Fentimans Ginger Beer: Facts, Flavor & How It's Made

Fentimans Traditional Ginger Beer is a non-alcoholic, botanically brewed beverage made using a centuries-old process with natural ingredients including ginger root, citrus peel, and a blend of botanicals. Unlike many commercial ginger beers that use carbonation and artificial flavors, Fentimans undergoes a 7-day fermentation process using a ginger beer plant starter, resulting in subtle carbonation and complex flavor without alcohol content above 0.5% ABV, meeting non-alcoholic beverage standards worldwide.

Fentimans Ginger Beer represents a revival of traditional brewing methods that have largely disappeared from mainstream beverage production. This distinctive drink stands apart from typical soft drinks through its unique production process and ingredient profile, making it a favorite among mixologists, ginger enthusiasts, and those seeking premium non-alcoholic options.

The History Behind Fentimans Ginger Beer

Founded in 1905 by Thomas Fentiman, a Lincolnshire ironmonger, the company began when Fentiman was reportedly given a ginger beer recipe to settle a gambling debt. The original recipe called for a "ginger beer plant"—a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria similar to a kombucha SCOBY—that ferments the mixture naturally. This traditional method creates subtle carbonation and complex flavors without forced carbonation.

While many commercial ginger beers abandoned this time-intensive process during the 20th century, Fentimans maintained the traditional brewing technique. The company experienced a resurgence in popularity during the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s, as bartenders discovered its superior mixing qualities compared to standard ginger ales and beers.

What Makes Fentimans Different From Other Ginger Beers

The key distinction of Fentimans Traditional Ginger Beer lies in its production method. Most commercial ginger beers use:

• Forced carbonation instead of natural fermentation
• Artificial flavors and colors
• High-fructose corn syrup rather than natural sugars
• Significantly less actual ginger content

In contrast, Fentimans uses a 7-day brewing process where natural fermentation creates its characteristic gentle fizz. The company sources ginger from Nigeria and uses a proprietary blend of botanicals including lemongrass, liquorice, and camomile. This results in a more complex flavor profile with spicy ginger notes balanced by subtle floral and citrus undertones.

Feature	Fentimans Traditional Ginger Beer	Standard Commercial Ginger Beer
Brewing Method	Natural fermentation (7 days)	Forced carbonation
Ginger Content	Real ginger root extract	Often artificial ginger flavor
Sweetener	Cane sugar	High-fructose corn syrup
Carbonation	Naturally occurring	Artificially added
Alcohol Content	0.4-0.5% ABV	Typically 0% ABV

Understanding Fentimans Alcohol Content

One of the most frequently asked questions about Fentimans ginger beer is whether it contains alcohol. The answer requires nuance: Fentimans Traditional Ginger Beer contains between 0.4% and 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) as a natural byproduct of its fermentation process. This trace amount falls below the threshold for classification as an alcoholic beverage in most countries, including the United States and United Kingdom.

This minimal alcohol content distinguishes Fentimans from both:

• True non-alcoholic beverages (0.0% ABV)
• Alcoholic ginger beers (typically 2-5% ABV)

The fermentation process cannot be stopped precisely at 0.0% ABV without compromising the traditional brewing method, which explains the trace alcohol content. For most consumers including children, this amount is nutritionally insignificant—comparable to what naturally occurs in overripe fruit or kombucha tea.

Taste Profile and Product Varieties

Fentimans Traditional Ginger Beer delivers a complex flavor experience that evolves as you drink it. Initial citrus notes give way to spicy ginger warmth, finishing with subtle floral and earthy undertones from the botanical blend. The carbonation is noticeably softer than standard soft drinks, with smaller, more delicate bubbles.

Beyond their flagship Traditional Ginger Beer, Fentimans offers several varieties that maintain the same brewing process while varying the botanical profiles:

• Rhubarb Royale - With added rhubarb and hibiscus
• Curiosity Cola - Botanical cola alternative
• Victorian Lemonade - Less ginger-forward, more citrus
• Rose Lemonade - Floral interpretation

How to Use Fentimans Ginger Beer

The complexity of Fentimans makes it exceptionally versatile. While delicious on its own over ice, it shines in several applications:

As a Cocktail Mixer

Fentimans has become the preferred ginger beer for premium Dark and Stormy cocktails, replacing standard ginger beers that lack depth. The traditional brewing process creates a more balanced mixer that doesn't overwhelm other ingredients. Bartenders particularly value how its natural carbonation maintains effervescence longer than artificially carbonated alternatives.

Food Pairing

The ginger's spiciness and citrus notes make Fentimans an excellent companion to:

• Asian cuisine (particularly Thai and Indian dishes)
• Fatty foods like pork belly or duck
• Spicy dishes where standard soft drinks would be too sweet
• Cheese plates featuring blue cheeses

Culinary Applications

Chefs use Fentimans as a braising liquid for meats, in marinades, and even in desserts where its complex ginger flavor adds depth without overwhelming sweetness.

Fentimans vs. Other Premium Ginger Beers

When comparing Fentimans traditional ginger beer to other craft options, several factors distinguish it:

• Brewing time - Fentimans' 7-day process versus 1-3 days for most competitors
• Ingredient quality - Direct sourcing of Nigerian ginger versus generic ginger powder
• Carbonation method - Natural fermentation versus forced carbonation
• Sweetener - Cane sugar versus high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners
• Flavor complexity - Botanical blend creates layered taste versus single-note ginger flavor

While brands like Fever-Tree and Q Mixers offer quality ginger beers, they typically use modern production methods with forced carbonation. Small-batch craft ginger beers may approach Fentimans' quality but rarely match its consistent flavor profile across batches.

Where to Find Fentimans Ginger Beer

Fentimans has expanded significantly from its UK origins and is now available in specialty grocery stores, liquor stores, and online retailers across North America, Europe, and Australia. Look for it in the premium mixer section rather than with standard soft drinks. The distinctive amber bottle with Victorian-style labeling makes it easily identifiable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fentimans Ginger Beer

Is Fentimans ginger beer alcoholic?

Fentimans Traditional Ginger Beer contains 0.4-0.5% alcohol by volume as a natural byproduct of its fermentation process. This trace amount falls below the threshold for classification as an alcoholic beverage in most countries, making it legally non-alcoholic while distinguishing it from beverages with 0.0% ABV.

What are the ingredients in Fentimans ginger beer?

Fentimans Traditional Ginger Beer contains carbonated water, cane sugar, ginger extract (1.3%), citric acid, sodium citrate, caramel color, natural flavorings including a blend of botanicals (liquorice, camomile, lemongrass), and fruit juice concentrates. The ginger extract comes from Nigerian ginger root, and the botanical blend creates its distinctive complex flavor profile.

How is Fentimans different from regular ginger beer?

Unlike most commercial ginger beers that use forced carbonation and artificial flavors, Fentimans undergoes a 7-day natural fermentation process using a ginger beer plant starter. This creates subtle carbonation and complex flavors. Fentimans uses real ginger root extract rather than artificial ginger flavor, cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, and includes a proprietary blend of botanicals that contribute to its layered taste profile.

Why is Fentimans ginger beer more expensive than other ginger beers?

The higher price reflects Fentimans' traditional production method, which requires 7 days of natural fermentation compared to hours for standard ginger beers. It uses higher quality ingredients including Nigerian ginger root and a proprietary botanical blend, plus cane sugar instead of cheaper sweeteners. The time-intensive process and premium ingredients contribute to the cost but also create a more complex, nuanced beverage.

Can children drink Fentimans ginger beer?

Yes, children can safely consume Fentimans ginger beer. The trace alcohol content (0.4-0.5% ABV) is comparable to what occurs naturally in overripe fruit or kombucha tea and is nutritionally insignificant. Many parents choose Fentimans for children's beverages at restaurants because it offers a more sophisticated flavor profile than standard soft drinks without the high sugar content of many children's beverages.