Ginger Beer substitutes
The closest substitute for Ginger Beer is Ginger Ale, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Milder and sweeter. In a pinch, use Lemon-Lime Soda.
What to use instead of Ginger Beer
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
Ginger AleWorks, tastes different Milder and sweeter. Same amount | Same amount | Alcohol-free |
Lemon-Lime SodaLast resort No ginger bite: muddle a slice of fresh ginger first. Same amount | Same amount | Alcohol-free |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Ginger Beer, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Añejo Highball
60ml (2 oz) Ginger Beer → 60ml (2 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Apple Ginger Slush
300ml (10 oz) Ginger Beer → 300ml (10 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Bourbon Peach Slush
150ml (5 oz) Ginger Beer → 150ml (5 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Dark 'n' Stormy
100ml (3⅓ oz) Ginger Beer → 100ml (3⅓ oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- El Diablo
60ml (2 oz) Ginger Beer → 60ml (2 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Gin-Gin Mule
75ml (2½ oz) Ginger Beer → 75ml (2½ oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Kentucky Buck
75ml (2½ oz) Ginger Beer → 75ml (2½ oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Kentucky Mule
120ml (4 oz) Ginger Beer → 120ml (4 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Mamie Taylor
120ml (4 oz) Ginger Beer → 120ml (4 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Mezcal Mule
30ml (1 oz) Ginger Beer → 30ml (1 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Mint, Lime, and Ginger Sparkler
90ml (3 oz) Ginger Beer → 90ml (3 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Monte Mule
75ml (2½ oz) Ginger Beer → 75ml (2½ oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Moscow Mule
120ml (4 oz) Ginger Beer → 120ml (4 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Moscow Mule Slush
500ml (16¾ oz) Ginger Beer → 500ml (16¾ oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Passion Fruit Mule
100ml (3⅓ oz) Ginger Beer → 100ml (3⅓ oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Pineapple & Ginger Mocktail
90ml (3 oz) Ginger Beer → 90ml (3 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Shirley Ginger
150ml (5 oz) Ginger Beer → 150ml (5 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Tropical Mocktail
60ml (2 oz) Ginger Beer → 60ml (2 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Virgin Moscow Mule
120ml (4 oz) Ginger Beer → 120ml (4 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
- Zero-Proof Dark 'n' Stormy
150ml (5 oz) Ginger Beer → 150ml (5 oz) Ginger Ale
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Ginger Beer | Ginger Ale |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Alcohol-free | Alcohol-free |
| Taste | Spicy ginger, Sweet, Effervescent | Sweet, Mild ginger, Effervescent |
| Aroma | Ginger, Spicy, Fresh | Ginger, Sweet, Light |
| Finish | Warming, Spicy, Clean | Clean, Sweet, Refreshing |
Low and zero proof
An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Ginger Beer: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.
- Zero-Proof Dark 'n' StormyZero proof
- Virgin Moscow MuleZero proof
What is Ginger Beer?
A spicy, carbonated beverage made with ginger. Essential for Moscow Mules and Dark 'n' Stormy cocktails.
Got Ginger Beer? It also replaces
Questions about Ginger Beer substitutes
What is the best substitute for Ginger Beer?
Ginger Ale is the closest substitute for Ginger Beer, though the drink will taste a little different. Milder and sweeter. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Ginger Beer in a Moscow Mule?
Ginger Ale: swap 120ml (4 oz) of Ginger Beer for 120ml (4 oz) of Ginger Ale.
More mixer substitutes
Out of Ginger Beer?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.
Android only for now.