ginger beer

American  

noun

1. a soft drink similar to ginger ale but containing more ginger flavor.

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ginger beer British  

noun

1. a slightly alcoholic drink made by fermenting a mixture of syrup and root ginger

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Etymology

Origin of ginger beer

First recorded in 1800–10

Compare meaning

How does ginger-beer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ginger ale vs. ginger beer

Example Sentences

With its ginger beer and fancy colas, Fentimans taps into the growing "mindful drinking" trend.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

Caporale even recommends trying your hand at making homemade ginger beer or ginger soda.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2026

The shortage also affected Asahi's soft drinks, such as ginger beer and soda water.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

They played cricket and rounders, drank ginger beer and ate cake sweet with margarine and coconut, Toussaint said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023

Whenever they ordered Jamaican food at home, Ma always got ginger beer with it.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds