5 Best Ginger Beer Mixers For Cocktails, Ranked by Mixologists

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. Love & Olive Oil crowns it their “All-Time Favorite” ginger beer. And get this – it comes in these adorable 6.8-ounce bottles that are just perfect for when you want a quick ginger fix without committing to a full-size can.

Why is this ginger beer causing such a stir? Liquor says it’s all about balance. This ginger beer is not too sweet and not too overpowering. It’s got a dryness that makes other ginger beers green with envy, and its flavor knows how to play nice with other ingredients in your cocktail. Plus, Fever-Tree doesn’t mess around when it comes to sourcing. They bring together three different types of ginger from Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, and Cochin, India.

While they might be famous for their tonic waters (seriously, they have six different varieties – talk about overachievers!), The Spruce Eats says their ginger beer is the unsung hero of the lineup. It’s warm and spicy, with just the right amount of sweetness, and so bubbly it could give champagne a run for its money. It’s versatile enough to shine in any ginger beer cocktail but bold enough to stand out in a crowd. And if you really want to take your taste buds on a wild ride, try it in a Gin-Gin Mule.

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. The brand stands out for its commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavor. According to Liquor, the brand uses Fair Trade Certified organic sugar cane and a generous amount of ginger in their handcrafted beverage. This results in a bright and spicy taste that’s unmistakably ginger, often leaving a pleasant tingling sensation on the lips. The brand’s dedication to using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients adds to its appeal to conscientious consumers.

The intensity of Maine Root’s ginger flavor is a key selling point. TastingTable notes that the ginger blend provides a strong, almost aggressive initial spice, though it doesn’t have a strong lingering finish. Interestingly, Maine Root’s original formula is so zesty that it surpasses the spiciness of some brands specifically marketed as extra spicy, such as Brooklyn Crafted Extra Spicy and Devil’s Foot Fuego. This makes Maine Root a top choice for those who enjoy a potent ginger kick in their beverage.

Taste of Home‘s tasting panel detected a flavor reminiscent of fresh ginger, with slight herbal notes. They speculate this could be due to the use of fresh ginger rather than crystallized or powdered forms. While the heat from the ginger lingers, it’s not overpowering, striking a balance that makes it enjoyable to drink.

3. Goslings Ginger Beer

Gosling’s Ginger Beer has established itself as one of the best-selling ginger beer brands in the United States. My Bartender says it stands out from other brands due to its prominent citrus notes. Drinkers may detect subtle lime undertones that complement the spiciness of the ginger. The beverage is characterized by its effervescence and a pleasant lingering tingle, contributing to its refreshing quality.

Gosling’s has trademarked the name “Dark and Stormy,” making it the only ginger beer that can legally be used in the official cocktail. While this might seem overly protective, Sporked argues that the quality of the product justifies such measures. The ginger beer’s perfect balance of sugar and spice makes it an ideal mixer for rum, resulting in a well-rounded cocktail. This combination of flavor, history, and legal standing just shows how Gosling’s is a top contender in the ginger beer market.

4. Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Bundaberg Ginger Beer sets itself apart through both its packaging and production methods. It’s also just fun to say, and tasty too! According to Daily Meal, the brand’s distinctive features include its barrel-shaped bottle and unique ring pull cap. However, what truly distinguishes Bundaberg is its approach to ingredients and brewing. The company grows its own ginger on a farm in Australia, ensuring control over the quality of this key ingredient. The production process involves creating a wort from the ginger and then fermenting it, a method that contributes significantly to the brand’s unique flavor profile.

Sporked‘s tasting panel detected orange notes in addition to the ginger, but that might just be a placebo due to the color of the label. They describe the beverage as full-bodied and rounded, with a light ginger flavor. This balance makes it versatile for use in cocktails, such as a Moscow Mule with muddled berries, or as a substitute for ginger ale in a Pimm’s Cup. The reviewers also note that it’s enjoyable on its own.

Uproxx describes it as sweet, distinct, spicy, and rich. The ginger beer leaves a lingering sensation in the back of the throat, balanced by a level of sweetness that makes it enjoyable to sip slowly.

5. Barritt’s Ginger Beer

Last but certainly not least is Barritt’s. Hailing from Bermuda, Barritt’s brings a tropical twist to the ginger beer market. Compared to other ginger beers, Beer100 says Barritt’s is less spicy and slightly sweeter, allowing it to blend seamlessly with vodka and lime in cocktails. This balance results in a well-rounded and enjoyable drinking experience, whether in mixed drinks or on its own.

The brand’s Caribbean roots contribute significantly to its popularity and character. My Bartender explains that this family-owned business has a rich history, having produced ginger beer in Bermuda for over a century. For those who prefer a sweeter ginger beer, Barritt’s is an excellent option.

Sporked‘s tasting panel unanimously declared it the best ginger beer they sampled. They describe the beverage as vibrant and well-balanced, striking the right notes in terms of sweetness and spiciness. What sets Barritt’s apart is its authentic flavor. It tastes like real ginger, rather than tasting artificial. The packaging, featuring a “pleasingly retro” can design, adds to the overall experience. You can’t go wrong with this one!