Gunner Mocktail Recipe With Ginger Beer And Bitters

You ever sip something and it just gets you? That’s the Gunner Mocktail. It’s got this wild mix of spice and chill that somehow works whether you’re sweating through a hot afternoon or layering up for a breezy night.

It’s punchy but smooth loud but polite… kinda like your one friend who’s got stories for days but always knows when to pass the aux.

This drink’s got roots in old-school British golf clubs where it technically counted as a mocktail but let’s be real, the bitters alone have enough kick to wake up a whole pub. Still it stuck around cause it’s weirdly perfect for pretty much any vibe.

Easy to make easy to love and lowkey kinda addictive… the Gunner is that underrated fave you end up making on repeat.

The base lineup’s simple: ginger beer, ginger ale, a hint of bitters and a little lime cordial to tie it all together. Bright, punchy, and just the right amount of bite.

Where The Gunner Mocktail Really Came From And Why It Still Hits

The Gunner started out in British golf clubs where everything was buttoned up and a little too serious. It was made for the guys who didn’t want booze but still wanted something that felt like a drink, not just a soda.

It was called a mocktail even though Angostura bitters are very much not alcohol-free. But Empire logic said if it didn’t have a shot of gin or scotch, it didn’t count. So the Gunner slid under the radar.

Bold fizzy slightly spicy and just fancy enough to feel like something special. It didn’t ask for attention but people noticed anyway.

How To Make The Perfect Gunner Mocktail At Home

This one’s simple but getting the balance right makes all the difference. You want bold but smooth fizzy but not flat and just enough citrus to keep things bright.

• Use strong ginger beer: That spicy bite is what gives the drink its backbone
• Pick a lighter ginger ale: Keeps it sweet without going full syrup
• Add bitters carefully: A couple of dashes go a long way
• Lime cordial is key: Don’t skip it it brings everything together
• Mix gently: Stir don’t shake or you’ll lose all that fizz
• Serve it cold: This drink needs ice and chilled ingredients to shine
• Add a spirit if you want: Gin or vodka fits right in without messing up the flavor

Dial it in once and you’ll have a go-to that feels a little fancy without all the effort.

Need some ALCOHOL-FREE spirits for your mocktails? Why not try one of these?

The Free Spirits Company

OR Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits.

OR Sentia Spirits.

One of these is bound to have what you need !

Foods To Pair It With The Gunner

The Gunner’s got that spicy citrusy vibe that plays real nice with salty bold flavors. It’s not picky but it shines with snacks that have a little bite or char.

Spicy peanuts or trail mix: Crunchy salty and a little heat match the drink’s kick

Grilled skewers or satay: Anything off the grill pairs well with that ginger snap

Fish and chips: Classic combo with the fizz cutting through the fried

Nachos with lime-heavy guac: Big flavor meets big refresh

Charcuterie with sharp cheese and pickles: Sweet spice from the drink balances out the salty tang

This mocktail’s got range… makes snack boards feel fancier and backyard food taste like a win.

How to Make a Classic Gunner Mocktail / Mocktail

The Gunner’s got that perfect “ahh” factor, like the first sip cuts through whatever kind of day you were having. You’ve got the sharp, fizzy kick from ginger beer, mellowed out by that smooth sweetness from the ginger ale.

Then the bitters come in, all mysterious and aromatic, like the background music that ties the whole vibe together. Add a splash of lime cordial and suddenly it’s bright, balanced and kind of addictive.

Ingredients

• 3 oz Ginger Beer
• 3 oz Ginger Ale
• 1/2 oz lime cordial
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Ice cubes

[Optional: for an alcoholic version: 2 oz gin or vodka]

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add lime cordial, and angostura bitters into the shaker. If adding gin or vodka, add it here.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
5. Top off with ginger beer and ginger ale.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 mocktail
• Calories: 107 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g

Easy Gunner Mocktail Variations To Try

Once you’ve got the classic version down it’s way too tempting not to switch things up. The Gunner’s base is simple but super flexible so you can make it fit whatever mood you’re in.

Swap lime cordial for fresh lime juice: Cuts the sweetness and adds a sharper citrus hit

Use tonic instead of ginger ale: Brings in a bitter edge if you want it a little more grown

Add cucumber slices: Gives it a cool refreshing twist without changing the flavor too much

Drop in mint leaves: Makes it feel fresh and slightly fancy with zero extra work

Make it frozen: Blend it with crushed ice for a slushy version that hits on hot days

Play around till it hits your vibe. The Gunner’s hard to mess up and easy to make yours.

Looking for other mocktails? Why not try a non-alcoholic pina colada or a guava-ginger mocktail?

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Gunner Mocktail

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The Gunner Mocktail is a classic 'non-alcoholic' drink loved in Hong Kong and Singapore, often enjoyed at golf clubs and social gatherings.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 90 ml Ginger Beer
• 90 ml Ginger Ale
• 15 ml lime cordial
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add lime cordial, and angostura bitters into the shaker. If adding gin or vodka, add it here.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
5. Top off with ginger beer and ginger ale.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Notes

For an alcoholic version: add 2 oz of gin or vodka

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 107Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 16mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 2gSugar: 22gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.