Drink: Ginger beers

The cocktail revolution has been very good to ginger beer.

The cocktail revolution has been very good to ginger beer, said Joe Gray in the Chicago Tribune. Previously limited to use in Moscow Mules and Dark ’n’ Stormys, this zingy soda is “showing up more and more as an ingredient on ambitious cocktail lists.” Once an alcoholic beverage itself, ginger beer is now usually as child-friendly as a ginger ale—except that it’s far spicier. The three that our tasters liked best all packed serious ginger heat.

Maine Root Ginger Brew (4 for $7). Our “very bubbly” top choice delivers a “warm, spicy” aftertaste.

Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer (4 for $6). A real sinus-clearer, but with “earthy and dusky” flavors, this soda makes a great mixer.

Barritt’s Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer (6 for $7). The panel’s No. 3 choice offers a bit more sweetness, yet still delivers “a strong and lasting spicy flavor.”