Ginger Beer

For a refreshment so popular, it is interesting to note how many misconceptions exist about ginger beer. The drink, which originated in the mid 18th century in Yorkshire, England, first became known as a fermented alcoholic drink made from sugar, ginger, water and a starter culture (known as the “ginger beer plant”). Today, however, the name “ginger beer” is quite misleading as most commercial ginger beer is simply a soft drink and contains no alcohol. A few brands, such as Crabbie's, do however make ginger beer containing alcohol.

Although most ginger beer does not contain alcohol, the ginger is still fermented, where the difference to ginger ale comes, as ale is not fermented. Ginger Ale is a carbonated drink made from water and ginger. Fermentation gives ginger beer a more prominent flavor of ginger.

Gosling's Ginger Beer

Gosling is a company known for it's Gosling's Black Seal rum, which does well in a Dark and Stormy. To accompany their Black Seal rum, they created a ginger beer with Dark and Stormy specifically in mind. Although it's meant for Dark and Stormy, they have created a ginger beer that works perfectly for cocktails with ginger beer.