Out of Ginger, one case
Ginger substitutes for beverages & cocktails
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Ginger syrup
Same amount as the ginger
With fresh ginger juice
For beverages and cocktails, ginger syrup (1:1), ginger ale (1:1), or ginger beer (1:1) work best. Ginger syrup provides concentrated flavor, while ginger ale and ginger beer offer carbonation. Ground ginger can be used but needs to be steeped first.
- Best for —
- cocktails
One casethe full ginger card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ginger |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ginger syrupcocktails | Same amountWith fresh ginger juice |
| 2 | Ginger alecocktails | Same amountWith ginger beer |
| 3 | Ginger beerMoscow Mules | Same amountWith ginger ale |
| 4 | Ground gingerhot drinks | ¼ tsp ground per 1 tbsp fresh grated |
| 5 | Fresh grated gingerfresh drinks | Same amountWith ginger juice |
Ginger syrup
sweet and spicy
Ginger syrup provides concentrated ginger flavor and sweetness. It's good for cocktails, mocktails, and beverages where you want both ginger flavor and sweetness.
- Best for
- cocktails, mocktails, when you want sweetness, mixed beverages, hot drinks
- Texture
- liquid syrup
Ginger syrup provides both ginger flavor and sweetness. It's good for cocktails and mixed beverages where you want both elements.
Ginger ale
mild ginger with carbonation
Ginger ale provides mild ginger flavor with carbonation. It's good for cocktails and mocktails where you want subtle ginger flavor and bubbles.
- Best for
- cocktails, mocktails, when you want carbonation, mixed beverages, sick drinks
- Texture
- carbonated liquid
Ginger ale provides mild ginger flavor with carbonation. It's good for cocktails and mocktails where you want subtle ginger flavor.
Ginger beer
strong ginger with carbonation
Ginger beer provides stronger ginger flavor with carbonation. It's good for cocktails like Moscow Mules and other drinks where you want bold ginger flavor.
- Best for
- Moscow Mules, when you want strong ginger flavor, cocktails, mocktails, mixed beverages
- Texture
- carbonated liquid
Ginger beer provides stronger ginger flavor than ginger ale. It's good for cocktails where you want bold ginger flavor.
Ground ginger
concentrated ginger
Ground ginger can be used in beverages but needs to be steeped first. It provides concentrated ginger flavor and works well in hot drinks and teas.
- Best for
- hot drinks, teas, when you want concentrated flavor, spiced beverages, long-steeping drinks
- Texture
- fine powder
Ground ginger needs to be steeped in hot liquid for 5-10 minutes to release its flavor. It works well in hot drinks and teas.
Fresh grated ginger
brightest and most vibrant
Fresh grated ginger provides the brightest, most vibrant flavor in beverages. It works well in fresh drinks and can be steeped in hot liquids.
- Best for
- fresh drinks, hot beverages, when you want bright flavor, teas, infused waters
- Texture
- grated fresh
Fresh ginger has the brightest, most vibrant flavor. It works well in fresh drinks and can be steeped in hot liquids for tea.
How it behaves in this recipe
Beverages and cocktails require ingredients that can provide consistent flavor and work well with other drink components. Ginger syrup offers both flavor and sweetness, while ginger ale and ginger beer provide carbonation. Understanding these differences helps choose the best substitute for each type of beverage.
Tips for substituting ginger
7 tips- Ginger syrup is good for cocktails because it provides both flavor and sweetness
- Ginger ale works well in mocktails and light cocktails where you want subtle ginger flavor
- Ginger beer is best for bold cocktails like Moscow Mules where you want strong ginger flavor
- Ground ginger needs to be steeped in hot liquid for 5-10 minutes to release its flavor
- Fresh ginger can be steeped in hot liquids or used fresh in cold beverages
- For Moscow Mules, ginger beer is essential for the authentic flavor
- Ginger syrup can be made at home by simmering fresh ginger with sugar and water
Notes on ginger
- For a completely different approach, try using other warm spices like allspice, cinnamon, or cardamom in beverages
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different ginger forms for layered flavor
- For non-alcoholic drinks, consider using ginger tea or ginger kombucha for a different flavor profile
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the best substitute for ginger beer in Moscow Mules?
Ginger ale can substitute for ginger beer in Moscow Mules, but it will have milder ginger flavor. For authentic taste, use ginger beer.
Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?
Yes, ginger ale can substitute for ginger beer, but it has milder ginger flavor. Use 1:1 ratio but expect less intense ginger taste.
How do I make ginger syrup for cocktails?
Simmer 1 cup fresh grated ginger with 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water for 20 minutes. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I use ground ginger in beverages?
Yes, but ground ginger needs to be steeped in hot liquid for 5-10 minutes to release its flavor. It works well in hot drinks and teas.
What's the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer?
Ginger ale has mild ginger flavor and is lighter, while ginger beer has stronger ginger flavor and is more robust. Ginger beer is better for cocktails.
Can I use fresh ginger in cold beverages?
Yes, fresh ginger can be used in cold beverages. Grate it finely or steep it in hot water first, then cool and add to cold drinks.
How much ginger syrup equals fresh ginger in cocktails?
Use 1 tablespoon ginger syrup for every 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger. Ginger syrup is more concentrated and includes sweetness.
Can I substitute ginger ale for ginger beer in recipes?
Yes, but ginger ale has milder flavor than ginger beer. Use 1:1 ratio but expect less intense ginger taste in the final drink.