Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, from which I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Ale Affair.
Ginger ale is one of my absolute favourite drinks. Whether sitting on the beach on a warm day or feeling absolutely miserable with a hangover, it goes down a treat. I actually used to drink ginger beer when I was a hungover student; trust me on that. But what is ginger ale? Is ginger ale beer? What is the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer? So many damn questions. Shall we take a little look?
What is Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink flavoured with, you guessed it, ginger. It’s known for its light, refreshing taste and ability to soothe stomach ailments. It’s my unofficial hangover cure (maybe an alcoholic one).
There are two main types of ginger ale: golden and dry. Golden ginger ale, which has a stronger ginger flavour and darker colour, was the original version, while dry ginger ale, which is lighter in taste and colour, became popular later.
Is Ginger Ale Beer or Alcoholic?
Despite its name, ginger ale is not brewed or fermented like beer. Its production process is more akin to that of other soft drinks, involving mixing ingredients and carbonation rather than the fermentation of grains. This fundamental difference, sadly, highlights why ginger ale is classified as a non-alcoholic beverage.
The History of Ginger Ale
Strap in for your history lesson. Ginger ale dates back to the 19th century, with its origins rooted in the tradition of ginger beer. Ginger beer was a fermented alcoholic beverage made from ginger, sugar, and water, and widely popular in the 1800s. As people sought non-alcoholic alternatives, the evolution of ginger ale began.
The first commercial ginger ale is credited to an apothecary, Thomas Cantrell, in the 1850s. Cantrell, originally from Ireland, created a carbonated soft drink flavoured with ginger, known as golden ginger ale. This version was sweet, spicy, and darker in colour, much like its predecessor, ginger beer.
Birth of Canada Dry
However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that ginger ale truly became a household name. In 1904, a Canadian pharmacist named John McLaughlin (not to be confused with the guitarist) introduced “Pale Dry Ginger Ale,” the version most people are familiar with today. McLaughlin’s creation was milder and less sweet than golden ginger ale, with a lighter colour and crisper taste. He marketed it under the name “Canada Dry,” which quickly gained popularity for its refreshing qualities and versatility as a mixer in alcoholic beverages.

Canada Dry’s success led to a surge in ginger ale production, with various brands entering the market, each offering their unique take on the beverage. The Prohibition era in the United States further boosted the popularity of ginger ale as people sought non-alcoholic drinks to replace beer and other spirits.
Ginger Ale vs Ginger Beer
Let’s take a step back to better understand the differences between ginger ale and ginger beer. Both are popular ginger-flavoured beverages, but they differ significantly in taste, brewing process, and strength of flavour.
Production Method
Ginger Ale is typically a carbonated soft drink with ginger flavour. It is not brewed but instead made by mixing carbonated water with a ginger-flavoured syrup, which results in a milder flavour.
Ginger Beer originally was a fermented drink made with ginger, sugar, water, lemon juice, and a bacterial culture known as a “ginger beer plant.” Modern versions may not always be fermented but retain a stronger, spicier flavour than ginger ale.
Taste and Flavour
Ginger Ale is generally sweeter and milder, with a subtle ginger flavour. It is often used as a cocktail mixer or a soft drink.
Ginger Beer has a more robust, spicy ginger taste that can be quite sharp and intense. This makes it popular as a standalone beverage and as a cocktail mixer, particularly in drinks like the Moscow Mule.
Alcoholic Content
Ginger Ale is a non-alcoholic beverage.
Ginger Beer: Traditional ginger beer can be alcoholic, although most commercial varieties sold today are non-alcoholic. However, the fermentation process used in traditional ginger beer recipes can produce a drink with a small amount of alcohol.
Of course, ginger ale and ginger beer share a common ingredient. However, their differences in production, flavour intensity, and usage in cocktails set them apart distinctly.
Is There Such a Thing as Alcoholic Ginger Beer?
Alcoholic ginger beer is a delightful and robust beverage enjoyed for centuries. Unlike ginger ale, a non-alcoholic soft drink, ginger beer is fermented and contains alcohol. Let’s explore what sets alcoholic ginger beer apart and why it’s become a beloved choice for many.
History of Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Alcoholic ginger beer traces its origins back to the 18th century in England. It was initially brewed as a farmhouse beverage using ginger root, sugar, water, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). This traditional method of fermentation produced a slightly cloudy, effervescent drink with a spicy kick and an alcohol content that could range from 2% to 11% ABV.
Popular Alcoholic Ginger Beers
- Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer 4.8% (John Crabbie & Co.): This well-known brand offers a balanced flavour with a hint of citrus and a warming ginger finish. My go-to hangover cure.
- Lick Pier Ginger Beer 4% (East 9th Brewing Co.): Created in the hallows of Venice Beach, Lick Pier is the perfect warm-weather drink. It can be served on ice and shared with friends.
- Umbrella Ginger Beer 5% (Umbrella London): This fiery alcoholic ginger beer has rich molasses flavours supported by the perfect balance of sharp citrus and a subtle hint of malt. It is gently carbonated and very refreshing.
- True Roots 4% (Hawkes): Built from natural ginger and mandarin for a full-on flavour profile. It is effervescent, fruity, and refreshing, with a real ginger bite.
- Ginger Grouse 4% (The Famous Grouse): Zingy ginger beer with a splash of The Famous Grouse whisky.
- Ginger Joe 4% (Stone’s): The legend of Ginger Joe is inspired by ‘Ginger’ Joseph Stone, a moustachioed London greengrocer and illustrious founder of the noble house of Stone.
I suppose it’s up to you to go try them all now!
Summary
Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic, carbonated soft drink flavoured with ginger, known for its refreshing taste and stomach-soothing properties. It originated in the 19th century from ginger beer, a fermented alcoholic drink. Ginger ale has two varieties: the robust, darker golden style and the milder, paler dry style popularised by Canada Dry in the early 20th century. Unlike ginger beer, which can contain alcohol due to its fermentation process, ginger ale is made by mixing ginger-flavored syrup with carbonated water, making it a popular cocktail mixer. Despite some similarities, ginger ale and ginger beer differ significantly in production, flavour intensity, and usage, with ginger beer often having a sharper, spicier taste. Why not tucker yourself down with a Crabbie’s now?
FAQs
Was ginger beer originally alcoholic?
Yes, ginger beer was originally alcoholic. It was a fermented drink made with ginger, sugar, water, and lemon juice, containing alcohol levels ranging from 2% to 11% ABV.
Why is ginger beer no longer alcoholic?
Most commercial ginger beers today are non-alcoholic to cater to broader preferences and comply with beverage regulations, focusing on flavor rather than alcoholic content.
Why is ginger ale good for your belly?
Ginger ale can soothe the stomach due to ginger’s properties, which help relieve nausea and aid digestion. Its mild carbonation also helps settle the stomach.
Share Now!
Raise a glass to knowledge! Each article you share pours a little more wisdom into the world, frothing with ideas and bubbling with insights.