Quick Answer
Traditional ginger beer does contain a very small amount of alcohol, usually around 0.5% ABV. However, most modern commercial ginger beers are alcohol free. The key factors that determine alcohol content are the fermentation process and ingredients used.
What is Ginger Beer?
Ginger beer is a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger. It originated in England in the mid-18th century and became popular throughout the British Empire.
There are two main types of ginger beer:
Traditional or “Homemade” Ginger Beer
This is made by fermenting a mixture of ginger, sugar, water, and yeast. The fermentation process converts the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, which produces the carbonation. It has an alcohol content around 0.5-1.0% ABV.
Commercial Ginger Beer
Modern ginger beers are manufactured and sold commercially. They are not fermented and do not contain any alcohol. Carbonation is added during the production process. Popular brands include Canada Dry, Reeds, and Buderim.
Does Ginger Beer Contain Alcohol?
Traditional Ginger Beer
As traditional ginger beer is fermented, it does contain a very low alcohol percentage, usually around 0.5% ABV.
The alcohol comes from the fermentation of the ginger beer ‘plant’ – the yeast and bacteria culture added to initiate fermentation. The yeast converts sugars into alcohol and CO2.
The alcohol content can vary slightly based on:
- Sugar content – More sugar = more alcohol
- Length of fermentation – Longer fermentation = more alcohol
- Yeast strain – Different yeasts produce different amounts of alcohol
So traditional homemade ginger beer is not completely non-alcoholic, but the alcohol content is very low.
Commercial Ginger Beer
Modern commercially made ginger beer does not contain alcohol, as it is not fermented. The carbonation is added artificially during production.
Brands like Canada Dry, Reeds, Bundaberg, and Buderim ginger beer contain 0.0% alcohol. They can legally be sold as non-alcoholic beverages.
Why is Alcohol Content Low in Ginger Beer?
Here are some reasons why ginger beer generally has a low alcohol percentage, even when fermented:
- The yeast added has a low alcohol tolerance. It cannot convert much sugar to alcohol before becoming inactive.
- Ginger beer wort tends to have relatively low sugar content compared to other fermented drinks.
- Fermentation is often stopped early, before all sugars are converted to alcohol.
Stopping fermentation early ensures some residual sweetness remains in the ginger beer.
Is Ginger Beer Completely Non-Alcoholic?
| Type | Alcohol Content |
|---|---|
| Traditional ginger beer | Around 0.5% ABV |
| Commercial ginger beer | 0.0% ABV (completely non-alcoholic) |
As shown in the table, traditional homemade ginger beer contains trace amounts of alcohol from the fermentation process.
However, commercially produced ginger beers are non-alcoholic, as they are not fermented. Brands like Canada Dry, Bundaberg, and Buderim contain no alcohol at all.
Is Ginger Beer Safe for Children?
Commercially manufactured ginger beer that is labeled non-alcoholic can safely be consumed by people of all ages, including children.
However, traditional homemade ginger beers with slight alcohol content are not recommended for children under age 5, pregnant women, or people avoiding alcohol for religious, health or addiction reasons.
Can Ginger Beer Get You Drunk?
No, it is impossible to get drunk drinking ginger beer.
Even traditional homemade ginger beers with 0.5-1% ABV do not have nearly enough alcohol content to cause intoxication.
One would have to drink huge, dangerous quantities to reach blood alcohol levels associated with drunkenness.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Traditional homemade ginger beer contains around 0.5% alcohol from the fermentation process.
- Commercially produced ginger beers sold today are alcohol free.
- The small amount of alcohol in traditional ginger beer cannot cause intoxication.
- Modern commercial ginger beers are safe for people of all ages.
So while traditional ginger beer is not completely alcohol free, it only contains trace amounts of alcohol and modern versions contain none at all. Ginger beer should not be confused with alcoholic ginger wine or other fermented ginger drinks.