Ginger beer is a refreshing and appealing beverage for many people. It has a distinct flavor that can be harder to specify, but it’s generally loved by people who prefer ginger ale or even root beer.
And, like many other popular drinks, there are versions of ginger beer that contain alcohol. So, is there alcohol in ginger beer?
It is determined by the brand and the recipe. Some ginger beers are produced with fermented ginger root, giving them a mildly alcoholic flavor. Most commercially produced ginger beers, on the other hand, contain little or no alcohol.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version of this famous drink then you can easily find plenty of options at any local grocery store.
If you prefer a beverage with a bit more kick then there are also many brands available that make alcoholic ginger beers. Just make sure to read the label before purchasing!
Ginger beer intro
Classic ginger beer is a flavored and fizzy beer that is normally non-alcoholic. In past, it was manufactured by the natural fermentation of seasoned ginger spice, sugar, and yeast.
Modern ginger beers are usually manufactured instead of brewing, containing artificial carbonation with flavor and color additives.
The different types of ginger beer
Ginger beer comes in many different varieties ranging from the traditional English variety to the famous Caribbean variation.
Each sort of ginger beer has its own unique flavor, which is why it’s crucial to know what you’re searching for before you buy.
English ginger beer
The English variety, which is brewed with ginger, yeast, and sugar, is the most prevalent type of ginger beer. This sort of ginger beer is frequently carbonated and has a slightly sweet flavor.
Ginger Beer was considered an alcoholic beverage created by the British in the middle of the 18th century using ginger root and sugar from the West Indies.
It gained popularity not only in the United States but also in many regions of the former British Empire. The “ginger beer plant,” a type of starter comprised of lemon, sugar, and ginger, was traditionally used to brew this beverage.
For a week or more, this mixture was left outside in the open air to undergo a natural fermentation by wild yeasts.
Caribbean ginger beer
The Caribbean version of ginger beer has spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Although most brands are non-alcoholic, some do contain alcohol. This variety of ginger beer is deeper in color and has a stronger flavor than the English variation.
Fruit-flavored ginger beer
There are also fruit-flavored ginger beers available in the market if you’re searching for something unique. These are created with actual fruit juices and tend to be sweeter than other forms of ginger beer.
Regardless of your liking, there’s a kind of ginger beer out there that will fit your taste buds. So whenever you’re in the need of something refreshing, pick up a bottle of this delightful beverage!
The alcoholic content and history of ginger beer
Although this amount of alcohol is low enough to theoretically still be classified as non-alcoholic, ginger beer has an alcohol content of about 0.5 percent by volume.
When carbonation is forced rather than occurring naturally, there is no alcohol present. According to Advanced Mixology, the FDA considers ginger beers brewed in a traditional style to have an alcohol content of less than 0.5 percent and to be non-alcoholic.
In some areas of North America, alcohol sales were outlawed in 1901. A small business named Canada Dry began making a soft ginger ale during this confusing time in Canadian history.
Ironically, this syrupy-sweet ginger ale was ideal for masking the flavor of cheap illegal alcohol, and it quickly gained popularity.
More soft ginger ales and ginger beers were produced by soda firms after Prohibition was enacted in the United States.
Americans blended a lot of ginger beer with their bathtubs vodka and potato-peel whiskey as they tried to consume as much illegal alcohol as they possibly could.
Traditional brewing techniques were still being used by manufacturers of ginger beer after prohibition was abolished.
According to ABC’s Rachel Rasker, a soft ginger beer that has an ABV of less than 0.5% is not intoxicating. Following history now it has been accepted practice to make some soft drinks using yeast that produces alcohol.
Ginger Beer with other drinks
Despite the fact that ginger beer is frequently used in alcoholic beverages but there are countless mocktails and punches you can create with this spicy beverage.
Generally speaking, ginger beer combines well enough with citrus juices like orange and lemon, but it also complements cozier tastes like cinnamon and nutmeg.
To keep as much effervescent in the ginger beer as possible, simply ensure to mix it in rather than shake it.
Ginger Beer- A healthy drink
Numerous healthy substances found in ginger root can enhance digestion, lower discomfort, strengthen the immune system, and sometimes even help in fighting cancer.
In addition, ginger beer often has low sugar and calorie counts, making it a fantastic substitute for other sugary beverages.
