Fever Tree Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale: Which to Choose
By Chicago's Best Wine & Spirits Store | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Comparisons
Compare Fever Tree ginger beer and ginger ale by flavor, sweetness, and cocktail use. Find which mixer fits your taste and drink recipes.
Quick Answer
Choose Fever Tree ginger beer for a fiery, full-bodied kick in drinks like Moscow Mules, or go with Fever Tree ginger ale for a lighter, more delicate mixer that lets other flavors shine.
Flavor and Sweetness: The Core Difference
The main difference between ginger beer and ginger ale comes down to flavor intensity and sweetness. Ginger beer is brewed and fermented, giving it a spicier, more robust ginger character. Ginger ale is typically carbonated water with ginger flavoring, resulting in a milder, sweeter profile.
Fever Tree's ginger beer is described as fiery and full-bodied, with a bold ginger presence. Their ginger ale, while still premium, is lighter and less assertive, making it a versatile base for cocktails where ginger should complement rather than dominate.
Mixing Considerations
When mixing cocktails, think about the other ingredients. A spicy ginger beer stands up to strong spirits like dark rum or bourbon and adds a warming finish. A lighter ginger ale works better with vodka or gin, where a subtle ginger note can enhance without overpowering.
Also consider sweetness. If you prefer a drier, more pungent drink, ginger beer is your pick. If you like a touch of sweetness and a gentler fizz, ginger ale is the way to go.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Spice vs. Subtlety: If you want a bold ginger bite, choose ginger beer. If you prefer a gentle background note, choose ginger ale.
- Sweetness Level: Ginger beer tends to be less sweet than many ginger ales, but Fever Tree's blood orange version is balanced and not too sweet. Ginger ale is generally lighter and sweeter. Check the label for sugar content if sweetness is a concern.
- Cocktail Pairing: Use ginger beer for Moscow Mules, Dark 'n' Stormies, or bourbon-based drinks. Use ginger ale for gin or vodka highballs, or as a standalone soft drink. Match the ginger intensity to the strength of your spirit.
Product Facts
- FEVER TREE BLOOD ORANGE GINGER BEER (4 PACK): Fever Tree Blood Orange Ginger Beer has the fiery, full-bodied taste of Premium Ginger Beer balanced with subtle Italian Blood Orange citrus, and is not too sweet. The blood orange adds a citrus twist that can brighten cocktails without extra sweetness, making it a great choice for adventurous mixes.
FEVER TREE BLOOD ORANGE GINGER BEER (4 PACK) - FEVER TREE GINGER ALE 8oz 8PK CANS: Fever Tree Ginger Ale comes in 8oz cans and was created by the founders of Fever-Tree to provide a premium mixer for spirits. The 8oz can size is perfect for single cocktails, and the premium quality ensures a clean, refined ginger flavor that won't overpower your drink.
FEVER TREE GINGER ALE 8oz 8PK CANS
Which Should You Choose?
Best for
- Those who want a spicy, full-bodied mixer for bold cocktails like Moscow Mules.
- Drinkers who prefer a less sweet, more pungent ginger flavor.
Not for
- Anyone seeking a very mild, sweet soda-like mixer—ginger ale is the better fit.
