Ginger beer, a sweet, spicy carbonated beverage, has been refreshing people since its creation in 18th-century England. Originally made in Yorkshire, the non-alcoholic mixer is most commonly used in the creation of the Moscow Mule cocktail. The combination of spicy ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice creates a refreshing and zesty drink that has become a classic choice for cocktail enthusiasts. This example showcases how ginger beer can be a versatile ingredient in mixology, adding depth and complexity to cocktails while also providing a unique flavor. Of course, the beverage has long been consumed on its own, just as delectably. Ginger beer’s distinct taste and effervescence make it a popular choice for those looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to traditional sodas. Whether enjoyed as a mixer or on its own, it is a delicious drink with many different brands making up some of the best ginger beers on the market that continue to be enjoyed worldwide.
Of course, ginger also harnesses a number of health benefits. Herbal medicine and science don’t always overlap, but a new study finds ginger root may be an effective supplemental treatment option for certain autoimmune diseases. Researchers from the University of Michigan report the main bioactive ingredient in ginger (6-gingerol) therapeutically counters the mechanism responsible for some autoimmune diseases in mice. The study results strongly suggest the ginger ingredient breaks the “inflammatory cycle.” They also clarified, however, that ginger isn’t going to be the main treatment method for any autoimmune diseases. It may prove, however, to be very useful in preventing the onset of diseases among high-risk patients.
Another study similarly states ginger’s effects on autoimmune diseases, mentioning the impact it can have on rheumatoid arthritis as well. The study, like the previous one, also primarily focused on neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, or NETosis. “Our research, for the first time, provides evidence for the biological mechanism that underlies ginger’s apparent anti-inflammatory properties in people,” says Professor Jason Knight from the University of Michigan. “There are not a lot of natural supplements, or prescription medications for that matter, that are known to fight overactive neutrophils. We, therefore, think ginger may have a real ability to complement treatment programs that are already underway.”
All that from one little plant? Now, we aren’t saying ginger beer is going to solve all your problems, but it’s probably not going to create many either, so you know what we say? Enjoy some ginger beers, specifically our ranking below. As always, we have researched across multiple expert sources to bring you today’s ranking of the best ginger beers on the market! Don’t agree with our list? We would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Moscow Mules (Photo by Gary Meulemans on Unsplash)
The List: Best Ginger Beers, According to Experts
1. Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer
The first pick on our list goes to Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer. Chances are you’ve seen these cute little bottles during your trip to your local liquor store mixer section. “If I had to pick my absolute favorite ginger beer, this would be it: my tried and true, my go-to, and the winner of the title ‘All-Time Favorite’ ginger beer. I also love the small 6.8-ounce bottles, which are the perfect size to enjoy,” notes Love & Olive Oil.
“Bartenders swear by Fever-Tree’s ‘premium’ take on ginger beer for all sorts of concoctions. ‘It’s nice and dry (less sugar than most) with a flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in the cocktail or Highball,’ says McGee. ‘Really great effervescence as well.’ Made by brewing three gingers from Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, and Cochin, India, this beverage will elevate classic cocktails like a Dark’ n Stormy or Moscow Mule,” comments Liquor.
“Fever-Tree’s products are all designed specifically for cocktails. It’s probably best known for its tonic waters (available in six different varieties), but this ginger beer is equally outstanding. It’s warm and spicy, not too sweet, and very refreshing, thanks to heavy carbonation. It’s great in any ginger-beer cocktail, but our favorite is the Gin-Gin Mule—this brew is intense enough to stand out alongside both gin and mint,” explains The Spruce Eats.
2. Maine Root Ginger Beer
Next up is Maine Root Ginger Beer. Any of Maine Root’s sodas are going to be the best of the bunch, but this flavor specifically is a standout. “It’s easy to love Maine Root. With its commitment to using Fair Trade Certified organic sugar cane and loads of ginger, there’s no mistaking the authentic ginger flavor in this handcrafted beverage. It has a bright and spicy taste that has been known to leave lips tingling—in a good way,” says Liquor.
“The ginger blend provides a strong, almost aggressive wash of spice but without a strong finish. Maine Root’s ginger beer is so zesty in the original formula that this brew even beats out the spice factor of some other brands, like Brooklyn Crafted Extra Spicy and Devil’s Foot Fuego, which are made to have a peppery finish,” writes TastingTable.
“The flavor in this soda is very much that of fresh ginger with some slight herbaceousness to it—our team suspects that’s from fresh (rather than crystallized or powdered) ginger. The heat with this sipper lingers, but it isn’t overpowering. If you ask the Test Kitchen’s Mark Neugang, this quality makes it an excellent option for serving cold over heaps of ice. It’d be refreshing after a day in the sun,” adds Taste of Home.
3. Goslings Ginger Beer
The third spot on our ranking goes to Gosling’s Ginger Beer. “Gosling’s ranks as one of the best-selling ginger beer brands in the US. Compared to other brands, this beverage showcases more citrus notes. On the palate, you may notice some lime undertones contrasting with the spiciness of the ginger. A pleasant tingle lingers after through the finish of this effervescent beer,” describes My Bartender.
“If it’s not Gosling’s ginger beer with a drizzle of Gosling’s rum, then it’s not a true Dark ‘n Stormy recipe. Both the cocktail and the ginger beer are products of Bermuda, and we’re told by the Bermuda Tourism Authority that the cocktail is best served with Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer over ice, then floating a pour of Goslings Black Seal Rum on top, and finished with a lime wedge (or a few),” reports TastingTable.
“With its fine bubbles, good ginger spice (without being spicy), and extreme drinkability, this old-school classic is a standby for a reason. Technically, it’s the only ginger beer you can legally use in a Dark and Stormy (or Dark N’ Stormy if you want to be official about it) since the company trademarked the drink’s name; make the cocktail with anything else, and you have to call it a Rum and Ginger. But after making a product like this, they deserve to be as litigious as they are. It has just the right amount of sugar and bites to blend with rum and make a perfectly balanced cocktail,” adds Sporked.
4. Bundaberg Ginger Beer
The fourth pick of the bunch was Bundaberg Ginger Beer. It’s just fun to say, and tasty too! “Bundaberg Ginger Beer is distinctive in many ways, from its barrel-shaped bottle to the ring pull cap. Striking as these features are, it is what’s inside that makes this company stand out. Most notably, the ginger used to create the ginger beer is grown on Bundaberg’s own farm in Australia. The production methods follow through. The ginger is used to create a wort that is then fermented. This is an integral step in developing the brand’s distinct flavor,” explains Daily Meal.
“It might be the color of the label, but we all sensed some orange aromas in this ginger beer from Down Under. It’s full-bodied and rounded with a light ginger flavor. Try it in a Moscow Mule with muddled berries or as a stand-in for ginger ale in a Pimm’s Cup. Or just drink it on its own. It’s as refreshing and friendly as a Sydney native (or, at least, the Sydney natives I’ve seen on TV),” jokes Sporked.
“Sweet, distinct, spicy, and rich. Bundaberg offers a journey of flavors that offers something new with every sip. It is the ideal ginger beer for drinking straight or mixing in cocktails, offering a spicy natural flavor that rings in the back of the throat, and enough sweetness to make it a joy to slow sip on,” notes Uproxx.
5. Barritt’s Ginger Beer
Last but certainly not least is Barritt’s. With origins from the beautiful island of Bermuda, “Barritt’s Original Ginger Beer brings a unique, tropical flair to your Moscow Mule. Less spicy and slightly sweeter than other ginger beers on this list, Barritt’s flavor melds seamlessly with vodka and lime, resulting in a well-rounded and delightful cocktail,” comments Beer100.
“If you’ve enjoyed a ginger beer or ginger beer cocktail in the Caribbean, chances are good it was a Barritt’s. People love the brand in the region! The family-owned business has been producing ginger beer in Bermuda for over 100 years. If you’re looking for a product that showcases sweet flavors, Barritt’s provides an excellent option,” writes My Bartender.
“After the first few sips, we all unanimously decided this is, for sure, the best ginger beer. It’s just so vibrant. It’s not simply sweet (though it is just the right amount of sweet). And it’s not just spicy (though it certainly has a bite). It tastes like real, actual ginger! And if you pour the pleasingly retro can into a glass, you’ll notice the brew is cloudy—you can see the ginger juice in the mix,” concludes Sporked.
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Sources:
- Liquor
- Tasting Table
- Taste of Home
- The Spruce Eats
- Love & Olive Oil
- Sporked
- My Bartender
- Daily Meal
- Uproxx
- Beer100
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
Nice one sir keep up with it