Ginger beer is something of an acquired taste and many people don’t think of using it in their drinks. That’s a huge shame because it’s actually one of the best cocktail ingredients there is. It’s used in a lot of great recipes and alcoholic ginger beers are an excellent drink in their own right. Here’s everything you need to know about why ginger beer makes an excellent addition to your cocktail cabinet and how you can use it.
Why Is Ginger Beer So Great?
Ginger beer is a fantastic mixer because it has a strong, fiery flavor that can really liven up a drink. It’s also got a good amount of sweetness to it, which means it can be used in all sorts of different cocktails. Whether you want something refreshing and citrusy or something richer and more decadent, ginger beer can be the perfect ingredient.
There are all sorts of different ginger beers on the market and they can vary quite a lot in terms of sweetness and spiciness. If you’re not sure which one to buy, it’s always worth trying a few out to see which you prefer. Once you’ve found your perfect ginger beer, you’ll be able to mix up all sorts of delicious cocktails.
Ginger beer even has some health benefits too! It’s packed full of antioxidants and has been shown to help with digestion. So, not only is it delicious, but it’s good for you too!
When you are trying to use ginger beer in cocktails, it’s important to remember that it has quite a strong flavor. As such, you’ll need other strong flavors to complement it or everything else will simply be drowned out and the cocktail will taste like ginger beer and nothing else.
The Best Ginger Beer Cocktails
Here are just a few of the many great ginger beer cocktails that you can make:
The Moscow Mule
This classic cocktail is made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. It’s refreshing, zesty, and perfect for summer drinking. The Moscow mule is perhaps the best known ginger beer cocktail and its simplicity is what makes it so great.
The Dark and Stormy
This delicious cocktail is made with dark rum, lime juice, and ginger beer. It’s perfect for sipping on a cold winter’s night. The depth of the dark rum works brilliantly when paired with the fire of the ginger beer.
The Gin Mule
This twist on the classic Moscow Mule is made with gin, lime juice, and ginger beer. If you’re not a vodka fan, this is an excellent alternative that is particularly popular in the summer. Many people prefer this because gin has a more unique flavor than vodka.
The Spicy Margarita
This margarita is made with tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and ginger beer. It’s got a lovely balance of sweet and sour flavors, and the ginger beer gives it a nice kick. The margarita is one of the best-loved cocktails ever, and a hit of ginger beer is the perfect way to give it a fresh new twist.
As you can see, there are all sorts of different ways that you can use ginger beer in your cocktails. So, why not experiment and see what you can come up with?
