Ingredients
- 5 oz Apple Soda
- 2.5 oz Ginger Beer
- Ice
Instructions
- Combine in a mixing glass. stir gently and pour over ice cubes in a highball glass.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Nobody's quite sure who mixed these two together first and decided to call it a Brown Pelican. It’s a simple combination, so likely popped up in different places whenever someone had apple soda and ginger beer on hand. No grand origin story here, just two good friends meeting in a glass.
This drink sits squarely in the 'fancy soda' family. Think of it as a more grown-up, slightly spicier version of an apple soda, or a less intense ginger beer. It’s the kind of uncomplicated mixer that doesn't try to be anything it's not, just a solid thirst quencher.
You'd order this when you're the designated driver, need a midday pick-me-up, or just want a non-alcoholic option that feels a little special. It’s right at home at a brunch, a casual backyard get-together, or when you just want something light before dinner.
What it tastes like
The Brown Pelican hits you with crisp, sweet apple up front, quickly followed by the spicy, warming kick of ginger. It's a bubbly, refreshing combo that balances the fruit's sweetness with that signature ginger bite. It finishes clean, leaving you ready for another sip.
This one's a teetotaler. With no booze in the recipe, the Brown Pelican clocks in at 0% ABV. You're looking at something lighter than a glass of juice and definitely less potent than even the weakest beer. It’s purely for flavor and refreshment.
The technique
Building a Brown Pelican is as easy as it gets. Grab your mixing glass, pour in the apple soda and ginger beer. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything without losing too much of that precious fizz. Then, load a highball glass with ice and pour your mixture right over it. Simple, effective.
The key here is the gentle stir. You're not trying to aerate it or chill it down dramatically in the mixing glass, just marry the flavors. Stir too hard and you'll flatten out your bubbles, turning a lively drink into something a bit sad. Keep it light.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Apple Soda
- Use
- Something with real apple flavor, not just sugar water. Look for brands like Martinelli's Sparkling Cider or a good quality apple soda from a craft producer. You want that crisp, natural apple sweetness.
- Skip
- Anything labeled 'apple flavor' that tastes artificial or overly syrupy. Avoid diet versions, as they often have a strange aftertaste that won't play nice with the ginger.
- Why
- This is the sweet, fruity backbone of the drink. A good apple soda provides a clean, bright foundation for the ginger to build on, making the whole thing taste fresh and balanced.
Ginger Beer
- Use
- A robust, spicy ginger beer. Brands like Fever-Tree, Gosling's, or Q Mixers bring the heat without being too sweet. You want that fiery ginger kick to stand up to the apple.
- Skip
- Ginger ale. It's too mild and sweet, and you'll lose the essential spicy punch that makes this drink interesting. Don't cheap out here, it makes a real difference.
- Why
- The ginger beer is where the drink gets its edge and its name. It provides the necessary spice and effervescence to cut through the apple's sweetness, creating a dynamic and refreshing profile.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Spiked Pelican
- Add a little kick
- For an adult version, add 1.5 oz of a good bourbon or a spiced rum to the mix. It plays well with both the apple and ginger.
Citrus Twist
- A bright, tangy touch
- Squeeze in a quarter ounce of fresh lime juice or lemon juice before stirring. The citrus brightens up the whole drink and adds a zesty counterpoint.
Minty Fresh
- Cool and aromatic
- Gently muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the mixing glass before adding the liquids. The mint adds a refreshing, herbaceous note that complements the apple and ginger.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use 3 oz apple juice and 2 oz soda water. You might need to adjust for sweetness.
A good quality ginger ale can work in a pinch, but you'll lose some of the spicy kick. Alternatively, use soda water with a dash of ginger syrup.
Any tall, straight-sided glass will do. A pint glass or even a large tumbler works just fine.
Build it directly in your serving glass. Pour the ingredients over ice and stir gently there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Brown Pelican?
A Brown Pelican contains 5 oz Apple Soda, 2.5 oz Ginger Beer, and ice.
Is the Brown Pelican alcoholic?
No, the traditional Brown Pelican is a non-alcoholic drink, great for when you're skipping the booze.
What does a Brown Pelican taste like?
It tastes like a refreshing mix of crisp, sweet apple and spicy, bubbly ginger. It's bright, fizzy, and has a clean finish.
When is the best time to drink a Brown Pelican?
It's a versatile drink. Enjoy it during the day, at brunch, as a palate cleanser, or anytime you want a flavorful non-alcoholic option.
Can I add alcohol to a Brown Pelican?
Absolutely. A splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or even a dry gin can turn it into a low-ABV cocktail. Just remember to adjust your ratios.
What's the origin of the Brown Pelican name?
The exact origin of the name 'Brown Pelican' for this drink is not widely documented. It's likely a playful or local invention.
Is this drink good for kids?
Yes, as a non-alcoholic, fruity, and fizzy drink, it's generally kid-friendly. Just be mindful of the spice level in your ginger beer choice.
What kind of ice should I use?
Standard ice cubes are fine. For a slower melt and less dilution, use larger cubes or a single large sphere.
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