Cocktails Using Ginger Beer and the Best Home Bar Mixers

Why do mixers matter so much?

In a gin and tonic, a vodka soda or a Moscow Mule, the mixer is two-thirds of what you taste. A flat, sugary or cheap mixer can ruin a good spirit, while a crisp, well-balanced one lifts even an everyday bottle.

Freshness is the first rule. Carbonation fades quickly after opening, so use small bottles or cans and finish them on the day. The second rule is balance: match the sweetness and strength of the mixer to the spirit.

Does ginger beer have alcohol?

Most ginger beer sold in supermarkets and bottle shops is non-alcoholic, meaning under 0.5 per cent ABV, because it is brewed lightly or made as a soft drink. Alcoholic ginger beer, sometimes called hard ginger beer, is a different product with an ABV on the label, typically 4 to 5 per cent.

Always check the label. Ginger beer is not the same as ginger ale, which is milder and sweeter, and it is not the same as root beer, which is a different flavour. A strongly gingery ginger beer is best for a Moscow Mule or Dark ’n’ Stormy. See the ginger beer collection and Ginger Kid Ginger Beer.

Explore: Shop ginger beer

What is the best tonic water?

Indian tonic water, flavoured with quinine, is the standard choice for gin. Premium tonics use natural quinine and less sugar, and they let delicate gins show through. Light or slim tonics reduce sugar and calories.

A good ratio is one part gin to two or three parts tonic, over plenty of ice. See our gin style guide for matching gin and tonic, or buy a ready-made 24 Ice Gin & Tonic.

Why is soda and sparkling water useful?

Soda water adds fizz without flavour, which makes it perfect for highballs such as whisky and soda, vodka soda and Campari soda. A good sparkling mineral water has finer bubbles and a cleaner taste than basic soda.

Keep a few small bottles of sparkling water. San Pellegrino is a classic choice and is also good served on its own.

Explore: Shop mixers and water

What bitters, citrus and garnishes should you keep?

A bottle of Angostura bitters will improve Old Fashioneds and many other classics. Fresh lemons and limes are essential, along with oranges for whisky drinks. Olives, cocktail onions and a jar of good cherries cover martinis and Manhattans.

Ice matters as much as any ingredient. Use large, clear cubes for sipping drinks and plenty of ice for long drinks, because more ice means less dilution.

What are the classic ratios?

Gin and tonic: 1 part gin to 2 or 3 parts tonic. Moscow Mule: 45 mL vodka, lime juice and ginger beer. Dark ’n’ Stormy: dark rum with ginger beer and lime. Whisky highball: 1 part whisky to 3 parts soda. Vodka soda: 1 part vodka to 3 parts soda with lime.

Start with these, then adjust to taste. See our guides to dark, white and spiced rum and how vodka is made for choosing the base spirit.

How should you store mixers?

Store mixers in a cool, dark place and refrigerate before use. Once opened, a bottle of tonic or soda is best finished within a day, since it loses fizz quickly. Cans and small bottles stay fresher than a large bottle you open repeatedly.

Buyers of alcohol must be 18 or over. If you serve non-drinkers, offer the same quality mixers with a squeeze of citrus.

What do you need for a starter home bar?

A versatile starter kit: one vodka, one gin, one whisky or bourbon, a white rum and a tequila. Mixers: tonic water, soda water, ginger beer and a cola. Extras: sweet and dry vermouth, Angostura bitters, an orange liqueur and a coffee liqueur. Fresh lemons, limes and oranges, plus good ice.

Tools: a shaker, a jigger, a long spoon, a strainer and a peeler. This setup covers most classic cocktails. Explore each spirit in our guides to gin and tequila.

How do you make simple syrup and fresh juice?

Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and hot water, stirred until dissolved and cooled. It keeps in the fridge for a few weeks. For a richer syrup use two parts sugar to one part water. Fresh lemon and lime juice should be squeezed on the day, since bottled juice lacks brightness.

Making your own syrups, such as honey or ginger, adds flavour to drinks. Label and date bottles, and keep them chilled.

What are some non-alcoholic drinks using mixers?

A Virgin Mule: ginger beer, lime juice and mint over ice. A tonic with lemon or grapefruit and rosemary. A soda with fresh fruit and herbs. Mix ginger beer with cranberry or apple juice for a festive drink.

Good mixers make non-alcoholic drinks feel special. Offering them alongside alcoholic options means everyone enjoys the party. Buyers of alcohol must be 18 or over.

How do you match mixers to spirits?

Gin pairs with tonic, soda and citrus. Vodka is the most flexible and suits soda, tonic, ginger beer, juices and coffee. Whisky and bourbon suit soda, ginger ale or cola, and rum suits cola, ginger beer, lime and pineapple juice. Tequila suits grapefruit soda, lime and sparkling water.

Match intensity: a delicate gin deserves a light tonic, while a bold spiced rum can stand up to cola. Keep the ratio lower in mixer for strong spirits so the spirit’s character shows.

How do you make drinks consistently?

Use a jigger to measure, because eyeballing pours leads to unbalanced drinks. Use plenty of ice, fresh citrus and cold mixers. Build drinks in the glass for highballs, and shake or stir for cocktails.

Taste as you go and adjust sweetness or acidity. Over time you will learn your preferred ratios. Our guides to vodka and gin help you pick a base spirit.