Ginger Beer Vs Ginger Ale: What's the Difference And Which One Should You Choose?

While both ginger ale and ginger beer may seem alike as beverages, they are very different drinks when it comes to their preparation, taste, and contribution to cocktails. Ginger beer has a more notable ginger flavour, while ginger ale is milder, sweeter, and more fizzy. Even if they are both popular drinks that are used in cocktails often, knowing the difference in how they are prepared, their ingredients, and their flavour will make it easier to learn which drink you should choose for the exact purpose.

Here’s what you need to know about the two ginger-based drinks:

What Is Ginger Beer?

Although the term 'beer' typically implies an alcoholic drink, ginger beer is not necessarily alcoholic. Traditionally, ginger beer was brewed from a mix of ginger root, sugar, water, and a starter, encouraging natural fermentation and carbonation. Nowadays, almost all commercially produced ginger beers either do not contain alcohol or do so with alcohol volumes lower than 0.5%. 

Compared to ginger ale, ginger beer has a considerably more authoritative flavour of ginger. Ginger root is rich in several flavour elements, including earthy notes, peppery flavours, and a hint of spice. Due to the forward character of ginger beer, it is often used as a key ingredient when a cocktail needs a mixer to balance the sweetness.

What Is Ginger Ale?

Ginger ale is a non-fermented soft drink made by mixing carbonated water with ginger extract and sugar. This process results in it possessing a more subtle, lighter ginger taste than ginger beer. Commercially produced ginger ales focus on how well carbonated the drink is rather than how spicy its taste is.  Ginger ale is also commonly used in cocktails with Canadian or Irish whiskies, as well as bourbon or citrus-flavoured drinks, where the sweetness of ginger ale will complement the overall profile instead of masking it.

Key Differences Between Ginger Beer And Ginger Ale

Both drinks contain ginger, but the differences become apparent in the way they are produced, how they taste, and how they are used in cocktails.

• Production: Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink, while ginger beer is fermented.

• Flavour: Ginger beer is spicy, peppery and assertive. Ginger ale is sweet, light and less spicy.

• Texture: Ginger beer is heavier; ginger ale is lighter because of the sharper carbonation.

• Mixology Role: Ginger beer provides prominent ginger notes, while ginger ale is a more delicate supporting act for other flavours.

When To Choose Between Ginger Beer And Ginger Ale

Ginger beer and ginger ale may both contain ginger, but the spice’s assertiveness is where the main difference lies. Ginger beer is the drink of choice when the role of ginger in a cocktail has to be highlighted rather than muted. For this reason, ginger beer is used in classic drinks like the Moscow Mule cocktail or the Dark 'n' Stormy cocktail. 

Thanks to its mellower ginger flavour, ginger ale is often used for drinks where the base alcohol has to be blended in a cocktail rather than be masked. Blended Scotch whisky like Johnnie Walker Black Label can easily go with ginger ale because ginger ale emphasises the whisky's fruity, vanilla, and smoky notes.

Before you choose between ginger beer and ginger ale, consider these factors:

• If you want more spice, body and cocktails where ginger should be the primary flavour, go with ginger beer.

• Ginger ale is ideal for drinks where the spirit is the main flavour. Add it for lighter sweetness and brighter carbonation.

• Look at the label, as some craft ginger beers may contain trace alcohol from the fermentation process, but most commercial ginger beers are alcohol-free.

While ginger beer and ginger ale may originate from the same base, they have different applications in mixology. Knowing the difference in production, taste, and texture can help you understand the best use, make a more informed decision about swapping the two or not, and also help home bartenders come up with creative cocktail recipes.

*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.