There’s nothing more refreshing than the kick of spice and warmth of a classic ginger beer or ginger ale flavoured drink. They’re both flavours which people have enjoyed for generations. But what’s the difference between them? We put together this handy guide to give you everything you need to know, so you’ll have the confidence to make the perfect ginger drink the next time you try your hand at mixology.
What is Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale is a bubbly drink flavoured with ginger dating back to the 1800s according to Thomas Joseph Cantrell, an Irish apothecary and surgeon who claimed to have invented the golden variety. Traditional ginger ale is a fermented drink, made from fresh ginger root, a starter such as yeast or ginger bug, sugar, and water. These days, ginger ale is typically manufactured in a more straightforward way, using pre-carbonated water and ginger flavours.
There are two primary forms of ginger ale; golden ginger ale and dry or pale, ginger ale. Golden ginger ale is darker, sweeter, and spicier, while dry ginger ale is lighter with a more subtle taste.
What is Ginger Beer?
Ginger beer was invented in the 1800s in England, originally as an alcoholic drink. Much like traditional ginger ale, it was first produced using fermentation, with the addition of spices and lemon juice. Soon enough ginger beer’s alcohol percentage was limited to just 2%, before it eventually became a soft drink with most manufacturers. Ginger ale and ginger beer are now generally made with carbonated water and flavourings.The flavour of ginger beer can be best described as sweet and spicy. It’s not a soft drink for the faint-hearted and is considered a leading taste in co*cktails and alcoholic drinks. The bold flavour of ginger beer has now made it a popular drink of choice across the globe.
What’s the Difference Between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale?
Basically, the difference between these drinks lies in the taste! If you want something bold and strong in flavour to really start a party on your tastebuds, go for ginger beer. If you want something smooth and subtle with a slight kick of fieriness, ginger ale is the option for you.
To give you a better idea we’ve also included some options for mixing each of them.
Ginger Beer:
- Moscow Mule: Mix vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, and serve over ice in a copper mug for this iconic co*cktail. Tiny umbrellas are optional.
- Dark and Stormy: A co*cktail with a kick! Pour ginger beer over dark rum and ice with a lime garnish to make this Caribbean classic.
- Foghorn: Gin and ginger beer marry perfectly in this New York co*cktail, which is best served with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Ginger Ale:
- Whiskey Ginger: Simplicity means perfection with this one. Mix whiskey and ginger ale to create this classic short drink, with ice and lime wedges an optional addition.
- Classic Shandy: One of these is a good choice for designated drivers. Mix a pale ale or lager with a glug of ginger ale and add some lemon for this refreshing beverage.
- Pimm’s Cup: A summertime classic in the UK. Pimm’s No. 1 mixed with ginger ale, with some added lemon and cucumber slices, are all you need for this sunny-day cooler.
SodaStream Ginger Syrup
At SodaStream, we’re dedicated to making your sparkling drinks easier, healthier, and cheaper to enjoy at home, so it’s only natural that we stock a variety of both ginger beer and ginger ale flavours. With any of these flavours, all you have to do is mix the instructed amount with your freshly carbonated SodaStream sparkling water. It’s that easy!.
Our Classic Ginger Ale, made with natural flavour formulated to properly capture the essence and feel of a classic, dry ginger beverage from the comfort of your kitchen.
OurClassic Ginger Beer,isstrong on ginger, citrusy, and spicy with a hint of sweetness from the sugar. So, ginger beer is sweet, but the sweetness is mild and not overpowering.
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FAQs
Sweatman says that ginger ales tend to be more processed, noting that the syrup-boiling process can deteriorate the nutrients in fresh ginger. In a hurry? Choose ginger beer, which is more likely to use fresh ginger in the brewing process and is, thus, better suited to relieve nausea or an upset stomach.
What is better for you, ginger ale or ginger beer? ›
Ginger beer and ginger ale do not differ greatly in terms of nutritional values. Ginger ale is the lighter option, with 125.1 calories and 32.3 grams of sugar per can (12 fl oz). Ginger beer is a bit heavier but nevertheless very close to ginger ale, with 140 calories and 35 grams of sugar per can or bottle (12 fl oz).
Can you use ginger ale instead of ginger beer in a Moscow mule? ›
In a pinch, ginger ale will work as a substitute for ginger beer in a Moscow mule, however the citrusy, zingy flavor that the ginger beer normally brings will be a lot more muted. Ginger ale will make your Moscow mule a lot more sweet and bubbly.
Does ginger beer contain real ginger? ›
While we can't speak for all Ginger Beers, a true Ginger Beer is brewed (just like a beer) using real ginger. Bundaberg Ginger Beer is traditionally brewed over 3 days using real ginger, whereas ginger ale is often a version of carbonated water that's flavored with ginger syrup.
Why do doctors tell you to drink ginger ale? ›
Ginger, a member of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom, has been proven to be effective at treating nausea and vomiting — two hallmarks of a classic upset stomach. In fact, ginger is even used to treat morning sickness, muscle pain and menstrual pain.
Does ginger beer affect blood pressure? ›
Research also suggests ingesting forms of ginger--like ginger beer--helps improve circulation by reducing inflammation. This is especially good news for fans of ginger beer who want to reduce high blood pressure as a supplement to medication!
Is ginger beer a healthy drink? ›
Yes, you read that right! Ginger beer is much healthier than most carbonated drinks, and it's also one of the most refreshing drinks you can easily prepare in your own home. The key ingredient in ginger beer is ginger root, which is known for its myriad of culinary and medicinal uses since ancient times.
What ginger beer do bars use for Moscow Mule? ›
Bundaberg Ginger Beer: The Aussie original, this brand has become more and more ubiquitous in recent years as the go-to option in most bars when you order a Moscow Mule. Made with cane sugar and Australian ginger, Bundaberg can attribute much of its popularity to the fact that its taste is extremely balance.
Is ginger beer good for your stomach? ›
Drinking ginger beer may offer you some helpful health benefits, primarily as a result of its titular ingredient. People have used ginger root for centuries, to help with nausea and other stomach ailments. Ginger beer may help you get some of the same benefits.
Can you drink ginger beer straight? ›
Also, while ginger ale is generally treated as a tame alternative to alcohol or soda, ginger beer's flavor makes it easy to enjoy on its own or mixed in a co*cktail—like the traditional Dark n' Stormy or even a sangria.
It is expensive to do it, and ginger juice makes such a big component that to make it it's our highest cost per production beer that we make.
Which brands of ginger ale have real ginger? ›
Drink Reed's - Real Ginger Ale & Real Ginger Beer.
Who should not drink ginger ale? ›
“Most commercial-brand ginger ales have at least 10 teaspoons of sugar,” says Dr. Goldman. “If a person has bloating, gas or indigestion, the carbonation and sugar may make it worse. Even diet ginger ale can be harmful because our bodies may not digest artificial sugars as well.”
Why do I feel better after drinking ginger ale? ›
The Bottom Line
While fresh ginger root has been shown to help alleviate nausea, most ginger ales aren't made with the real deal. But the carbonation in ginger ale may help settle your upset stomach, not to mention the association might be comforting to you.
Why do hospitals only give ginger ale? ›
Why do hospitals serve ginger ale? Ginger ale is an effective remedy for mild upset stomachs.
Is it OK to drink ginger ale everyday? ›
Despite the health benefits of ginger, ginger ale still falls into the category of soft drinks or sodas, so it's not a health food. If you choose to consume ginger ale, it's best to do so in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Many commercial ginger ale drinks use artificial ginger flavoring.
Is ginger ale or beer better for stomach? ›
Ginger beer sometimes contains even higher levels of ginger than ginger ale, which means it may be even more helpful at alleviating nausea than ginger ale, Trinh said. But just like ginger ale, ginger beer can vary depending on the brand and specific product.
Is there a healthy version of ginger ale? ›
While such versions are still "not typically viewed as a 'healthy' food option, they can potentially provide some health benefits," says Messer. For example, ginger ale flavored by real ginger root has similar benefits of ginger, albeit in much smaller amounts.
Is ginger ale or ginger beer better when sick? ›
While you can still drink a cup of ginger ale if you're feeling nauseous, the main thing to remember is the kind of ginger ale that you're drinking. Since ginger root is what can help to alleviate discomfort, seek out a brand made with real ginger root, even ginger beer would be a better option.
