Prefer your ginger beer with a little kick? You’re in the right place! We’ve gathered Australia’s best alcoholic ginger beer and put it in one spot for you.

The best alcoholic ginger beer balances spice, refreshment and fizz to perfection. While it’s delicious on its own, it’s also versatile enough to work as a spicey mixer in drinks and cocktails.

But with so many options available, finding the gems is no mean feat. That’s why we’ve compiled a varied list of stand-outs that have Aussies talking. Whether you’re after something full of zest or lovely and smooth, we’ve got you covered.

What’s the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?

Similar in colour and sharing the hero flavour of ginger, it’s easy to get ginger beer and ginger ale confused – and many people do.

In short, ginger ale is a soft drink made with carbonated water and ginger flavours, whereas ginger beer is a brewed and sometimes fermented drink. If it’s complexity and depth of flavour you’re looking for, ginger beer is the sip to reach for.

Is all ginger beer alcoholic?

No. Non-alcoholic ginger beer is widely available in supermarkets and bottle shops.

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11 Best Alcoholic Ginger Beer In Australia For 2024

Zingy, fizzy and flavour-packed, ginger beer is an all-season sip that makes a refreshing change to beer and wine. Dive into our curated shortlist and find your new favourite!

These products are hand-picked by our editorial team because we’ve tried and loved them, or other Australians have!

Amply’s Spicey Alcoholic Ginger Beer 4pk, $25

A flavour-packed addition to a summer’s day, Amply’s Spicey Alcoholic Ginger Beer is loved in Australia for its cloudy finish and zesty kick. Considerably less sweet than other varieties, this is a great choice for ginger fans who prefer a dryer sip. Try it in a tall glass with a squeeze of lime or enjoy it straight out of the can.

• Alcohol volume: 6.9%
• Also available: Amply’s Spicey Alcoholic Ginger Beer Zero Sugar

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Rugged Thumb Alcoholic Ginger Beer 12pk, $78

A mid-strength sip, Rubbed Thumb gets two thumbs-up from fans who prefer a lighter ginger beer. The zesty combination of flavours includes a hint of vanilla, so along with a little kick, you get welcome smoothness in every refreshing sip.

• Alcohol volume: 4%
• Also available: Rugged Thumb Zero Sugar Ginger Beer

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Hurricane Head Ginger Beer 24pk, $96

Refreshing and zingy, Hurricane Head was inspired by the sub-tropics to deliver the perfect storm of flavour. Made using Queensland ginger, fans love it for its balance of freshness and spice, with many rating it a top choice for mid-strength ginger beer in Australia.

• Alcohol volume: 4%
• Also available: Hurricane Head Zero Sugar Ginger Beer

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Matso’s Ginger Beer Bottles 24pk, $93

Independently produced in Western Australia and 100% gluten-free, Matso’s Ginger Beer has a strong and loyal following of fans who call it ‘the best’. At just 3.5% alcohol, it’s a light sip, perfectly suited to hot summer days with friends. Not too sweet, it’s loved just as much on ice as it is in mixed drinks. If you happen to be in Broome, look for it on tap!

• Alcohol volume: 3.5%
• Also available: Matso’s Lower Sugar Ginger Beer

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Brick Lane Meteor Alcoholic Ginger Beer 6pk, $28

With just 79 calories per can, Brick Lane Alcoholic Ginger Beer is the answer to a refreshing sip without the sugar high content. It’s vegan-friendly, packaged in 100% recyclable materials and brought to life by a B-Corp-certified company. For a hint of ginger up front and just a touch of sweetness, this is one to try.

• Alcohol volume: 4%
• Also available: Brick Lane Meteor Zero Sugar Ginger Beer 24pk

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Great Northern Ginger Beer 6pk, $22

Crisp, dry and mid-strength, Great Northern Ginger Beer is another fan favourite. It packs plenty of fizz and finds the sweet spot between sweet and dry. Expertly made with Queensland ginger, this one ticks every box, so pop some in your Esky this summer!

• Alcohol volume: 4%
• Also available: Great Northern Ginger Beer 24pk

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Lick Pier Original Ginger Beer 4pk, $22

Gluten-free and made with a signature blend of spice, Lick Pier Ginger Beer is an award-winner for a reason! It’s crisp, bitey and utterly perfect for warm climates, with many fans considering it among the best, especially for easy drinking. As for its name, it stems from the Charles Lick Pier in California and the (big!) celebrations its renowned for.

• Alcohol volume: 4%
• Also available: Lick Pier Original Ginger Beer 16pk

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Wildah Hard Ginger Beer 24pk, $58

Proudly Australian-made and packed with uniquely Aussie flavours, Wildah Hard Ginger Beer is both vegan and gluten-free. At 8% alcohol volume, it’s one to sip slowly and enjoy over a long time. Expect full flavour and plenty of zing. (Previously known as Fat Pixie)

• Alcohol volume: 8%
• Also available: Wildah Hard Ginger Beer Low Sugar

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Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer 12pk, $72

Dating back to the 19th century when John Crabbie travelled east from Scotland to source the very best ginger, this is every bit an original and traditional ginger beer! It’s made using four secret ingredients and packs a generous ginger bite that fans rave about.

• Alcohol volume: 4%

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James Squire Double Ginger Beer 4pk, $27

Best poured ice cold over a wedge of lime, James Squire Double Ginger Beer boasts a fuller flavour than the regular version and a higher alcohol volume. Fans love it for the big flavour kick, reasonable price tag and subtle sweetness.

• Alcohol volume: 6%
• Also available: James Squire Spiced Rum Ginger Beer

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Brookvale Union Ginger Beer 24pk, $99

Great on its own and even greater with a drop of spiced rum, Brookvale Union Ginger Beer is a beloved sip that’s brewed right here in NSW. With subtle sweetness, good kick of ginger and crisp dry finish, it’s an adventure of taste from start to finish.

• Alcohol volume: 4%
• Also available: Brookvale Union Ginger Beer Low Sugar

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Do you have a favourite that’s not on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

Top image: Instagram/east9thbrewing

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