Here at Mouth, we love to geek out about our favorite drinks and snacks. Take ginger beer – why is it called beer when it doesn't, you know, actually contain any beer? Well did you know that back in 18th century England, where the drink was invented, ginger beer was brewed and actually had an alcohol content higher than most of today's beers (around 11 percent!). But in order to avoid paying taxes, brewers started diluting the drink with water. 

Today, most ginger beer isn't brewed, but it does have a stronger, spicier taste than regular old ginger ale. We love the rich flavor and medium heat of Pickett's Ginger Beer Syrup, whether we're drinking it with soda water and a squeeze of lime on a hot day, or mixing up our favorite ginger cocktails. British accent not included.

tip of the tongue

Once you're tired of Moscow Mules and Dark 'n Stormies (as if!), try a ginger mojito. Muddle together 4 mint leaves and 1 oz ginger beer syrup. Pour over ice, along with 2 oz light rum, a generous squeeze or two of lime juice and about 5 oz soda water. Garnish with a wedge of lime.