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Thanks to increasing popularity of the Moscow mule (ginger beer, vodka and lime), easy ginger cocktails are pretty mainstream these days. Thing is, I love ginger, but I don’t love Moscow mules. Vodka is fine, but I prefer liquors that are more complex—a barrel-aged rum, a floral gin or a really good whiskey. And since ginger is so strong and distinct, it can stand up to the deeper flavors in these types of alcohol, no problem.
If you’re looking for something gingery but a little more interesting than a Moscow mule, there are plenty of easy ginger cocktails out there that fit the bill. Many call for ginger beer or ginger ale, which you can find at any supermarket. Others call for fresh or candied ginger, which is also sold pretty much everywhere. And, if you want to add ginger juice to a cocktail, just run peeled ginger through a juicer, or muddle it by hand. No matter where your ginger flavor is coming from, it’ll come through in the final drink (I promise).
Below are 18 easy ginger cocktail recipes for every taste, from beachy rum drinks to a nightcap-appropriate Amaretto sour. Try one out, and you’ll never go back to a plain old Moscow mule again.
Kitchen Sanctuary.
1. Pineapple Ginger Mojitos
Try these summery pineapple ginger mojitos with spiced rum, or plain old dark run.
Healthfully Ever After.
2. Spring Ginger Honey Switchel
There’s no alcohol required in this sweet, spicy ginger honey switchel, but you can add vodka or gin if you’re so inclined.
Ron Barceló.
3 The Zing Ting
If you need something with a little extra strength, try a Zing Ting on the rocks.
You’ll need:
1.75 ounces Gran Añejo Barceló rum (or another barrel-aged, dark rum)
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce apple juice
1 ounce honey syrup (1 part water, 3 parts honey)
.25 ounces fresh ginger juice (or muddled ginger)
What to do:
Shake and strain over ice into rocks glass. Garnish with lemon zest wrapped around a maraschino cherry (optional).
Jelly Toast Blog.
4. Cranberry Ginger Cocktail
Christmas or not, this tart ginger cocktail is a great nightcap.
Cascade Crews.
5. Grapefruit Ginger Gin Fizz
A gin fizz is classic. This grapefruit-ginger version is less so, but that’s not a bad thing.
Foolproof Living.
6. Kentucky Mule
True to it’s name, the Kentucky mule is like a Moscow mule, with bourbon instead of vodka.
Broma Bakery.
7. The Ginger Rogers
This gingery drink is named after a legend, and it just might become one in its own right.
Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.
8. Cantaloupe Ginger Cocktail
Put that melon baller to good use (or, any use…) and whip up this fruity ginger cocktail.
Now Let’s Get Going.
9. The Witch Doctor
This turmeric-ginger cocktail might not be magic, but it comes close.
How Sweet Eats.
10. Ginger Beergaritas
There’s no actual beer in these beergaritas, just a combination of tequila and ginger beer.
Ron Barceló.
11. Stormy Daze
If the weather’s nice, you might want to trade in your Moscow mule for something similar, but a little more tropical. This version is made with aged dark rum and fresh lime juice, so it’ll bring your mind right to the beach. (Not literally. Sorry!)
You’ll need:
1 1/2 ounces Barceló Añejo rum (or another barrel-aged dark rum)
1/2 ounce lime juice
3 to 4 ounces ginger beer
What to do:
In a tall glass with ice, stir together rum and lime juice. Top with ginger beer.
Nellie Bellie.
12. Ginger Rosemary Cocktail
These lemony ginger cocktails get some herbal earthiness from fresh rosemary.
The Fitchen.
13. Lemon Ginger Prosecco Cocktails
If you’re looking for something lower-proof, a Prosecco cocktail is a great idea.
Liquor.com.
14. Whiskey Ginger Smash
Day or night, this whiskey ginger smash packs a punch.
The Belle Vie Blog.
15. Apple Ginger Smash
No better way to get your apple-a-day than with this ginger smash.
The Kitchn.
16. Pear Ginger Pitcher Cocktail
Please a crowd with this big-batch pear and ginger cocktail.
Ann’s Entitled Life.
17. Strawberry Ginger Cocktail Recipe
Strawberry season is the best. Take advantage with this strawberry-ginger drink.
Stir and Strain.
18. Fresh Ginger Amaretto Sour
If you really want to impress a friend with a class after-dinner drink, go with a kicked-up Amaretto sour.