Gunner

The Gunner is a classic beverage celebrated for its invigorating and thirst-quenching properties. It masterfully combines the crisp sweetness of ginger ale with the fiery spice of ginger beer for a complex, layered ginger profile. A few dashes of Angostura bitters add aromatic depth and a hint of spice, while fresh lime juice provides a zesty, citrusy finish. It stands as the perfect sophisticated alcohol-free option, especially on a warm day.
Gunner

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Gunner is classified as a classic non-alcoholic highball or mocktail. It's a simple, refreshing drink built directly in the glass, characteristic of the highball style. Its status as a long-standing, well-known recipe solidifies its place as a classic in the non-alcoholic category.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. Although it contains trace amounts of alcohol from the bitters, it is universally considered a non-alcoholic beverage.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
~0.5% ABV (due to bitters, effectively non-alcoholic)
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Gunner is believed to have originated in British colonial clubs in the Far East during the late 19th or early 20th century. It became the go-to drink for expatriates seeking a non-alcoholic refresher to combat the tropical heat, especially after sporting activities like golf or cricket. Its name is thought to be a nod to the flavorful "kick" it delivers from the ginger and bitters, waking up the palate without alcohol.
Origin
Believed to originate from British colonial clubs in Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Singapore) in the late 19th or early 20th century.

Gunner

The drink is almost universally known as the Gunner. It is sometimes affectionately called a "Pukka Gunner," particularly in contexts celebrating its British colonial heritage, with "pukka" being a Hindi word for "genuine" or "first-class."
Original name
Gunner
Alternative name
Pukka Gunner

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a vibrant flavor profile dominated by spicy ginger and zesty lime, with a bubbly texture and distinctly refreshing character. Its aroma is complex with notes of citrus and warm spices from the bitters.
Flavor
Spicy ginger, Zesty lime, Aromatic, Slightly sweet, Refreshing
Aroma
Ginger, Citrus, Clove, Cinnamon, Herbal
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet, Spicy, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Warming, Spicy
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Light amber, Pale gold, Clear
Texture
Light, Crisp, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, Thirst-quenching, Summery, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Gunner has a moderate flavor intensity, characterized by prominent ginger spice and high carbonation. It's subtly sweet and sour, with minimal bitterness and no alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The Gunner is built from equal parts of sweet ginger ale and spicy ginger beer, accented with several dashes of Angostura bitters and a touch of fresh lime juice to balance the flavors.
  • Ginger Ale120 ml / 4 oz
    Provides a milder, sweeter ginger flavor and crisp carbonation.
  • Ginger Beer120 ml / 4 oz
    Provides a spicier, more robust ginger flavor. The ratio can be adjusted to taste.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters3 dashes
    Essential for the drink's signature aromatic complexity. Contains alcohol, but the amount used is negligible.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the brightest flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a "built" drink, meaning it's made directly in the serving glass. The only equipment needed is a bar spoon for a very light stir to combine ingredients without losing carbonation.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

This drink is simple to prepare by building all ingredients directly over ice in a highball glass, followed by a gentle stir to mix and a lime garnish to finish.
1. Fill a highball or Collins glass completely with ice cubes.
2. Add 3 generous dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the ice.
3. Pour in the fresh lime juice.
4. Top with equal parts ginger ale and ginger beer.
5. Give the drink a single, gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel before serving.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh lime wedge or wheel is traditional, complementing the drink's citrus notes and adding to its refreshing visual appeal.
  • Lime wedge or wheel, placed on the rim or dropped into the drink.

Dietary Information

This beverage is naturally free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is considered vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free (most bitters and sodas are GF), making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Gunner is a relatively low-calorie beverage. Its caloric, carbohydrate, and sugar content comes almost entirely from the ginger ale and ginger beer used.
Calories
Approximately 100-140 kcal / 420-585 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 25-35 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 25-35 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Gunner is an ideal drink for warm summer afternoons, social gatherings, or as a sophisticated alcohol-free choice at any time. It's famously enjoyed in country clubs after a round of golf or a game of tennis.
  • Summer Afternoon
  • Golf Clubhouse Drink
  • Brunch
  • Alcohol-free alternative

Pairing suggestions

The Gunner's spicy and refreshing profile pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. It effectively cuts through the richness of fried foods, complements the heat of spicy dishes like Thai or Indian curries, and serves as a great accompaniment to light clubhouse fare such as sandwiches and salads.
  • Light sandwiches and salads
  • Spicy Asian cuisine
  • Salty snacks like crisps or nuts
  • Grilled chicken or fish

The Gunner: A Classic Thirst-Quenching Highball

The Gunner is a quintessential non-alcoholic refresher with a storied history in British colonial clubs. It delivers a satisfyingly complex taste through a simple combination of ginger ale, ginger beer, aromatic bitters, and fresh lime. Perfectly balanced between sweet, spicy, and tart, it's an excellent choice for anyone seeking a sophisticated and invigorating beverage without the alcohol. Its simplicity to make and its powerful thirst-quenching nature make it a timeless classic.

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