Ginger Beers, Ranked Worst To Best
Klimatis019/Shutterstock By Noelle Caliguri/Updated: Feb. 2, 2023 12:30 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. One sip of spicy ginger beer usually packs a potent punch, unlike other carbonated drinks. It’s slightly different than ginger ale (which is common for soothing an upset stomach) — traditional ginger beer is usually concocted by fermenting fresh ginger, water, sugar, and yeast, sort of emulating the same hard cider fermentation process, according to The Temper.
When this bubbly beverage was first introduced back in the 1700s, it most definitely contained alcohol (usually around 11 percent, per The Kitchn), but fast-forward to the modern day, and several commercialized ginger beers contain less than half a percent of alcohol or zero alcohol due to lack of fermentation. Boozy or not, ginger beer is an ultra-fizzy, spicy beverage that makes an invigorating solo drink (especially during the holiday season) or delightful mixing agent for fancy cocktails. According to The Temper, ginger beer matches exceptionally well with citrus-based spirits containing orange and lemon, but it also blends nicely with warmer spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Since ginger beer is sort of a hybrid between beer and soda, you might scratch your head and wonder where to find it at your local store. Start in the soda aisle first, and if you’re out of luck, check out the natural foods section or cocktail mix aisle. Now, if you find yourself frantically torn between which ginger beer to take home, no need to sweat. Here’s a comprehensive list of the most popular ginger beers, ranked worst to best.
- Royalty Ginger Beer
According to the Royalty Ginger Beer label, this UK-based ginger beer was decorated with “The Queen’s Awards For Enterprise: International Trade” from 2011 to 2013. Essentially, this means that Royalty generated outstanding economic growth overseas, which lends to its popularity within the ginger beer sector. Royalty Ginger Beer is an age-old, non-alcoholic recipe and exudes an intense ginger flavor that complements any Moscow Mule, acting as a traditional mixing agent. Although the accolades seem promising, Royalty might not be as thirst-quenching as it seems, yielding a mixed bag of reviews. Many online buyers complain that it lacks enough of the strong ginger flavor you’d expect, and it’s slightly over-sweetened.
According to Delicious Sparkling Temperance Drinks, Royalty is an enjoyable ginger beverage, despite its syrupy consistency. “Smells very peppery. But the taste is more mellow and sweet. A little syrupy even. It’s smooth and gooey on my tongue. But meanwhile it’s scraping the back of my throat!”
- Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer Mango
When it comes to specialty vegan ginger beer that’s crafted to suit all taste buds, Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer does its job and more with a vast array of flavors. These non-alcoholic ginger beer blends are concocted with pure cane sugar, all-natural ingredients, and unfiltered ginger pieces that you can visibly point out. From Brooklyn Crafted Classic flavor to Extra Spicy and Lemon Lime, there’s no holding back when it comes to flavor.
The Mango Ginger Beer seems to be a fan favorite, yielding a fruity twist with subtle spice, perfect for a flavored Mule or mocktail mimosa. Even though flavored beverages might initially seem gimmicky, we beg to differ. The mango flavor is surprisingly strong and then a piercing ginger zing follows — making it a refreshing twist on the classic ginger beer. Although it’s a bold beverage, a bit more spice would be preferable, and the fruity notes definitely don’t appeal to everyone. However, if you’re in the mood for something slightly unconventional, Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer Mango is worth a shot.
- Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer
For all of your Dark ’n’ Stormy cocktail fans who want a quick, accessible way to drink them, Gosling’s has you covered with their Stormy Ginger Beer — the only one of its kind. This non-alcoholic beverage is a delicate balance between sweet and spicy. It’s got an intense heat to it, but it’s not burning hot, which means that anyone can enjoy it. According to Goslings’ site, this rendition echoes notes of “lime peel, crystallized ginger, meringue, and turmeric” — an enticing description that lures in any daring ginger beer drinker.
According to DrinkHacker’s review, this non-alcoholic ginger beer is quite experimental while still giving a nod to traditional ginger beer: “The tagline ‘a refreshing zip of ginger’ is wholly appropriate: This is a classic ginger beer, nicely sweet on first sip then bracing with a hefty dose of fresh ginger flavor. The bite is moderate to strong but fades quickly. It really is just right: Several steps above a regular ginger ale, but not overpowering like too many ginger beer brands which are busy trying to impress you with how much ginger root they can cram into the bottle.”
- Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Beer
For many Trader Joe’s devotees, the cheerful red and bright green glass bottle that contains Triple Ginger rings in the holidays. This exclusive seasonal ginger beer always graces the shelves around the most wonderful time of the year, and customers can’t get enough of it. According to Drinking Ginger, this ginger brew is uber strong, containing three times the amount of ginger compared to other alternatives. It’s also citrus-forward with sweet notes of pineapple, lemon juice, and lime, instantly transporting you to the tropics. Even though these flavors are particularly potent, you’ll still detect a good amount of spice from the generous amount of ginger.
As far as the body, it’s enticingly murky and delicately carbonated, making it a qualified ginger beer to drink on its own, or you can attempt to concoct Trader Joe’s Gingerosa, an original recipe. All you need is the triple ginger beer, no pulp orange juice, organic sugar, one navel orange, and fresh cranberries to make this revitalizing mocktail. Overall, Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Beer is a solid and well-balanced option that most ginger beer lovers adore.
- Trader Joe’s Brewed Ginger Beer
The alluring nautical, stormy packing on Trader Joe’s Brewed Ginger Beer is symbolic of the innate characteristic of this ginger brew — it’s slightly bubbly, bold, fierce and acutely intense. There are some qualities that directly mirror Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Beer, but overall, this one is a bit more tart and nuanced in flavor. According to Eating At Joes, along with the citrus notes from the lime and lemon juice concentrates, the added flavorings and various extracts make it quite venturesome, yet not ridiculously bitter or sweet.
You’ll also see micro bits of ginger floating at the bottom, classifying it as an unfiltered option. So before drinking, we recommend giving it a gentle swirl so you can consume the maximum amount of flavor. In general, this particular blend of ingredients makes for a dynamic ginger beer and an exceptional cocktail mixer, especially for a full-flavored Dark & Stormy or Moscow Mule.
Ginger Beers, Ranked Worst To Best
Klimatis019/Shutterstock
By Noelle Caliguri/Updated: Feb. 2, 2023 12:30 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. One sip of spicy ginger beer usually packs a potent punch, unlike other carbonated drinks. It’s slightly different than ginger ale (which is common for soothing an upset stomach) — traditional ginger beer is usually concocted by fermenting fresh ginger, water, sugar, and yeast, sort of emulating the same hard cider fermentation process, according to The Temper.
When this bubbly beverage was first introduced back in the 1700s, it most definitely contained alcohol (usually around 11 percent, per The Kitchn), but fast-forward to the modern day, and several commercialized ginger beers contain less than half a percent of alcohol or zero alcohol due to lack of fermentation. Boozy or not, ginger beer is an ultra-fizzy, spicy beverage that makes an invigorating solo drink (especially during the holiday season) or delightful mixing agent for fancy cocktails. According to The Temper, ginger beer matches exceptionally well with citrus-based spirits containing orange and lemon, but it also blends nicely with warmer spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Since ginger beer is sort of a hybrid between beer and soda, you might scratch your head and wonder where to find it at your local store. Start in the soda aisle first, and if you’re out of luck, check out the natural foods section or cocktail mix aisle. Now, if you find yourself frantically torn between which ginger beer to take home, no need to sweat. Here’s a comprehensive list of the most popular ginger beers, ranked worst to best.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
When this bubbly beverage was first introduced back in the 1700s, it most definitely contained alcohol (usually around 11 percent, per The Kitchn), but fast-forward to the modern day, and several commercialized ginger beers contain less than half a percent of alcohol or zero alcohol due to lack of fermentation. Boozy or not, ginger beer is an ultra-fizzy, spicy beverage that makes an invigorating solo drink (especially during the holiday season) or delightful mixing agent for fancy cocktails. According to The Temper, ginger beer matches exceptionally well with citrus-based spirits containing orange and lemon, but it also blends nicely with warmer spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
Since ginger beer is sort of a hybrid between beer and soda, you might scratch your head and wonder where to find it at your local store. Start in the soda aisle first, and if you’re out of luck, check out the natural foods section or cocktail mix aisle. Now, if you find yourself frantically torn between which ginger beer to take home, no need to sweat. Here’s a comprehensive list of the most popular ginger beers, ranked worst to best.
15. Zevia Mixer Ginger Beer
14. Royalty Ginger Beer
According to the Royalty Ginger Beer label, this UK-based ginger beer was decorated with “The Queen’s Awards For Enterprise: International Trade” from 2011 to 2013. Essentially, this means that Royalty generated outstanding economic growth overseas, which lends to its popularity within the ginger beer sector. Royalty Ginger Beer is an age-old, non-alcoholic recipe and exudes an intense ginger flavor that complements any Moscow Mule, acting as a traditional mixing agent. Although the accolades seem promising, Royalty might not be as thirst-quenching as it seems, yielding a mixed bag of reviews. Many online buyers complain that it lacks enough of the strong ginger flavor you’d expect, and it’s slightly over-sweetened.
According to Delicious Sparkling Temperance Drinks, Royalty is an enjoyable ginger beverage, despite its syrupy consistency. “Smells very peppery. But the taste is more mellow and sweet. A little syrupy even. It’s smooth and gooey on my tongue. But meanwhile it’s scraping the back of my throat!”
According to Delicious Sparkling Temperance Drinks, Royalty is an enjoyable ginger beverage, despite its syrupy consistency. “Smells very peppery. But the taste is more mellow and sweet. A little syrupy even. It’s smooth and gooey on my tongue. But meanwhile it’s scraping the back of my throat!”
13. Old Jamaica Ginger Beer
12. Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer Mango
When it comes to specialty vegan ginger beer that’s crafted to suit all taste buds, Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer does its job and more with a vast array of flavors. These non-alcoholic ginger beer blends are concocted with pure cane sugar, all-natural ingredients, and unfiltered ginger pieces that you can visibly point out. From Brooklyn Crafted Classic flavor to Extra Spicy and Lemon Lime, there’s no holding back when it comes to flavor.
The Mango Ginger Beer seems to be a fan favorite, yielding a fruity twist with subtle spice, perfect for a flavored Mule or mocktail mimosa. Even though flavored beverages might initially seem gimmicky, we beg to differ. The mango flavor is surprisingly strong and then a piercing ginger zing follows — making it a refreshing twist on the classic ginger beer. Although it’s a bold beverage, a bit more spice would be preferable, and the fruity notes definitely don’t appeal to everyone. However, if you’re in the mood for something slightly unconventional, Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer Mango is worth a shot.
The Mango Ginger Beer seems to be a fan favorite, yielding a fruity twist with subtle spice, perfect for a flavored Mule or mocktail mimosa. Even though flavored beverages might initially seem gimmicky, we beg to differ. The mango flavor is surprisingly strong and then a piercing ginger zing follows — making it a refreshing twist on the classic ginger beer. Although it’s a bold beverage, a bit more spice would be preferable, and the fruity notes definitely don’t appeal to everyone. However, if you’re in the mood for something slightly unconventional, Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer Mango is worth a shot.
11. Powell & Mahoney Ginger Beer
If you’re feeling a bit more daring, you can also Powell & Mahoney’s Blood Orange Ginger Beer with a citrus edge — an optimal addition to any Sunday brunch spread.
10. Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer
For all of your Dark ’n’ Stormy cocktail fans who want a quick, accessible way to drink them, Gosling’s has you covered with their Stormy Ginger Beer — the only one of its kind. This non-alcoholic beverage is a delicate balance between sweet and spicy. It’s got an intense heat to it, but it’s not burning hot, which means that anyone can enjoy it. According to Goslings’ site, this rendition echoes notes of “lime peel, crystallized ginger, meringue, and turmeric” — an enticing description that lures in any daring ginger beer drinker.
According to DrinkHacker’s review, this non-alcoholic ginger beer is quite experimental while still giving a nod to traditional ginger beer: “The tagline ‘a refreshing zip of ginger’ is wholly appropriate: This is a classic ginger beer, nicely sweet on first sip then bracing with a hefty dose of fresh ginger flavor. The bite is moderate to strong but fades quickly. It really is just right: Several steps above a regular ginger ale, but not overpowering like too many ginger beer brands which are busy trying to impress you with how much ginger root they can cram into the bottle.”
According to DrinkHacker’s review, this non-alcoholic ginger beer is quite experimental while still giving a nod to traditional ginger beer: “The tagline ‘a refreshing zip of ginger’ is wholly appropriate: This is a classic ginger beer, nicely sweet on first sip then bracing with a hefty dose of fresh ginger flavor. The bite is moderate to strong but fades quickly. It really is just right: Several steps above a regular ginger ale, but not overpowering like too many ginger beer brands which are busy trying to impress you with how much ginger root they can cram into the bottle.”
9. Barritt’s Original Ginger Beer
Fans on Facebook also underscore that this is a top-of-the-line product — a true Dark ’n’ Stormy and Moscow Mule essential. It may not be our favorite of the bunch, but it’s a solid option for a mixer.
8. Maine Root Ginger Brew
7. Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Beer
For many Trader Joe’s devotees, the cheerful red and bright green glass bottle that contains Triple Ginger rings in the holidays. This exclusive seasonal ginger beer always graces the shelves around the most wonderful time of the year, and customers can’t get enough of it. According to Drinking Ginger, this ginger brew is uber strong, containing three times the amount of ginger compared to other alternatives. It’s also citrus-forward with sweet notes of pineapple, lemon juice, and lime, instantly transporting you to the tropics. Even though these flavors are particularly potent, you’ll still detect a good amount of spice from the generous amount of ginger.
As far as the body, it’s enticingly murky and delicately carbonated, making it a qualified ginger beer to drink on its own, or you can attempt to concoct Trader Joe’s Gingerosa, an original recipe. All you need is the triple ginger beer, no pulp orange juice, organic sugar, one navel orange, and fresh cranberries to make this revitalizing mocktail. Overall, Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Beer is a solid and well-balanced option that most ginger beer lovers adore.
As far as the body, it’s enticingly murky and delicately carbonated, making it a qualified ginger beer to drink on its own, or you can attempt to concoct Trader Joe’s Gingerosa, an original recipe. All you need is the triple ginger beer, no pulp orange juice, organic sugar, one navel orange, and fresh cranberries to make this revitalizing mocktail. Overall, Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Beer is a solid and well-balanced option that most ginger beer lovers adore.
6. Trader Joe’s Brewed Ginger Beer
The alluring nautical, stormy packing on Trader Joe’s Brewed Ginger Beer is symbolic of the innate characteristic of this ginger brew — it’s slightly bubbly, bold, fierce and acutely intense. There are some qualities that directly mirror Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Beer, but overall, this one is a bit more tart and nuanced in flavor. According to Eating At Joes, along with the citrus notes from the lime and lemon juice concentrates, the added flavorings and various extracts make it quite venturesome, yet not ridiculously bitter or sweet.
You’ll also see micro bits of ginger floating at the bottom, classifying it as an unfiltered option. So before drinking, we recommend giving it a gentle swirl so you can consume the maximum amount of flavor. In general, this particular blend of ingredients makes for a dynamic ginger beer and an exceptional cocktail mixer, especially for a full-flavored Dark & Stormy or Moscow Mule.
You’ll also see micro bits of ginger floating at the bottom, classifying it as an unfiltered option. So before drinking, we recommend giving it a gentle swirl so you can consume the maximum amount of flavor. In general, this particular blend of ingredients makes for a dynamic ginger beer and an exceptional cocktail mixer, especially for a full-flavored Dark & Stormy or Moscow Mule.
5. Q Mixers Ginger Beer
Q Mixers
4. Fentimans Ginger Beer
3. Reed’s Extra Ginger Beer
2. Bundaberg Diet Ginger Beer
1. Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
According to Spirit Review, Fever-Tree yields a noticeably nice fizz, and the carbonation isn’t overbearing. The taste is vibrant and clean — generating a nice tingle and warmth from the three variations of fresh ginger. Overall, it’s described as high-quality and quite pleasant to drink.
