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

To spice up your dry Moscow Mule, try combining ginger beer and lime juice with a non-alcoholic sparkling cider.

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

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

“We know where each other is going, even if it’s a new place or phrasing,” Doe says backstage as he nurses a ginger beer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2024

Boys and girls carried coolers on their heads, shouting, “Cold ice, cold ice . .“Cold ginger beer .

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah