If you’re like most people, you probably think of ginger beer as a delicious, non-alcoholic drink. But is it really alcohol-free? We did some digging to find out the answer once and for all to the question “is ginger beer alcoholic”
Does Ginger Beer Have Alcohol in It?
Ginger beer is a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger. Ginger beer has its roots in England, where it was developed as a non-alcoholic alternative to gin. It is most commonly served chilled and often contains other fruit or spices as well. While many ginger beers on the market are naturally carbonated, some brands use carbonation powder to achieve the fizz. This can be dangerous, as carbon dioxide is a gas and can cause intoxication if large enough amounts are inhaled. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “The amount of alcohol in ginger beer is low, but it is a sugar-based beverage, which may increase a person’s chance of developing a sugar addiction.”
How much alcohol is in ginger beer?
The short answer is yes and no. It’s possible to buy a 100% ginger beer that is non-alcoholic, but most popular brands are slightly fermented, and therefore contain trace amounts of alcohol. A trace amount of alcohol is considered negligible to the point that most ginger beers do not have to include their ABV as it is lower than one percent.
Why is ginger beer nonalcoholic?
The ginger beer you buy in the store is almost certainly nonalcoholic. The main ingredient is carbonated water, which is made from regular tap water. Carbonated water is often flavored with a little bit of ginger extract to give it a more interesting taste and smell, but the ginger extract is made from real ginger and therefore has a small amount of the spice in it. However, a lot of people want a ginger beer that tastes and smells like a real thing, and they use real ginger to make it. This is perfectly legal, but it can be dangerous. A lot of people who make homemade ginger beer don’t realize that they’re actually making a form of hard liquor, and they serve their homemade liquor to unsuspecting drinkers. When people drink homemade hard alcohol, they can end up in the hospital, so it’s important to know the difference between ginger beer and hard liquor
Why Is It Called Ginger Beer?
Ginger beer is called a tonic in the UK and Ireland, but in the United States and Canada, ginger ale typically refers to non-alcoholic beverages. Ginger beer can be made with either fresh or dry ginger, with the latter producing a stronger ginger flavor. The origins of ginger beer are uncertain, but it likely originated in London around 1760. Why is it called ginger beer? A popular theory is that the drink was originally known as “ginger water” before carbonated water was added.
More About Ginger Beer
Ginger Beer is a carbonated, non-alcoholic ginger ale that originated in England. It is traditionally served cold with ice. These days, the drink is enjoyed throughout the world and you can buy it in most supermarkets or convenience stores.
What is ginger beer?
Ginger beer is carbonated soda with a spiced kick. The drink originated in England and became popular in the United States in the 19th century. Unlike most sodas, which contain artificial flavors, ginger beer is naturally flavored with ginger and spices like nutmeg, allspice, and clove.
Ginger beer is not to be confused with ginger ale, which is made from citrus fruits. Ginger beer is a brewed beverage that typically contains spices, ginger, and various sugars.
When was ginger beer invented?
The first known recipe for ginger beer dates back to 1770 in England. At this time, ginger beer was quite different from what we know today. It didn’t contain any sugar or carbonated water. Instead, it contained honey and spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.
Is ginger beer alcoholic in Moscow mule?
The ginger beer added to a Moscow mule can be alcoholic or nonalcoholic. The ingredient in a Moscow mule that makes it alcoholic is vodka. Any drink you add to a cocktail with hard liquor is now part of an alcoholic beverage.
Can kids drink ginger beer?
Yes, nonalcoholic ginger beer is safe for kids. Many kids enjoy the spicy and unique flavor of ginger beer. However, parents may want to be aware that ginger beer is typically high in sugar. Don’t give homemade ginger beer to children as it is likely to have a higher ABV. Most ginger beer available in grocery stores such as Fentiman’s, Reed’s, and Bundaberg is safe to give to children.
Most Popular Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer
What can we say about ginger beer that hasn’t already been said? It’s a classic, it’s delicious, it’s enjoyable to sip on by the glass and it can even be found in some of our favorite cocktails. It’s also relatively easy to make at home, which is why we’ve gathered the top 7 best ginger beers for you. Whether you’re looking for a ginger ale that doesn’t contain any added sugars or a ginger beer that’s totally vegan, there’s a ginger beer for everyone on this list.
1. Fentimans
2. Fever-Tree
3. Q Ginger Beer
4. Gosling’s
5. The Ginger People
6. Reed’s
7. Bundaberg