Where to Buy Ginger Beer: Complete Retail Guide

Where to Buy Ginger Beer: Complete Retail Guide
Ginger beer is widely available at major supermarkets (Walmart, Kroger, Target), liquor stores for alcoholic varieties, specialty grocery stores (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's), and online retailers. Non-alcoholic options appear in soft drink aisles, while alcoholic versions (2-11% ABV) are found in beer or specialty alcohol sections. International markets often carry authentic Jamaican and British brands like Bundaberg and Fentimans.

If you're searching for where to buy ginger beer, you'll find it in multiple retail channels depending on whether you want alcoholic or non-alcoholic varieties. This comprehensive guide details exactly where to find quality ginger beer options across different purchasing environments.

Understanding Ginger Beer Types Before You Buy

Before exploring where to buy ginger beer, understand the two main categories:

  • Non-alcoholic ginger beer - Typically found in soft drink aisles, contains less than 0.5% alcohol
  • Alcoholic ginger beer - Usually 2-11% ABV, classified as "hard" ginger beer, found in alcohol sections

Many major brands like Reed's and Q Mixers offer both versions, while traditional craft producers often specialize in one type. When searching where to purchase ginger beer, specify your preference to find the right retail location.

Physical Retail Locations for Ginger Beer

For immediate purchase, these brick-and-mortar options consistently carry ginger beer:

Major Supermarkets and Grocery Chains

Nearly all major supermarket chains stock ginger beer in either the soft drink or international foods section. Whole Foods Market typically offers the widest selection of premium and organic options. Trader Joe's carries their own brand plus specialty imports. Kroger, Albertsons, and Publix usually have 3-5 varieties including mainstream brands like Canada Dry and Fever-Tree.

Liquor Stores for Alcoholic Varieties

When looking where to buy alcoholic ginger beer, visit liquor stores that specialize in craft beverages. Total Wine & More maintains extensive selections of hard ginger beers from craft breweries. Local independent liquor stores often carry regional craft options you won't find elsewhere. For cocktail enthusiasts searching where to buy ginger beer for Moscow Mules, most liquor stores keep ginger beer near cocktail mixers or craft sodas.

Specialty and International Markets

Caribbean and British specialty markets typically stock authentic imported ginger beers. Look for traditional Jamaican brands like Ting or Bundaberg at Caribbean markets, while British imports like Fentimans and Crabbie's appear in UK specialty stores. Asian markets sometimes carry regional ginger beer variations worth exploring when determining where to purchase ginger beer locally.

Store Type Typical Ginger Beer Selection Price Range (12oz)
Major Supermarkets 3-8 varieties (mainstream brands) $1.50-$3.00
Specialty Grocery Stores 8-15 varieties (premium/craft options) $2.50-$5.00
Liquor Stores 5-12 varieties (alcoholic versions) $3.00-$7.00
Online Retailers 15-30+ varieties (broad selection) $2.00-$8.00 + shipping

Online Options for Where to Buy Ginger Beer

For the broadest selection when searching where to purchase ginger beer, online retailers provide extensive options:

Major E-commerce Platforms

Amazon carries the most comprehensive selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beers, with subscription options for regular delivery. Walmart and Target online stores offer convenient grocery delivery of mainstream ginger beer brands. When exploring where to buy ginger beer online through these platforms, check regional availability as selection varies by location.

Specialty Beverage Websites

Sites like CraftShack, Cider Market, and Total Wine online specialize in craft beverages including premium ginger beers. These platforms often provide detailed tasting notes and pairing suggestions when you're searching where to purchase artisanal ginger beer options. Many craft breweries now offer direct-to-consumer shipping where legally permitted.

Grocery Delivery Services

Instacart, Shipt, and Amazon Fresh allow you to virtually browse local store selections when determining where to buy ginger beer nearby. These services show real-time inventory from your preferred grocery stores, eliminating trips to multiple locations when searching where to purchase ginger beer in your area.

Regional Availability Considerations

Where to buy ginger beer varies by region due to distribution networks and local preferences:

  • United States - Widely available nationwide, with craft options more prevalent in urban areas
  • United Kingdom - Traditional ginger beer widely available in supermarkets and pubs
  • Caribbean - Authentic Jamaican ginger beer found in local markets and grocery stores
  • Australia/New Zealand - Bundaberg dominates shelf space in supermarkets

When traveling or relocating, search "where to buy ginger beer near me" for location-specific results. Many craft ginger beer producers maintain store locators on their websites for precise regional availability.

Price Range Guide for Ginger Beer Purchases

Understanding pricing helps when deciding where to buy ginger beer:

  • Budget options ($1.50-$2.50 per 12oz): Canada Dry, Vernors, store brands
  • Mid-range options ($2.50-$4.50 per 12oz): Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, Reed's
  • Premium options ($4.50-$8.00 per 12oz): Small batch craft producers, imported varieties

Buying in bulk (12-packs or cases) typically reduces per-unit cost by 20-30%. Craft ginger beers generally cost more due to small-batch production and premium ingredients. When researching where to purchase ginger beer economically, consider both upfront cost and cost per serving for cocktail preparation.

Quality Considerations When Buying Ginger Beer

Not all ginger beers deliver the same quality experience. When determining where to buy ginger beer that meets your standards:

  • Check ingredient lists for natural ginger content versus artificial flavors
  • Look for brands specifying ginger origin (Nigeria, India, or Jamaica typically indicate quality)
  • Consider carbonation level - traditional ginger beer has lively, natural carbonation
  • For alcoholic versions, verify ABV percentage matches your preference

Reputable producers often include harvest dates or batch numbers for freshness tracking. When exploring where to purchase ginger beer for cocktail making, prioritize brands with balanced sweetness and pronounced ginger flavor rather than overly sweet options.

Whether you need ginger beer for cocktails, non-alcoholic refreshment, or culinary uses, multiple purchasing options exist. By understanding where to buy ginger beer based on your specific needs—whether seeking mainstream availability, craft quality, or international authenticity—you can find the perfect option for your purpose.

Person comparing ginger beer options in supermarket beverage aisle

Where can I buy ginger beer near me right now?

Check major supermarkets like Walmart, Kroger, or Target first, as they typically stock ginger beer in the soft drink aisle or international foods section. Use grocery delivery apps like Instacart to check real-time availability at stores near you without leaving home.

Does Target carry ginger beer?

Yes, Target carries multiple ginger beer brands including Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, and their own Good & Gather brand. You'll typically find them in the soft drink aisle or near cocktail mixers, with alcoholic varieties in the beer or specialty alcohol section depending on store licensing.

Where to buy alcoholic ginger beer?

Alcoholic ginger beer (often called "hard" ginger beer) is available at liquor stores, Total Wine & More, and some supermarkets with alcohol licenses. Popular brands include Crabbie's, Bundaberg, and local craft brewery options. Check your state's alcohol regulations as availability varies by location.

Is ginger beer available at gas stations?

Some larger gas station convenience stores like Wawa, Sheetz, or Buc-ee's may carry mainstream ginger beer brands, but selection is typically limited. Most standard gas stations don't stock ginger beer regularly, so supermarkets or specialty stores remain more reliable options when searching where to buy ginger beer.

Where to buy ginger beer for Moscow Mules?

For authentic Moscow Mules, look for ginger beer with pronounced ginger flavor and balanced sweetness. Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, and Bundaberg are popular choices available at liquor stores, specialty grocery stores, and online. Avoid overly sweet options that will dominate the cocktail's flavor profile.

Lisa Chang

Lisa Chang

A well-traveled food writer who has spent the last eight years documenting authentic spice usage in regional cuisines worldwide. Lisa's unique approach combines culinary with hands-on cooking experience, revealing how spices reflect cultural identity across different societies. Lisa excels at helping home cooks understand the cultural context of spices while providing practical techniques for authentic flavor recreation.