Few drinks are as iconic and versatile as ginger beer. Today it’s best known as the spicy, refreshing base for countless cocktails, but this distinctive drink has roots stretching back centuries. At Fentimans, our story with ginger beer is a particularly special one; one that begins with a tradesman, a recipe, and a faithful dog.
Once Upon a Time…
In 1905, Thomas Fentiman, an iron puddler from Cleckheaton in the North of England, was approached by a fellow tradesman for a loan. A deal was struck, and a recipe for Botanically Brewed Ginger Beer was handed over as security. The loan was never repaid, and Thomas became the proud owner of a recipe that would change his family’s history.
He began producing Fentimans Ginger Beer, selling it door-to-door by horse and cart in distinctive stone jars known as Grey Hens. At the time, there was no company logo; the jars simply carried the family names “Hollows & Fentiman.”
The logo we know today arrived later: Fearless the dog, Thomas’ loyal German Shepherd, who still guards every bottle and our head office, Fearless House. More than a century on, Fentimans remains a family-owned business, with Thomas’ great-grandson Eldon Robson proudly continuing the tradition of hand-crafting drinks in the North East of England.
Botanically Brewed: A True Craft
What makes Fentimans Ginger Beer unique is our time-honoured process of Botanical Brewing. Using a blend of natural ingredients, fermenting botanicals, and expert craftsmanship, the drink achieves its bold flavour and signature depth. This dedication to craft is what has kept Fentimans at the forefront of ginger beer for over 100 years.
The Best Ginger Beer Cocktail Recipes
Whether you prefer whisky, rum, or even wine, ginger beer adds a refreshing kick to any serve. Here are three of our favourite recipes:
1. Whisky and Ginger Cocktail
A timeless pairing that never goes out of style. Perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
Ingredients
- 50ml Famous Grouse Whisky
- 200ml Fentimans Ginger Beer
- Lime slices to garnish
Method
- Add 50ml Famous Grouse Whisky to a glass filled with ice.
- Pour in 200ml Fentimans Ginger Beer.
- Garnish with lime slices.
2. Perfect Storm Cocktail
A rum-based classic that brings out the fiery spice of ginger beer, always best with plenty of lime.
Ingredients
- 50ml Kraken Spiced Rum
- 200ml Fentimans Ginger Beer
- Squeeze of lime
- Lime wedge to garnish
Method
- Add Kraken Spiced Rum to a glass with ice.
- Stir in 200ml Fentimans Ginger Beer.
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
3. Ginger Cocktail
A spritz with a difference; the boldness of ginger beer paired with the richness of red wine makes this serve unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 50ml Red Wine
- 15ml Triple Sec
- Fentimans Ginger Beer to top
- Lime wheels to garnish
Method
- Add red wine and triple sec to an ice-filled glass.
- Top with Fentimans Ginger Beer.
- Garnish with lime wheels.
Ginger Beer: A Classic That Lasts
From its humble beginnings in a tradesman’s kitchen to becoming a staple in bars and homes across the world, ginger beer has stood the test of time. At Fentimans, we’re proud to carry on the tradition of Botanical Brewing, creating ginger beer that’s as full of character today as it was in 1905.
Whether you’re enjoying it straight from the bottle or mixing it into a cocktail, ginger beer will always be a drink with history and a future.