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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.


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

Amply's Ginger Beer cans.

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.


Rugged Thumb Alcoholic Ginger Beer 12pk, $78

Rugged Thumb alcoholic ginger beer.

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.


Hurricane Head Ginger Beer 24pk, $96

Hurricane Head ginger beer cans.

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.


Matso’s Ginger Beer Bottles 24pk, $93

Matso's alcoholic ginger beer bottles.

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!


Brick Lane Meteor Alcoholic Ginger Beer 6pk, $28

Brick Lane Meteor Zero Sugar Ginger Beer cans.

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.


Great Northern Ginger Beer 6pk, $22

Great Northern alcoholic ginger beer cans.

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!


Lick Pier Original Ginger Beer 4pk, $22

Lick Pier alcoholic ginger beer bottles.

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.


Wildah Hard Ginger Beer 24pk, $58

Wildah ginger beer cans.

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)


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

Crabbie's original ginger beer bottles.

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%

James Squire Double Ginger Beer 4pk, $27

James Squire Double Ginger Beer cans.

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.


Brookvale Union Ginger Beer 24pk, $99

Brookvale Union ginger beer cans.

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.


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

Top image: Instagram/east9thbrewing

Prices are subject to change by stores. We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, please see our Terms & Conditions.

  • So many different ginger beers! Will have to give them to try to see if there’s much difference between them

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  • I really like to try Matso’s lower sugar ginger beer! I love the long neck bottle and that it’s low in sugar sounds greagv

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  • Great Northern snuck in an alcoholic ginger beer without me noticing? I’m shook!

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  • Some reliable and never fail brands here.

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  • How do you choose? So many great suggestions there. Growing up with a ginger loving Mum who had a go at making her own a few times I gravitate towards ginger beer. It’s refreshing and has a taste all of it’s own. I like the sound of the Crabbies from Scotland and the Amply’s Spiced. So many great choices.

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  • i needed this list! loooooove alcoholic ginger beer and there were a couple here i am yet to try. good inspo!!!

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  • James squire is my fav! Although I’ll have to try some other brands, did not realise how many there are!

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  • A couple of weeks ago I bought a pack of the GN after reading these reviews. Unfortunately I was not a fan. Last night my husband made a ‘ginger beer’ batter for the fish and ohmygoodness it was so good! He ended up drinking the rest and enjoyed it.

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  • Matso is delicious

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  • Would love more information on the low- non alcoholic Ginger Beers please!!!

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  • So many great choices! I love ginger beer, I’ll have to give one of these a try!

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  • There’s a few in here I’d like to try.

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  • I enjoy an alcoholic ginger beer as I don’t usually like regular beer and sometimes want something more refreshing than wine

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  • After readying this article I ended up trying a great Northern – eeeep not a fan. I will give another brand a go though to see how it compares.

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  • I have tried both Brookvale Union Ginger Beer and Amply’s Spicey Alcoholic Ginger Beer and they are both delicious.
    Amply’s Spicey has quite a kick, love it!

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  • My Mum used to always make Ginger Beer so I have grown up with a taste for it. Good to see it is making such a big comeback.

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  • One not on this list that deserves a special mention is Eumundi Ginger Beer. One of the best I’ve ever had.

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  • This has been great!! I tried Ginger beer about 15 years ago and was not a fan but my dad drinks it regularly. I think I may now have to purchase him a few packs under these recommendations and then have a sneaky sip myself 🙂

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  • I’m really loving seeing the recommendations of others in the comments. I’m not the biggest ginger beer fan but it’s something my husband really enjoys, so being able to have some brands in mind to what I could get for him is really cool. He has some really massive life achievements coming up that we will be celebrating so I’ll have reasons to grab a few of these.

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  • Woooohoooo thank you so much. I’ve been waiting for an alcoholic review of ginger beer.. Ginger Beer has always been my refreshment of choice but have been reluctant to try the alcoholic version. Just added a nice selection to my list for my trip to the bottle shop 👍🏻

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  • I love a good Ginger Beer and find it very refreshing. I have not tried an alcoholic Ginger Beer as yet but it sounds perfect for a cooling summer drink.

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  • I did not know there were so many different ginger beers haha! Definitely have to try some other ones some time.

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  • A good ginger beer can be so delicious. I had no idea there were so many different ones to try! Will have to keep my eyes peeled next time I’m at Dan Murphy’s.

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  • I’ve tried the great northern on tap and it’s nice but I also enjoy ginger beer and ginger ale in general.

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  • Too many choices! For me I’d choose Great Northern because of the lower alcohol percentage and with Queensland ingredients, it wins!

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  • I haven’t tried a lot of ginger beer varieties but Matso’s is really nice.

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  • I think you can’t beat James Squire Original Ginger Beer, that was until I tried their Double Ginger Beer. Delicious!

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  • I’ve recently been trying the different flavours from Brookvale Union. They are really well priced compared to other pre mixes but I haven’t seen the Ginger beer till now, I’ll have a look next I’m at the Bottle shop.

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  • I actually like the Bundaberg alcoholic ginger beer but find it hard being in stock and they have a low sugar version too

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  • Amply’s Spicey Alcoholic Ginger Beer is the best one I’ve tried in a long time! Plenty more on this list I haven’t tried that I would love to!

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  • Who knew there are so many brands that do alcoholic ginger beer! Cool!

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  • These look great. I wonder if the traditional ginger beer companies will start making them too?

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  • I love alcoholic ginger beer, such a refreshing taste. Wow i love this list aa i did not know we had so many available. I have tried a few on this list and keen to try more

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  • It’s a no brainer for me – James Squire Ginger Beer. I’m surprised it’s so far down the list! My local eatery has it on tap, that’s how popular it is. Very smooth and easy to drink. Tastes just like regular ginger beer (which is a little dangerous, but delicious!).

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  • I haven’t tried an alcoholic ginger beer as yet but LOVE the Bundaberg Rum ginger beer. And normally I hate the Bundaberg brand. There’s premixes are fantastic.

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  • Not a fan of ginger beer. It’s my husband’s choice of drink but the non alcoholic.

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  • It’s great to see alcoholic ginger beer finally gaining popularity and more choices available amongst brand. Keen to try many more. Love love loveee it.

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  • Loving the James Squire Ginger Beer, so awesome that so many varieties are available in cans now.

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  • My drink of preference is the Alcoholic Ginger Beer either in a can or on tap which is becoming available in a lot of places now

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  • I’ve only ever tried alcoholic ginger beer on tap at a pub. It’s great that I can buy it to have at home and for much less cost.

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  • I’d like to try them all! Sip!

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  • These all look so appealing yummmm brb going straight to the bottleo

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  • Eumundi Brewery Ginger Beer is one that has been tried in our house. My husband is a huge fan of the non alcoholic version they sell at the Eumundi Markets (and he grew up going to The Ginger Factory, so he has a soft spot for it on the sunny coast), so he had to give it a go. I’m very eager to buy it again and use it as a mixer. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a Moscow mule.

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  • Not the biggest ginger beer fan here but my partner is. We’ve tried a handful of brands and so far matso’s has been a favourite. I haven’t seen these brands before in the article so id definitely be keen to check them out in store and see how they are

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  • Amplys Ginger Beer Firestorm with apple and cinnamon is absolutely the best thing I’ve drunk from a can. It’s warm and inviting and just really well rounded.
    A bit hard to get hold of but worth the effort.

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  • Wow so many ive never seen!! I’ll definitely be checking some of these out

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  • I love all the names and designs! Such funky cans and bottles. Crabbie’s appeals to me, both in name and appearance hahah

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  • Ginger Beer is a favourite of mine. Thanks for this, I loved finding out more about what’s on offer!

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