There are some key differences between ginger ale and ginger beer. And when it comes to making mixed drinks (mocktails and cocktails alike), they are both delicious additions. Understanding their differences will help you decide which one is best for your particular concoction - alcoholic or not.
For starters, ginger beer and ginger ale are both very useful to have when making mixed drinks. I recommend keeping both on hand.
Ginger beer is a spicy and less sweet carbonated drink that is made with fresh ginger and is historically brewed. It is commonly used in the Moscow mule cocktail recipe.
Ginger ale is a sweeter, more mild flavored soda made with carbonated water, sugar (often high-fructose corn syrup) and ginger extract or flavoring.
And both are alcohol-free, despite their names.
Likewise, both make for a great addition to both cocktails and mocktails. Understanding how they’re different will help you feel confident about which one to use for your next dinner party.
Both are non-alcoholic - despite the names
Neither of these are alcoholic. Even though the words beer and ale are in the names.
Occasionally you can find a ginger beer with a low alcohol content, but in the US you are unlikely to find it unless you’re actively looking for it. Anything in the soda or drink mixer aisle of the store likely won’t have alcohol.
Both have ginger
But ginger beer has more and packs a stronger punch than ginger ale.
Ginger beer typically has fresh pressed ginger juice, which gives it a strong, punchy, spicy flavor profile. Ginger ale generally only has ginger extract or “natural ginger flavoring,” so there is no gingery punch. Especially compared to ginger beer, ginger ale is very subdued, which makes it more of a mild soda.
Both have sugar
But ginger ale usually has more sugar, making it much sweeter when compared side by side with ginger beer. However, the sugar content in both ginger beer and ginger ale vary WILDLY from brand to brand. I’ve had a ginger beer with almost twice the sugar content of a ginger ale. And yes, this was a direct ounce-per-ounce comparison. So if you’re watching your overall sugar intake, this can be a consideration when choosing a ginger beer or ginger ale brand.
Both are carbonated
Ginger beer typically gets its fizzy nature from a short brewing process. The Australian brand, Bundaberg, brews their ginger beer for three days. Over on Serious Eats, Peter Reed’s Homemade Ginger Beer recipe recommends letting it brew for 2 days. I have yet to try either the Bundaberg brand or make my own ginger beer, but both are on my to-do list.
Ginger ale gets its carbonation from carbonated water. There is no brewing or waiting process.
The major difference?
Intensity of the ginger flavor.
Ginger beer has an intense, spicy flavor that’s not super sweet. Using ginger beer will give your drink more of a spicy kick.
However, ginger ale is more sweet than gingery....making it a great way to increase the sweetness of the drink, but not the spicy ginger flavor.
So now what?
Now that you know the difference, you’re empowered to make more choices!
My recommendation is to find brands you like and stick with them. If you experiment and taste-test different varieties of ginger beer and ginger ale, you’ll have first-hand experience on what you want to add when making your mocktails or non-alcoholic cocktails. Sticking with one brand that you love will help you have consistency in your cooking and drink-making.
If you want a drink to be sweeter, opting for ginger ale can be a great choice. Opt for a ginger beer if you want ginger to be a predominant flavor.
One last pro tip...
If you like the kick of ginger beer, but still want to tone down the sugar content of your drink, use half ginger beer and half sparkling water or seltzer. This will let the ginger flavor come through but cut down on the sugar.
Cheers!
Susan
P.S. What other questions do you have about ginger beer or ginger ale? Please leave them in the comments!
FAQ's
In the US the answer is a resounding NO if you’re at most grocery stores. If you want ginger beer with alcohol, you’ll likely need to call local breweries and ask what they offer.
Yes. Fever Tree makes a low-sugar version, and several diet ginger beers are on the market. Because brands vary from region to region and store to store, I recommend you find what you have in your favorite grocery store, try a few, and pick a favorite.
No, in the US ginger ale is used to considered a soft drink.
Yes! There are plenty of them on the market. Because brands vary from region to region and store to store, I recommend you find what you have in your favorite grocery store, try a few, and pick a favorite.
Sometimes! You may have come across this post wondering if ginger beverages are helpful in reducing nausea or stomach aches. It all depends on the person, the reason they are feeling ill, and the brand of ginger beer or ginger ale. If you're feeling under the weather, it may be worth it to give ginger beer or ginger ale a try.
Join the Discussion!