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

The problem isn't just affecting beer, she adds, there are also shortages of Asahi's soft drinks, such as ginger beer and soda water.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

When teacher Elaine Fraser collapsed at home after drinking a ginger beer, she had no idea she had an allergy.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023

The Cock ‘n’ Bull was GHQ for a postwar cocktail to get Americans to drink English ginger beer and Russian vodka.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 12, 2022

Warrant Officer Swart baked bread, made home-brewed ginger beer and assorted other delicacies.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela