How to drink the king's ginger: a versatile guide

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

The King's Ginger liqueur was originally created in 1903 for King Edward VII by Berry Bros. & Rudd to keep him warm during his adventures in his new horseless carriage. Today, this rich and zesty ginger spirit remains a versatile ingredient for everything from warming sips to refreshing cocktails, offering a wealth of ways to drink the king's ginger.

Quick Summary

The King's Ginger, a vibrant ginger liqueur, can be enjoyed in various ways, including neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a variety of refreshing and warming cocktails. The liqueur's distinctive spicy-sweet flavor profile, with its prominent ginger and citrus notes, makes it a dynamic addition to both classic and modern drinks.

Key Points

Neat or On the Rocks: Enjoy the pure, unadulterated flavors of ginger and citrus by sipping it straight or with a few ice cubes for a mellow chill.
Classic Cocktails: The King's Ginger excels in mixed drinks like the King's Ginger Mule, offering a spicy twist to a classic highball.
Warming Winter Drinks: Mix it into a Royal Hot Toddy or mulled cider for a comforting and invigorating warmth on chilly days.
Sparkling Celebrations: Add a dash to sparkling wine or champagne to create a festive King's Fizz cocktail, a spirited alternative to a Kir Royale.
Versatile Mixer: Beyond traditional cocktails, use the liqueur to enhance hot chocolate or other creative concoctions.
Garnish Wisely: Enhance the drink's aroma and presentation with citrus wheels, fresh mint, or a cinnamon stick.

A Royal History and Flavor Profile

In 1903, the Royal Physician, concerned about King Edward VII's health while driving his open-topped Daimler, commissioned a special warming liqueur. The resulting creation was The King's Ginger, crafted by Berry Bros. & Rudd from ginger root and lemon oil to provide a revitalising warmth. While the recipe has been tweaked over the years to enhance its flavor and appeal, its essence remains the same. The current version, with its lower 29.9% ABV, offers an unmistakably ginger aroma and a palate of ginger syrup sweetness, fresh ginger tingle, and zesty citrus. Its versatility has ensured its enduring popularity.

Serving The King's Ginger Neat or On the Rocks

For those who wish to experience the liqueur's full-bodied, unadulterated flavor, serving it neat or over ice is the classic approach. This method allows the complex interplay of spicy ginger, zesty lemon, and warming sweetness to shine.

Neat

Pour a measure of The King's Ginger into a small whisky glass or tumbler.
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled to taste.
Savor slowly to appreciate the powerful ginger heat and lingering warmth.

On the Rocks

Fill a lowball glass with large ice cubes.
Pour over a generous measure of the liqueur.
The ice mellows the intensity, providing a smoother, chilled experience.

Classic and Contemporary Cocktails

The King's Ginger is a bartender's delight, adding a bold, spicy kick to a wide range of cocktails.

King's Ginger Mule

This is a spicy twist on the classic Moscow Mule, replacing the vodka with the ginger liqueur.

50ml The King's Ginger
15ml Lime juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
60ml Ginger beer
Fresh mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish

Method: Build all ingredients in a highball glass with ice, stir gently, and garnish.

The King and Tonic

For a simple, refreshing long drink, this is a perfect choice.

50ml The King's Ginger
100ml Premium tonic water
Dash of bitters (optional)
Lemon slice to garnish

Method: Fill a highball glass with ice, add the liqueur and tonic, and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice.

King's Fizz

Add a touch of celebration with this sparkling wine-based cocktail.

25ml The King's Ginger
Chilled sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne)

Method: Pour the liqueur into a flute and top with sparkling wine.

Seasonal and Hot Serves

Beyond cocktails, The King's Ginger is an excellent winter warmer or a versatile ingredient in hot drinks.

Royal Hot Toddy

A soothing drink perfect for cold evenings.

40ml The King's Ginger
150ml Hot water
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Honey to taste
Cinnamon stick for garnish

Method: Combine all ingredients in a mug and stir until honey is dissolved. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

King's Spiced Cider

Enhance a classic mulled cider with a spicy kick.

50ml The King's Ginger
150ml apple cider (or juice)
Cinnamon stick and lemon wheel for garnish

Method: Gently heat the cider with the liqueur and spices. Serve warm in a glass mug.

Serving Comparison: Neat vs. Mixed


Feature	Serving Neat	Serving Mixed
Flavor Profile	Intense ginger, zesty lemon, and warming sweetness are fully prominent.	Flavors are balanced and integrated with other ingredients, creating a more complex experience.
Best For	Sipping slowly, especially after a meal or on a cold evening.	Creating a refreshing long drink or a sophisticated cocktail.
Drink Strength	Higher, as it is served at full strength.	Milder, diluted by mixers and other ingredients.
Temperature	Often served at room temperature or slightly chilled.	Typically served cold with ice.
Experience	Focused and pure, appreciating the liqueur's singular character.	Versatile and creative, allowing for experimentation with flavor pairings.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer to appreciate its rich, spicy character on its own or to mix it into creative cocktails, knowing how to drink the king's ginger offers a wide range of rewarding experiences. From the simple elegance of a neat pour to the festive warmth of a hot toddy, this royal liqueur is remarkably versatile. Its historical roots and unique flavor make it a delightful and invigorating choice for any occasion, proving that its appeal extends far beyond King Edward VII's horseless carriage. For more information and inspiration, visit the official Berry Bros. & Rudd website Berry Bros. & Rudd.

Frequently Asked Questions

For newcomers, a simple 'King and Tonic' is an excellent starting point. The tonic water and a lemon slice balance the liqueur's spiciness, making it a refreshing and approachable introduction.

Yes, The King's Ginger is a fantastic addition to culinary creations. Its rich ginger and citrus flavors can enhance desserts like cheesecake or flavor chocolate truffles.

The King's Ginger is a ginger-flavored liqueur with an alcoholic content of 29.9% ABV, while ginger ale is a non-alcoholic, carbonated soft drink. They can be mixed together in cocktails like the King's Ginger Mule.

An opened bottle should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Unlike wine, it does not need to be refrigerated and will keep well for a long period.

The King's Ginger pairs particularly well with whisky, especially Scotch. Blended Scotch or certain whiskies with honeyed notes complement the liqueur beautifully in cocktails like a Penicillin variation.

Yes, following a relaunch in 2020, the ABV was reduced to 29.9%. The recipe was also revised to feature more assertive ginger heat and zesty lemon.

Yes, adding a splash of The King's Ginger to hot coffee or a cup of lemon-ginger tea can create a delightful and warming beverage, perfect for a cold day.

The King's Ginger was created in 1903 by Berry Bros. & Rudd for King Edward VII. The royal physician commissioned the liqueur to provide warmth and invigoration for the King during his cold-weather excursions in his horseless carriage.