Ginger beer’s spicier, stronger bite compared to ginger ale makes it the standard mixer for a Moscow Mule or a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, but the brands on shelves vary a lot in how much ginger heat they actually deliver. All six of these are non-alcoholic (0% or well under 0.5% ABV), so the differences come down entirely to flavor intensity, sweetness, and format.
Best Ginger Beer Brands 2026, Ranked
| Rank | Beer | Style | ABV | Calories | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer | Bottled mixer, non-alcoholic | 0% | 90 per 6.8 oz bottle | 4.7/5 |
| 2 | Bundaberg Ginger Beer | Craft brewed over 3 days, non-alcoholic | Under 0.5% | 170 per 12.7 oz bottle | 4.6/5 |
| 3 | Reed’s Extra Ginger Beer | Craft soda, non-alcoholic | 0% | 150 per 12 oz can | 4.4/5 |
| 4 | Gosling’s Ginger Beer | Bottled mixer, non-alcoholic | 0% | 150 per 12 oz can | 4.3/5 |
| 5 | Barritt’s Original Ginger Beer | Bottled mixer, non-alcoholic | 0% | 140 per 12 oz can | 4.2/5 |
| 6 | Q Mixers Ginger Beer | Bottled mixer, less sweet, non-alcoholic | 0% | 90 per 7.5 oz can | 4.1/5 |
Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer
The bartender’s default for a reason. Fever-Tree’s ginger beer is made with real ginger and hits a clean balance of spice and sweetness that doesn’t overpower vodka, rum, or whiskey in a mixed drink. The small bottle format is built for cocktails, not sipping solo.
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
The only brand on this list that’s actually brewed rather than just blended, using a real 3-day fermentation process before finishing under the 0.5% ABV non-alcoholic threshold. It shows in the flavor: cloudier, spicier, and noticeably more complex than the mixer brands.
Reed’s Extra Ginger Beer
Marketed as “America’s Original Ginger Beer,” Reed’s leans on real fresh ginger for a sharper, spicier kick than most mixer brands. The “Extra” version dials the heat up further for people who want the ginger to actually be the main flavor, not a background note.
Gosling’s Ginger Beer
Made by the same Bermuda-based company behind Gosling’s rum, and built specifically as the other half of a Dark ‘n’ Stormy. Milder than Bundaberg or Reed’s, with a smoother, rounder ginger flavor that’s easy to drink on its own too.
Barritt’s Original Ginger Beer
Another Bermuda “stone ginger beer” brand, tracing back to 1874. Lighter and a little sweeter than Gosling’s, with a lower ginger intensity that makes it more approachable if you’re new to ginger beer.
Q Mixers Ginger Beer
Sweetened with agave instead of corn syrup or plain cane sugar, and noticeably less sweet than the rest of this list. Good pick if you want the ginger spice front and center without a heavy sugar finish, especially in a cocktail that already has a sweet spirit or syrup in it.
Ginger beer for cocktails vs ginger beer to sip
Fever-Tree, Gosling’s, Barritt’s, and Q Mixers are all built as mixers: smaller bottles or cans, balanced flavor that won’t clash with a spirit, and a lighter body. Bundaberg and Reed’s are closer to a genuine soft drink meant to be sipped on its own, with more spice and a heavier body that can actually overpower a delicate cocktail. If you’re building a Moscow Mule or Dark ‘n’ Stormy, start with a mixer brand; if you just want a spicy ginger soda, Bundaberg or Reed’s will give you more flavor for the money.
FAQ
What is the best ginger beer for a Moscow Mule?
Fever-Tree is the most common bartender choice, but Gosling’s and Barritt’s both work well and are widely available.
Which ginger beer has the strongest ginger flavor?
Bundaberg and Reed’s Extra are the spiciest, most ginger-forward options on this list. Fever-Tree and Q Mixers are milder and more mixer-friendly.
Is any ginger beer on this list alcoholic?
No. All six are non-alcoholic, either 0% ABV or, in Bundaberg’s case, under the 0.5% threshold most countries use to define a non-alcoholic drink.
Related Reading
Gear to Serve It Right
Building a full bar cart? See our beer accessories gift guide, or try brewing a real fermented batch with our ginger beer homebrew recipe.
