Ginger beer is a refreshing and zingy beverage that is perfect to quench your thirst during the summer.
It is a fermented drink that has been around for centuries and has a unique blend of spices, herbs, and fruits in it.
However, if you don’t have a ginger beer in your pantry or if you cannot find it on the store shelves, you don’t have to worry too much.
There are several substitutes for ginger beer that you can use in your recipes, and in this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 17 of them and how to use them.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
In short, " What can I use instead of ginger beer?" Ginger Ale, Fresh Ginger, Ginger Syrup, Ginger Powder, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Candied ginger, Fresh ginger juice, Ginger tea, Seltzer water with ginger syrup, Lemon-lime soda with ginger syrup, Carbonated Water and many more.
What is ginger beer, and what does ginger beer taste like?
Ginger beer is a carbonated, sweetened beverage that is flavored with ginger. It has a spicy, strong taste and flavor that comes from the ginger root used to make it.
Its flavor profile includes notes of spice, sweetness, zestiness, and citrus—a unique combination that many people enjoy!
Uses of ginger beer
Ginger beer is a famous beverage that is made from ginger root, sugar, and other flavorings, including citrus fruits, spices, and herbs. It has a bubbly texture and a sweet-tangy flavor.
Ginger beer can be served as an alternative to carbonated sodas as it contains naturally occurring carbonation from the fermentation process.
It can also be used in a variety of recipes, such as alcoholic cocktails, non-alcoholic mocktails, salad dressings, marinades, and desserts.
Where to buy ginger beer?
If you are looking for where to buy ginger beer, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of ginger beer.
Best substitutes for a ginger beer with a ratio
1. Ginger Ale – a good substitute for ginger beer
Ginger ale is a good substitute for ginger beer, albeit the flavors are not as bold or strong as the latter.
Ginger ale doesn’t have the natural fermentation that ginger beer does, but it has a similar ginger flavor.
The best way to use ginger ale is to mix it with some lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper to make a refreshing drink.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio for ginger ale substitute can be 2:1, which means two parts ginger ale and one part sparkling water.
2. Fresh Ginger
Fresh ginger is the best substitute for ginger beer if you don’t mind putting in some extra work. Grind some fresh ginger and add it to some soda water for a brighter and fresher taste.
Alternatively, you can also use fresh ginger juice to flavor your drink, and it is an ideal substitute in cooking and baking recipes as well.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio for using fresh ginger is 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of desired base liquid.
3. Try Ginger Syrup in place of ginger beer
Ginger syrup is an excellent substitute for ginger beer, especially if you are making cocktails. It has a concentrated ginger flavor, and the sweetness levels are adjustable.
It is effortless to make ginger syrup at home, and you can store it in the fridge for about a month.
Ratio or measurement: The ideal ratio for ginger syrup is 1 tablespoon for every 1 cup of desired base liquid.
4. Ginger Powder
Ginger powder is a perfect alternative to ginger beer if you want to add a ginger flavor to your dish without any liquid.
It works well in marinades, dressings, and spice blends. Keep in mind that ginger powder has a concentrated flavor, so don’t go overboard with it.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio for dry ginger powder is 1 tablespoon for every 4 cups of desired base liquid.
5. Lemon Juice – a tasty alternative to ginger beer
Lemon juice is an excellent substitute for ginger beer if you want to add a citrus twist to your drink. When mixed with sparkling water, lemon juice provides a refreshing and tangy taste.
Add some honey to balance out the flavors, and you have a great drink in your hands.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio for lemon juice is 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of sparkling water.
Learn more: Best substitutes for Orange juice
6. Lime Juice
Lime juice is another excellent substitute for ginger beer. It adds a fresh and zesty flavor to your drink and complements the ginger taste.
You can use it in the same way as lemon juice to make a refreshing beverage. Lime is sweeter than lemon, so you can reduce the amount of honey you add to balance the taste.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio for lime juice is 1 tablespoon for every 1 cup of sparkling water.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar – a decent replacement for ginger beer
Apple cider vinegar is an unconventional substitute for ginger beer, but it works surprisingly well. It provides a unique tartness to your drink due to the acetic acid.
Mix it with sparkling water, honey, and some grated ginger for a tangy and flavorful beverage.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio for apple cider vinegar is 1 tablespoon for every 1 cup of sparkling water.
8. Candied ginger
Candied ginger is ginger that has been cooked in sugar syrup before being dried. It has a sweet and spicy flavor.
Ratio or measurement: Use one tablespoon of chopped candied ginger for every ounce of ginger beer required.
9. Use Fresh ginger juice to replace ginger beer
Fresh ginger juice is made by grating ginger and squeezing out the juice. It has a powerful, spicy flavor and can use as a substitute for ginger beer in cocktails.
Ratio or measurement: Use one tablespoon of fresh ginger juice for every ounce of ginger beer required.
10. Ginger tea
Ginger tea is created by boiling fresh ginger in water and straining it. It’s a great substitute for ginger beer in non-alcoholic cocktails.
Ratio or measurement: For every ounce of ginger beer required, use 1/2 an ounce of ginger tea.
11. Seltzer water with ginger syrup – similar taste to ginger beer
If you don’t have ginger beer, you can make your own by mixing seltzer water with ginger syrup.
Ratio or measurement: Use 1/4 cup of seltzer water and 1 tablespoon of ginger syrup for every ounce of ginger beer required.
12. Lemon-lime soda with ginger syrup
Another way to make your ginger beer substitute is by mixing lemon-lime soda with ginger syrup.
Ratio or measurement: Use 1/4 cup of lemon-lime soda and 1 tablespoon of ginger syrup for every ounce of ginger beer required.
Discover more: Best Creme de Cassis Substitutes
Tips on How to Choose the Most Suitable Substitution Option for ginger beer
When choosing a substitution option for ginger beer, consider the following tips:
1. Flavor profile: Look for a substitute that shares similar flavor characteristics to ginger beer, such as a spicy and tangy taste with a hint of sweetness.
2. Ginger content: Check for substitutes that contain ginger or have a ginger-like flavor to maintain the distinctive taste of ginger beer.
3. Carbonation: Consider whether you prefer a substitute with or without carbonation, as ginger beer is typically fizzy.
You can choose a carbonated substitute like ginger ale or opt for a non-carbonated option like ginger syrup.
4. Sweetness level: Take into account the level of sweetness you desire in your substitute. Ginger beer can vary in sweetness, so choose a substitute that matches your preference, whether it’s sweeter or less sweet.
5. Versatility: Consider how you plan to use the substitute. If you’re looking for a substitute to mix in cocktails, ginger ale or ginger syrup might be suitable.
If you need a non-alcoholic option, non-alcoholic ginger beer or ginger kombucha can be alternatives.
6. Availability: Check the availability of the substitute option in your local stores or online to ensure it is easily accessible.
7. Personal taste: Ultimately, choose a substitution option that aligns with your personal preferences and taste preferences.
Consider experimenting with different substitutes to find the one that suits your needs and palate the best.
substitute for ginger beer in Moscow mule
1. Club Soda
Club soda is a great substitute for ginger beer in a Moscow Mule, as its crisp and carbonated taste can provide the perfect balance to the cocktail’s flavors.
To use it, simply replace the ginger beer with an equal ratio of club soda when preparing your Moscow Mule.
2. Ginger Ale
A popular alternative to ginger beer in a Moscow Mule is ginger ale.
This refreshing beverage is slightly sweeter than ginger beer, which can be used as a nice contrast to the sour citrus of lime juice and the spicy kick from vodka.
To use this option, combine one part vodka, one part lime juice, two parts ginger ale and top off with ice in your favorite Moscow Mule mug.
3. White Grape Juice
White grape juice has been gaining popularity as a substitute for ginger beer in recent years due to its bold flavor and fruity sweetness that works well when blended with other ingredients like vodka and lime juice.
For best results when making a Moscow Mule with white grape juice, mix one part vodka, one part lime juice and two parts white grape juice over ice in your favorite mug.
4. Cucumber Limeade
Cucumbers pair wonderfully with limes in cocktails like a Moscow Mule because they bring out each other’s refreshing flavor notes while also adding complexity to the drink overall.
To make this version of the Moscow Mule, combine one part vodka, one part lime juice, two parts cucumber limeade and plenty of ice in your favorite mug – then enjoy!
5. Orange Juice
If you’re looking for something that is both sweet and acidic at the same time when making a traditional Moscow Mule, orange juice could be just what you need!
This combination of orange citrus tartness mixed with sweet undertones provides an interesting twist on the classic recipe.
Just mix together one part vodka, two parts orange juice and one part lime juice over plenty of crushed ice into your preferred mug for full effect!
non-alcoholic substitute for ginger beer
1. Carbonated Water
Carbonated water is an excellent alternative to ginger beer. It has the same bubbly and fizzy consistency without any added sugar or alcohol.
Plus, it’s calorie-free! You can add some fresh ginger for a subtle hint of flavor or a few drops of lemon juice for added tanginess.
2. Kombucha
Kombucha is made from fermented black tea, sugar, and bacteria and yeast cultures that create carbonation.
Kombucha has a naturally occurring slight sweetness with a light flavor of ginger.
3. Club Soda
Club soda is another great non-alcoholic substitute for ginger beer as it has a similar fizziness and can be used to recreate many cocktails that require sparkling drinks like Shirley Temples or mocktail versions of Moscow mules.
Simply add some freshly grated ginger root for a touch of flavor.
4. Ginger Ale
Ginger ale is also an excellent choice as it contains carbonation, just like ginger beer but without the alcohol content.
It does have more sugar than traditional ginger beer, so if you’re looking for something with fewer calories, opt for club soda instead.
The subtle sweetness of the ginger ale makes it perfect for sipping on its own or adding to mixed drinks!
5. Fruit Juices
For a refreshing and non-alcoholic version of ginger beer, try combining your favorite fruit juices with club soda or carbonated water, along with some freshly grated ginger root, lime juice and mint leaves for extra zing!
Try different combinations, such as grapefruit juice with lime juice and mint leaves or cranberry juice with orange juice and freshly grated gingersnap cookies!
Explore more: Best Orange Curacao Substitutes
Conclusion on substitute for ginger beer
In conclusion, if you can’t find ginger beer, there are many substitutes available that you can use instead.
Ginger ale, ginger syrup, candied ginger, fresh ginger juice, ginger tea, seltzer water with ginger syrup, and lemon-lime soda with ginger syrup are all great alternatives.
Make sure you follow our instructions on how to use them and the right measurements to get the best results.
Happy cooking!
FAQs on substitute for ginger beer
Q1. What is the same as ginger beer?
Similar drinks to ginger beer include ginger ale, root beer, birch beer, dandelion and burdock. All of these have similar flavor profiles to traditional ginger beer but are not quite the same.
A ginger ale is typically lighter in flavor than a ginger beer due to its lack of fermentation. Root beer has a richer flavor due to the addition of wintergreen or sassafras extracts.
Birch beers vary depending on the type used but usually feature natural-tasting ingredients such as birch bark extract, licorice root extract, and other flavors like vanilla and lemon peel.
Dandelion and Burdock is another malty soda often flavored with aniseed syrup or elderflower cordial for added sweetness.
Q2. Can you substitute ginger beer for ginger?
Yes, ginger beer can be substituted for ginger in many recipes. Ginger beer is a carbonated beverage produced from steeped ginger root, sugar, and other flavorings like lemon or lime juice.
While it does contain some of the same properties as fresh ginger, the flavor of ginger beer is much more mellow and less intense than that of fresh ginger root.
As a result, it is commonly used to provide a hint of spice without overwhelming the flavors of other ingredients.
To use ginger beer as a substitute for fresh ginger, you may need to adjust the amount since it has a milder flavor than fresh.
Additionally, it’s important to note that not all brands are created equal; make sure you check the label to ensure that there are no added preservatives or artificial sweeteners in your selection.
Q3. Is ginger beer the same as soda?
No, ginger beer is not the same as soda. Ginger beer is a carbonated beverage created by fermenting a blend of ginger root, yeast, and sugar.
Unlike soda, which is usually artificially flavored and contains preservatives and other additives, ginger beer has a naturally sweet flavor with spicy notes from the ginger root.
It often contains fewer calories per serving than traditional sodas because it’s not loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Additionally, it typically contains no caffeine making it an ideal choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to soda.
