Ginger Beer: What It Is and Why It Matters (Featuring Moscow Beer)

Ginger beer is a naturally spicy, often carbonated soft drink flavored primarily with ginger root. It ranges from sweet to dry and can be brewed or simply mixed. In craft versions, like the ginger-forward blends used by Baladin, you find layers of spice, citrus and vegetal notes that make the drink versatile for sipping solo or mixing into cocktails such as the Moscow Mule.

What are the popular ginger beer brands?

There are many ginger beer brands on the market, each with its own balance of sweetness, heat and carbonation. A few widely known names include:

• Bundaberg — a brewed, full-bodied ginger beer with strong, long-lasting ginger flavor.
• Fever-Tree — lighter, often used in cocktails for its clean ginger bite.
• Reed’s — available in several strengths from mild to very spicy.
• Q Mixers — a drier profile favored by bartenders.
• Smaller craft producers — local breweries and specialty brands (like the Baladin Ginger Beer used in some Italian craft blends) offer unique spice and citrus profiles.

What are the benefits of ginger beer?

When people ask about benefits they usually mean two things: flavor and potential health aspects.

• Flavor: Ginger beer provides a warming, spicy kick and bright citrus notes that enhance cocktails and food pairings.
• Digestive comfort: Ginger in traditional forms has been used to soothe mild stomach upset and nausea. Some brewed ginger beers retain real ginger and may offer a mild soothing effect, though they are not a medical treatment.
• Non-alcoholic option: Many ginger beers are alcohol-free, offering a zingy alternative to sodas and tonic waters.

Note: commercially sweetened ginger beers can contain significant sugar; homemade or craft brewed versions may be less sweet and retain more of the ginger’s natural character.

Can I buy ginger beer at Walmart?

Yes. Walmart typically carries several ginger beer brands both in-store and online. Stock varies by location, but you can usually find mainstream names like Bundaberg, Fever-Tree, and Reed’s. If you’re looking for a specific craft or imported variety, check the online inventory or specialty beverage shops. For those wanting a spicier, craft-forward experience, local bottle shops and online craft retailers are good alternatives.

How many calories are in ginger beer?

Calories vary widely by brand and whether a product is sweetened or diet. Typical sugar-sweetened ginger beers range from about 100 to 160 calories per 12-ounce (355 ml) serving. Low-calorie or diet versions can be near zero to a few calories. Always check the nutrition label for exact numbers.

What’s special about Bundaberg ginger beer?

Bundaberg is an Australian brand known for brewing its ginger beer in small batches. It’s full-bodied, with a robust ginger aroma and a lingering, spicy finish. Many fans praise Bundaberg for its intensity and for being less syrupy than some mainstream alternatives.

Tasting notes and pairing ideas

Ginger beers range from soft and sweet to fiercely spicy. When tasting, look for:

• Initial aroma: fresh ginger, citrus, or even floral/vegetal hints depending on the recipe.
• Palate: a lively ginger heat, carbonation texture, and any citrus or herbal components.
• Finish: sweetness balance and lingering spice.

Pair ginger beer with:

• Shellfish and fried foods — the acidity and spice cut through richness.
• Asian and Caribbean cuisines — complements spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
• Cocktails — most famously the Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer, lime), Dark 'n' Stormy (rum, ginger beer), or non-alcoholic mocktails.

Spotlight: a craft ginger beer experience

If you enjoy a ginger beer with layered aromas — spicy ginger upfront, vegetal and citrus notes in the middle, and a delicate hop bitterness finishing long and spicy — you’ll appreciate craft interpretations that balance heat and freshness. For a ready-made option that brings these qualities to the glass, consider trying this:

Tips for choosing the right ginger beer

• Decide how you’ll use it: cocktails may need a drier, more carbonated style; sipping calls for richer, brewed options.
• Check the label for real ginger and brewing methods if you prefer authentic spice over artificial flavors.
• Compare sweetness and calories if dietary concerns matter.

Whether you’re shopping at a big-box retailer, a specialty shop, or exploring craft imports, there’s a ginger beer to match your taste — from the bold bite of Bundaberg to delicate, herbaceous craft blends perfect for sipping or stirring into a signature Moscow Mule.