delicious! 

3. Irish mule

An Irish mule is very similar to the Kentucky mule, but it specifically calls for Irish whiskey. This gives it a light, fruity flavor with a bit of a floral scent and just a hint of vanilla. 

4. Skeleton key

A skeleton key is made with bourbon whiskey, ginger beer, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and bitters. It has a pretty orange color, which makes it perfect for serving at a Halloween party. 

Tequila-based ginger beer cocktails

Last, but certainly not least, there are some pretty incredible ginger beer drinks made with tequila. Here are a few you’ll want to try. 

1. El diablo

This drink is popular thanks to the vibrant and refreshing flavor it gets from the addition of créme de cassis. You can make it even more interesting by adding a garnish of lime with fresh blackberry or candied ginger. 

2. Mexican mule

This tequila-based mule is known for its crisp, bold flavor. Like most other mules, it’s simply a mixture of tequila, ginger beer, and a fresh-squeezed lime. 

3. Prickly pear and ginger beer margaritas

A beautiful and unique cocktail, this margarita features silver tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and prickly pear syrup. It’s a beverage that’s sure to impress even the most discerning guests.

Spice up your life

Ginger beer can add a kick to any cocktail. If you’re ready to experiment with some of these delicious ginger beer drinks, the expert shoppers at Instacart are here to help. Just head over to Instacart.com, add everything you need to your shopping list, then sit back and wait for your grocery and alcohol delivery. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Grab it now on Instacart:

True Moscow Mule: Copper Cocktail Mug (16 oz)

Cinnamon Sticks (per lb)

Darbo Syrup, Lingonberry (16.9 fl oz)

Darbo Syrup, Lingonberry (16.9 fl oz)

Organic Rosemary (1 bunch)

Pimm's No.1 Liqueur (750 ml)

Troyanska Pear Brandy (750 ml)

Goslings Bermuda Black Rum (750 ml)

Bertina Elderflower Liqueur (750 ml)

De Kuyper Creme De Cassis (750 ml)

Drillaud Creme De Cassis (750 ml)

Cactus Pear (1 each)

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