Ginger ale, and its spicier, fermented cousin ginger beer, are ideal co*cktail mixers. The effervescence lightens up a summery highball, while the ginger's bite tames spirits. We've rounded up our favorite ginger ale and ginger beer co*cktail recipes.
Ginger ale and ginger beer can both be purchased, but it's fun and easy to make them on your own. For ginger ale, simply make a syrup out of water, ginger, sugar, and a dash of black peppercorns, then mix it with soda water. To make ginger beer, brew up a similar ginger mixture and add in spices and champagne yeast. Strain the mixture, bottle it, and after a day of fermentation you have your very own ginger beer!
Whether you make or buy, you've got delicious recipes to try. The Moscow Mule is a classic mix of ginger beer and vodka. If you steep the vodka with lemongrass and grapefruit to make aquavit then you have a variation called a Swedish Mule, while swapping the vodka out for gin and adding a little mint makes a Gin-Gin Mule.
The Dark 'N Stormy is another classic ginger beer co*cktail, with black rum and ginger beer swirling together like storm clouds. The Black and Stormy is a variation that kicks up the spice with ginger liqueur.
For a summertime drink for your next cookout, mix together a pitcher of our Strawberry Pimm's Cup with ginger ale and kaffir lime leaves.
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Check out all of our favorite ginger ale and ginger beer co*cktail recipes, plus recipes for homemade ginger beer and ginger syrup!
Ginger Beer
Any of these co*cktails can be made with store-bought ginger beer. But if you want to go the extra mile, you can brew your own from scratch.
Ginger Syrup
Not quite up to brewing your own ginger beer? An easier option is to make your own ginger ale by cooking up a batch of this ginger syrup and mixing it with soda water.
Pimm's Cup #21
Inspired by our list of Friday co*cktails, bartender Michael Neff noticed that bitter flavors were prominent, as were fizzy drinks made with fresh fruit and herbs. To that end, he created a modified Pimm’s Cup, using Cynar to add a bit more bitter tang and ginger beer for spice. Fresh fruit and herbs round out the (almost) traditional summer refresher. Get the recipe for Pimm’s Cup #21 »
Dark 'N Stormy
By trademark, this Bermudan combination of rum and ginger beer requires Gosling’s Black Seal Rum; similar drinks with names like dark ‘n foggy or light ‘n stormy use other rums. Get the recipe for Dark ‘N Stormy »
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Cool Confusion
A refreshing marriage between a Tom Collins and a Dark n’ Stormy, this lime and ginger beer-spiked gin co*cktail has an intriguing herbal undertone thanks to Amaro Abano, a zesty Italian digestif with notes of bitter orange, cardamom, and white pepper. Get the recipe for Cool Confusion »
Moscow Mule
This vodka-and–ginger beer libation is traditionally served in a copper mug. Get the recipe for Moscow Mule »
Swedish Mule
In this Moscow Mule variation, vodka is infused with lemongrass and grapefruit to make aquavit. Get the recipe for Swedish Mule »
Gin-Gin Mule
This Moscow Mule variation is made with gin and mint. Get the recipe for Gin-Gin Mule
El Diablo
Black-currant-flavored crème de cassis adds fruity dimension and a lovely pink hue to this ginger beer and tequila co*cktail from the 1940s.
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Diablo Blanco
This variation on the El Diablo swaps crème de cassis for black currant jam and earthy honey.
Eureka Punch
Martin Cate of Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco combines Chartreuse and ginger ale in this refreshing tropical drink.
Cranberry Crush
Spiced rum and fiery ginger beer combine with tart cranberry juice in this flavorful cool-weather co*cktail.
Book Club Sangria
This sweet-tart wine punch was invented by members of the Junior League of Houston book club in the 1970s.
Chilled Cider Punch
This chilled cider punch combines the fall flavors of a mulled cider with the celebratory feel of a sparkling punch. Get the recipe for Chilled Cider Punch »
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Pear Haymaker
Vodka, ginger beer, and muddled pear make for a tart and refreshing co*cktail perfect for sipping on a cool fall evening. Get the recipe for Pear Haymaker
Tiki Bandit
This version of a classic tiki drink mixes two kinds of rum with a variety of fruit juices and syrups. Get the recipe for Tiki Bandit »
Strawberry Pimm's Cup
A twist on the British classic, this summer cooler takes on spicy, herbal notes from Kaffir lime leaves, while strawberries lend sweet balance to the pleasingly bitter liqueur. Get the recipe for Strawberry Pimm’s Cup »
Venetian Cup
A mix of Campari, Pimm’s No. 1, and ginger beer, this drink makes an excellent warm weather apéritif.
The Black and Stormy
This recipe for a modified Dark and Stormy uses fresh ginger juice for a kick of refreshing heat.
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Pineapple Mojito
This twist on a mojito combines pineapple- and coconut-infused rum with fresh pineapple and mint for a fruity, vacation-inspired drink. Get the recipe for Pineapple Mojito »
Rhubarb Fizz
This bubbly co*cktail features champagne, ginger beer, rhubarb, cardamom, and just a hint of vanilla.
Kentucky Buck
“Bucks” are a family of drinks that consist of ginger beer plus a spirit and citrus—a category that includes this fruity refresher as well as the classic Moscow Mule. Get the recipe for Kentucky Buck »
Horse's Neck
This simple highball mixes cognac with ginger beer and a spiral peel of a whole lemon.
