Ginger beer has a zesty flavor, making it a popular beverage on its own or in cocktails like the Moscow Mule and Dark ‘n’ Stormy. But a common question arises when people enjoy this spicy and refreshing drink: Can ginger beer make you drunk? The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of ginger beer you’re drinking. In this article, we will dive into the history of ginger beer, its alcohol content, and the differences between alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, providing clarity on whether or not ginger beer can intoxicate you.
What Is Ginger Beer?
Ginger beer is a drink made from ginger, sugar, water, and sometimes yeast. It was originally brewed and fermented, resulting in a naturally carbonated, mildly alcoholic drink. Today, ginger beer is available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, with the non-alcoholic kind being the most common on store shelves.
The brewing process of ginger beer has evolved over the years. Traditional ginger beer, like that made in the 18th and 19th centuries, was fermented with yeast, similar to beer, but with a lower alcohol content. Modern ginger beer is often carbonated artificially rather than through fermentation, which means it typically contains little to no alcohol.
The Alcohol Content of Traditional Ginger Beer
Historically, ginger beer was a fermented beverage, and this fermentation process produced a small amount of alcohol. The traditional brewing process used ginger root, water, sugar, and yeast to create a drink that was slightly alcoholic, with an alcohol content ranging between 0.5% and 11%. Most traditional ginger beers, however, had an alcohol content around 2-3%, making them mildly intoxicating, but far less potent than most modern beers, which average around 5% alcohol.
Fermentation Process
The traditional fermentation process works as follows:
Yeast is added to a mixture of water, sugar, and ginger.
The yeast consumes the sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide in the process.
The resulting beverage is slightly fizzy and alcoholic, with a ginger-forward flavor.
The fermentation period can vary depending on the recipe and desired alcohol level, but this process is what gives traditional ginger beer its slight kick of alcohol.
3. Modern Ginger Beer: Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic Varieties
Today, ginger beer is available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms. The majority of ginger beer brands on the market today are non-alcoholic, meaning they contain less than 0.5% alcohol, which is not enough to have an intoxicating effect.
Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Most ginger beers you find in stores today, especially in the United States, are non-alcoholic. These versions are often classified as soft drinks, similar to ginger ale. They have a bold, spicy flavor due to the ginger, but contain little to no alcohol. Non-alcoholic ginger beer is made by mixing water, ginger flavoring, sugar, and carbonation, without the fermentation process that produces alcohol.
Because non-alcoholic ginger beer contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), it is impossible to get drunk from drinking it, no matter how many bottles you consume. The alcohol content is so minimal that it has no significant effect on the body.
Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Alcoholic ginger beer, on the other hand, is a fermented beverage with a higher alcohol content. Brands like Crabbie’s and Reed’s Stronger Ginger Beer are popular examples of alcoholic ginger beers. These drinks contain between 4% and 7% alcohol by volume, making them similar in strength to light beers or ciders. With a few glasses of alcoholic ginger beer, it is possible to become intoxicated, just as you would with beer, wine, or any other alcoholic beverage.
The distinction between alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beer is important because the ability to get drunk depends entirely on the ABV. Alcoholic ginger beer can make you drunk, but non-alcoholic varieties cannot.
See Also: Is Ginger Beer Carbonated? Exploring the Fizzy World of Ginger Beer
4. How Much Ginger Beer Would It Take to Get Drunk?
If you’re drinking non-alcoholic ginger beer, you don’t need to worry about getting drunk. Since it contains less than 0.5% alcohol, you would need to drink an extraordinarily large amount—far more than a person could reasonably consume—to feel any effects of alcohol.
However, if you’re drinking alcoholic ginger beer, the situation is different. The ABV of alcoholic ginger beer typically ranges from 4% to 7%, so it behaves like other alcoholic beverages in terms of intoxication. The amount of ginger beer it would take to get drunk depends on several factors:
Alcohol Tolerance: People with a higher tolerance to alcohol may need more ginger beer to feel its effects, while those with a lower tolerance may feel tipsy after just a couple of drinks.
Body Weight: A person’s weight plays a significant role in how alcohol affects them. Larger individuals generally require more alcohol to feel drunk compared to smallerindividuals.
Alcohol Content: The specific ABV of the ginger beer you’re drinking will determine how quickly you feel intoxicated. A ginger beer with 4% ABV will take longer to make you drunk compared to one with 7% ABV.
As a general rule, drinking 3 to 4 bottles of alcoholic ginger beer with a 5% ABV in a short period of time could lead to intoxication for most people. However, the effects of alcohol vary from person to person, and it’s always important to drink responsibly.
5. Alcoholic Ginger Beer Brands to Know
If you’re interested in trying alcoholic ginger beer, there are a few well-known brands that offer this product. These ginger beers have varying levels of alcohol, and they’re often enjoyed on their own or as part of a cocktail. Below are some of the most popular alcoholic ginger beer brands:
Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Crabbie’s is one of the most widely recognized brands of alcoholic ginger beer. It has an alcohol content of 4.8% ABV, making it similar in strength to a light beer. Crabbie’s is brewed and fermented for up to six weeks, resulting in a smooth, slightly sweet ginger beer with natural carbonation.
Reed’s Stronger Ginger Beer
Reed’s is a popular brand that produces both non-alcoholic and alcoholic ginger beers. Their stronger ginger beer has a 6-7% ABV, giving it a more potent kick. Reed’s ginger beers are known for their use of fresh ginger root, which gives the drink a bold, spicy flavor.
Bundaberg Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Bundaberg, an Australian brand, offers both non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions of ginger beer. Their alcoholic ginger beer has an ABV of around 4%, making it comparable to light beers. Bundaberg ginger beer is brewed with real ginger and has a strong, authentic ginger flavor.
These brands are just a few examples of alcoholic ginger beers available today. Many smaller breweries and craft beverage companies also produce alcoholic ginger beers, so there are plenty of options to explore.
6. Ginger Beer in Cocktails: Does Mixing Affect Alcohol Content?
One of the most popular uses for ginger beer is as a mixer in cocktails. Drinks like the Moscow Mule, Dark ‘n’ Stormy, and Ginger Beer Margarita all rely on the spicy flavor of ginger beer to create a balanced and refreshing drink. But does mixing ginger beer with alcohol make it more likely to intoxicate you?
Cocktail Strength
The strength of a cocktail depends on the type and amount of alcohol you add to the drink. For example, a Moscow Mule contains vodka, which typically has an alcohol content of 40% ABV. When mixed with ginger beer, the overall alcohol content of the cocktail will be lower, but it will still contain enough alcohol to potentially make you drunk.
Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer Cocktails
If you use non-alcoholic ginger beer in your cocktail, the only alcohol in the drink will come from the spirits you add. This makes it easy to control the strength of the cocktail. For example, if you’re making a Moscow Mule with 1.5 ounces of vodka, the ginger beer will not contribute any additional alcohol, allowing you to control your intake more effectively.
Alcoholic Ginger Beer Cocktails
When using alcoholic ginger beer in cocktails, it’s important to remember that the ginger beer itself contains alcohol, which will add to the overall alcohol content of the drink. For example, if you mix 1.5 ounces of rum with 6 ounces of ginger beer (5% ABV), you’re essentially adding alcohol from two sources. This can make the cocktail stronger than you might expect, so it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients when mixing drinks with alcoholic ginger beer.
7. The Health Effects of Ginger Beer: Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic
While ginger beer is known for its spicy, refreshing taste, it’s also important to consider the health effects of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties.
Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Like any alcoholic beverage, alcoholic ginger beer should be consumed in moderation. Drinking too much alcoholic ginger beer can lead to intoxication, dehydration, and other negative effects associated with alcohol consumption. Additionally, alcoholic ginger beer often contains added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Non-alcoholic ginger beer is generally considered safe to drink in moderation. It does not have the intoxicating effects of alcohol, but it still contains sugar, which can contribute to calorie intake. Some non-alcoholic ginger beers also use artificial sweeteners, which may not be ideal for everyone. Additionally, ginger itself has health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation, making non-alcoholic ginger beer a potential option for those seeking a flavorful, healthier beverage.
Final Thoughts: Can Ginger Beer Make You Drunk?
In conclusion, whether or not ginger beer can make you drunk depends on the type you’re drinking. Non-alcoholic ginger beer contains less than 0.5% alcohol, which is not enough to cause intoxication. On the other hand, alcoholic ginger beer, with an ABV ranging from 4% to 7%, can certainly make you drunk if consumed in sufficient quantities.
The next time you enjoy a bottle of ginger beer, be sure to check the label for its alcohol content, and remember to drink responsibly, whether you’re enjoying the non-alcoholic version or the boozier alcoholic kind.
