I love the taste of ginger beers and the spicy gingery kick it gives, and I have it on rotation along with my favorite non-alcoholic beers and hop waters.
Originating from England, ginger beers were originally alcoholic drinks made by fermenting ginger, sugar, and water. These days, most ginger beers are non-alcoholic and contain zero alcohol.
When choosing the best ginger beers, I like a well-balanced ginger beer that isn’t overly sweet or made with high fructose corn syrup (I’ll skip the Bundaberg, thank you), has moderate spiciness, and has lots of effervescence. Read on for my picks on the best ginger beer to drink straight or mixing!
- Best Spicy Ginger Beer: Fever Tree Ginger Beer
- Best Ginger Beer as a Standalone Drink: Fentimans Ginger Beer
- Best Ginger Beer as a Mixer: Franklin & Sons Ginger Beer
- Best Low-Sugar Ginger Beer: AVEC Ginger
- Best Ginger Beer to Pair with Food: Harbor Man Ginger Beer
- Best Value Ginger Beer: Ghia Ginger
- Best Ginger Beer for Moscow Mule: Uncle Waithley’s Ginger Beer with a Scotch Bonnet Bite
- Best Ginger Beer for Dark and Stormy: Betty Buzz Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Is ginger beer non-alcoholic?
Ginger beer often confuses people with the word “beer” in its name. Contrary to its name, ginger beer is not a type of beer, and most commercially brewed ginger beers do not contain alcohol.
Initially, the English were exporting alcoholic ginger beer to the US, but the 1920s Prohibition laws led to the production of non-alcoholic ginger beers.
While ginger beer is traditionally brewed and fermented, it is not the same fermentation process used to brew beer. Instead, the ginger beer fermentation process is more similar to hard cider’s fermentation process. Additionally, some commercially-sold ginger beers are not fermented nowadays, which means they contain zero traces of alcohol.
Does ginger beer taste good alone?
Besides using ginger beer as a mixer for mocktails like the Moscow Mule and the Dark ‘n’ Stormy, ginger beers also taste good on their own. Unlike ginger ale which has a more subdued taste, ginger beer tastes sweet and has a strong ginger taste, making it refreshing on its own.
8 Best Ginger Beer To Drink Straight Or Mixing
Fentimans Ginger Beer
Crafted with traditional techniques established by Thomas Fentiman in 1905, Fentimans Ginger Beer boasts fermented Chinese ginger root for a distinct taste. The beverage stands out from mass-produced ginger beers by utilizing only natural ingredients and avoiding artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, and sweeteners.
I found it a pleasant blend of sweet and spicy flavors, which is particularly enjoyable when chilled for a refreshing sip. As a bonus, it is an excellent mixer, making it perfect for those who enjoy mocktails.
You can order singles, 4-packs, 12-packs or 24-packs from Proof No More (United States).
Betty Buzz Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Created by Blake Lively, Betty Buzz ginger beer is a medium-spicy ginger beer made from real ginger juice, carbonated water, cane sugar, and citric acid.
If you’re concerned about the sweetness of ginger beers, I like that Betty Buzz ginger beer doesn’t taste too sweet. The spice is well-balanced and there is a touch of bitterness as an aftertaste, making it a great option to drink straight or as a mixer.
You can order as a one-time purchase or as a subscription from Boisson (United States).
Franklin & Sons Ginger Beer
Franklin & Sons, established in London in 1886, is famous for their skillfully made tonic water, sparkling soft drinks, and pre-mixed cans. This includes their Ginger Beer, which they formulated way back in 1890, and its recipe is a closely kept secret.
When I tried Franklin & Sons’ non-alcoholic Ginger Beer, I noticed that it had a delightful blend of ginger and fresh lemon flavors, although the ginger taste was milder than other brands I’ve tried. To create this tasty beverage, they use ginger root, a touch of lemon, and malted barley, which they combine with carbonated water.
You can order singles, 4-packs, 12-packs or 24-packs from Proof No More (United States).
Fever Tree Ginger Beer
Fever Tree, a renowned brand of high-end mixers, is a personal favorite of mine. Their Ginger Beer is crafted with a blend of three gingers hailing from the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cochin, India, resulting in a deep spicy, and aromatic taste that’s simply fantastic.
Like other products in the Fever Tree range, this ginger beer boasts a crisp and refreshing flavor that complements mocktails perfectly without being overly dominant in ginger flavor. It’s also delicious when enjoyed on its own as a non-alcoholic drink.
Another reason to love this ginger beer is its non-GMO certification and exclusive use of naturally sourced ingredients, without the addition of artificial sweeteners or colors.
You can order singles, 4-packs, 12-packs or 24-packs from Proof No More (United States).
Uncle Waithley’s Ginger Beer with a Scotch Bonnet Bite
Founded by renowned mixologist, restauranteur, and bar proprietor Karl Franz Williams, Uncle Waithley’s is the only Ginger Beer company incorporating fresh Scotch Bonnet Pepper, a flavorful hot pepper known throughout the Caribbean and Africa for its unique taste.
This all-natural Caribbean Ginger Beer is brewed in small batches following a family recipe inspired by the founder’s grandfather. The result is a delicious ginger beer that does not taste like other run of the mill ginger beer. I enjoyed the unique scotch Bonet bite and real ginger taste, and it has a nice crisp.
You can order as a one-time purchase or as a subscription from Boisson (United States).
Harbor Man Ginger Beer
The recently established Habor Man stands out from the previously mentioned non-alcoholic ginger beers. It’s a New York-based company that uses cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup in its brewing process, making it a healthier ginger beer option.
You can order singles, 4-packs, 12-packs or 24-packs from Proof No More (United States).
Ghia Ginger
Although not strictly a ginger beer, Ghia Ginger is an excellent drink choice for those looking for a ginger-flavored drink. Ghia Ginger features its signature organic nervines, which are herbs known for their calming effects on the body.
Ghia Ginger’s ginger aperitif has a subtle, refreshing taste that compliments a balanced spiciness from the ginger. It’s a delightful non-alcoholic ginger beer for those seeking a calming, flavorful ginger beer.
You can order singles, 4-packs, 12-packs or 24-packs from Proof No More (United States).
AVEC Ginger
For those looking for a low-sugar option in ginger beer, AVEC Ginger is worth considering. This guilt-free beverage is modeled after the Jamaican-style ginger beer and includes fresh pineapple juice, allspice, and ginger.
The unique flavor profile of AVEC Ginger, featuring a bold ginger taste with hints of sweet and sour, is quite enjoyable. With only 4 grams of sugar, it makes for a delicious and healthier non-alcoholic drink. While it’s intended for mixing, it’s also delightful when consumed on its own.
You can order singles, 4-packs, 12-packs or 24-packs from Proof No More (United States).
How to drink ginger beer
Now that you’ve found the best ginger beer to drink straight or as a mixer, it’s time to experiment with making non-alcoholic mocktails with this spicy beverage!
Although ginger beer is often used for alcoholic cocktails like Moscow Mule, you can also pair it with orange juice or add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. One advice: stir in the ginger beer and avoid shaking so you get the most carbonation possible.