I can’t recall the last day I’ve went without alcohol. And while some may call this an alcohol problem, I consider it an accomplishment. Anything, when done everyday, requires incredible willpower and persistence.
The secret to my unwavering consistency? I keep things fresh. To avoid burnout, I rotate cocktails based on the season, and summer is no exception.
Crafting a quality summer drink is easy and requires only two components. It must be a) refreshing, because I’m hot and uncomfortable, and b) light, due to the season’s increased risk of my fatass having to be shirtless in public.
Now, if you, too, want a light and refreshing cocktail, then do I have a treat for you: ginger beer!
Ginger beer boasts a fresh, sweet, and spicy profile that pairs perfectly with climbing dew points and sunburnt manboobs. But what really sets ginger beer apart is its universal nature. So regardless if you’re a bourbon, or rum, or a vodka, or (God forbid) a tequila drinker, there is a ginger beer cocktail with your name on it.
How do you make these cocktails? And just what in the hell is ginger beer? Let’s find out.
What is Ginger Beer?
Ginger beer is a bolder, tastier, and in the humble opinion of this blog, better in every way ginger ale.
Beer vs ale: What’s the difference? Ginger beer, like beer and wine, is fermented, while ginger ale, like other soft drinks, is artificially flavored and carbonated. Let’s take a look at a side by side comparison.
Why do these differences matter? Fermentation gives ginger beer a stronger, spicier and more natural profile, allowing it to contribute flavor to a cocktail, as opposed to just diluting the proof of a spirit to make it palatable — which usually is the purpose of any soft drink mixer.
Is ginger beer alcoholic? Sometimes. Traditionally, ginger beer was brewed using ginger, sugar, water, and a starter culture known as ginger beer plant. The final product weighed in at about 11% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Today, however, production has changed. While some ginger beer is still brewed, most breweries halt fermentation early to keep alcohol content under .5% (the maximum ABV permitted by the FDA for a beverage to be classified as non-alcoholic). But fortunately, brands like Crabbie’s still make the alcoholic stuff.
Which brand of ginger beer should I buy? The increase in commercially produced ginger beer has unfortunately come at a cost of quality. If you’re not careful, you can buy a beverage with a ginger beer label that’s nothing more than ginger flavoring and high fructose corn syrup.
Fortunately, we here at The Millennial Man have researched nutrition labels and completed a taste test. And while personal preference will undoubtedly vary, I feel comfortable recommending the following 3 brands.
Crabbie’s
Crabbie’s is widely available and contains alcohol, and everything is better with alcohol. While Crabbie’s can be enjoyed right from the bottle, you might want something bolder to use as a mixer. So for cocktails, we recommend…
Fever Tree
An award winner and fan favorite among ginger beer aficionados, Fever Tree is known for its natural flavors and use of 3 different types of ginger. Also available in a light version, Fever Tree is easy on the stomach…so to speak.
Q Ginger
Another high quality beverage with natural ingredients.
Where can I find ginger beer?
- Health food stores
- Liquor stores (often in the mixer section)
- Amazon
5 Delicious Ginger Beer Cocktails
It’s time to put your newfound knowledge to use. Here now are 5 Millennial Man tasted and approved ginger beer based cocktails. Enjoy.
Kentucky Mule
Ingredients
– 2 ounces bourbon (we recommend Four Roses Small Batch)
– 4 ounces ginger beer
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– ice
Instructions
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice, lime juice, bourbon, and ginger beer
2. Stir
3. Serve
Smashed Mule
Ingredients
– 2 ounces rye whiskey (we recommend Bulleit)
– 4 ounces ginger beer
– 1 ounce orange liqueur (we recommend Grand Marnier)
– 3 mint leaves
– ice
Instructions
1. Add mint and orange liqueur to a rocks glass
2. Muddle
3. Add rye, ice, and ginger beer
4. Stir
5. Serve
Dark and Stormy
Ingredients
– 2 ounces dark rum (we recommend Gosling’s Black Seal)
– 3 ounces ginger beer
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– ice
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass with ice, rum, ginger beer, and lime juice
2. Stir
3. Serve
Moscow Mule
Ingredients
– 2 ounces vodka (we recommend Tito’s)
– 4 ounces ginger beer
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– ice
Instructions
1. Fill a glass or Moscow Mule mug with ice, vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice
2. Stir
3. Serve
Ginger Beer Margarita
Ingredients
– 2 ounces tequila (we recommend El Padrino Reposado)
– 3 ounces ginger beer
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1 sugar cube
– 1 splash of water
– salt for the rim
– ice
Instructions
1. Line a margarita glass with lime juice and dip in salt
2. In a mixing glass, muddle sugar cube, water, and lime juice
3. Add tequila, ginger beer, and ice to mixing glass
4. Stir
5. Strain into margarita glass
6. Serve
The 10 Commandments of Gym Etiquette
The Safety Dad's Guide to Babyproofing Your Home
