If you're looking for a drink that's the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, keep reading! This lemon ginger cocktail is a perfect pick-me-up during the holiday season or a cold refresher in the middle of summer. It makes 4 servings, so it's ideal for happy hour or your next party!

Why You’ll Love This Ginger Beer & Lemon Cocktail

The classic combo of ginger and lemon needs no introduction.

Have you ever had that Starbucks medicine ball tea? It's an off-menu drink, but basically, it's the hottest cup of spicy ginger tea spiked with bright lemon and sweet honey.

It serves a similar purpose to the classic whiskey drink, the hot toddy (like my fireball hot toddy). It's a traditional drink used to warm you up and soothe your sore throat or the sniffles.

This ginger ale cocktail keeps those soothing flavors together, but serves them over ice and adds some refreshing aromatics to that tickle your nose.

It might not quite count as medicine, but it sure it s a great way to let go after a long day. Honestly, it’s my new favorite vodka cocktail and I think you’ll see why when you try it! & If you want something equally as refreshing, try out this Italian Limoncello Spritz or a Classic Hugo Spritz.

Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale

I bet you're wondering whether you need ginger ale or ginger beer for this recipe and what the difference is anyway!

Ginger beer - Traditionally fermented (kind of like kombucha), ginger beer has a very strong ginger flavor and heat. It is usually not too sweet and is great for settling an upset stomach.
Ginger ale - Ginger ale is a ginger-flavored soda perfect for sipping or as a cocktail mixer. It is sweeter and has a milder flavor than ginger beer.

Which one is right for this recipe? Either!

If you're a fan of really bold, sharp flavors, a ginger beer will give this lemon ginger vodka cocktail a big bite and a warm heat that radiates on the way down.

Ginger ale will be more appropriate for people who like a sweeter, more mild ginger flavor, while still ensuring you have a light, fizzy cocktail.

How sweet is this lemon ginger beer cocktail?

You'll notice that the only added sweetness in this recipe comes from the ginger ale or ginger beer.

I love how bright and refreshing this cocktail is but if you're used to sugar-sweet drinks, you may want to opt for ginger ale as it is typically a little sweeter. You can always add a splash of simple syrup, too!

Ingredients for a Ginger Ale Cocktail

Fresh lemon juice - There's nothing as refreshing as lemon juice! With such a bright, clean flavor, it cuts through the heat of the ginger and adds a pleasant tanginess you'll love.

Vodka - This is the perfect neutral alcohol to let the flavors of lemon, ginger, and rosemary shine. Choose any unflavored vodka you love. You'll need a cup of vodka for this recipe (serves 4).

Ginger beer - Spicy with a crisp bite, fizzy ginger beer brings this whole drink together.

Fresh rosemary - Although these garnishes are optional, a sprig of fresh rosemary and a little lemon zest give this drink a little mystery. They add a savory, herbal note that pairs perfectly with the ginger and lemon.

Ice - Feel free to use regular ice cubes or make your own ice shards, if you're really fancy!

Step By Step Instructions

In a pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine the vodka and lemon juice. Stir well.
Pour this mixture over ice in 4 glasses.
Top with ginger beer and garnish with rosemary sprig and lemon slice.

Substitutions

Although I love using vodka in this drink, feel free to swap out your favorite whiskey, bourbon, or gin. I'm telling you, lemon and ginger go with anything!

If you can't find ginger beer or ginger ale, you can try substituting ginger syrup and soda water or club soda.

Trying to consume less sugar? Feel free to substitute sugar-free ginger beer or ginger ale.

If you're out of fresh rosemary, try using fresh mint leaves.

Not trying to mix drinks for a crew? Scale down this recipe to a single serving.

1 oz lemon juice
2 oz vodka
3 oz ginger beer

Feel free to choose whichever glassware works for your crew whether that's a mason jar, martini glass, or cocktail glass!

Other Ginger Lemon Cocktails

You'll find this classic flavor duo in a wide variety of cocktail recipes! Here are some of my favorites:

Lemon Ginger Gimlet: This gimlet recipe from Love and Lemons adds a little sweetness and swaps out the vodka for gin.
The Penicillin Cocktail: Just like its namesake, the Penicillin cocktail is made to cure what ails you! It's loaded with refreshing ginger syrup, honey syrup, whiskey, and lemon juice. Delicious!
Lemon Ginger Martini: This take on the classic cocktail combines ginger root syrup, fresh lemon juice, vodka, and vermouth. This lemon ginger martini is sure to please the martini lovers in your crew!
Ginger Gold Rush: In this recipe from Garnish with Lemon, you combine bourbon, ginger liqueur, and fresh lemon juice for a cold drink to warm you up!
Lemon Ginger Prosecco Cocktail: Take the lemon-ginger flavor combo to the next level by combining both gin and prosecco in this prosecco cocktail recipe by The Fitchen!

Serve Lemon Ginger Cocktails at your next party

Save this recipe for your next cocktail party or to serve alongside your favorite brunch recipes this weekend. It's packed with so much fresh flavor and comes together so quickly! Will you let me know what you think after you try it?