Ginger Beer vs. Ginger Ale: What’s the Difference?

Ginger-flavored drinks have become increasingly popular over the years. The two most common types of ginger drinks are ginger ale and ginger beer. While they share some similarities and are sometimes used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between ginger ale and ginger beer that are important to understand.

The main question many people have is: what is the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer? Knowing the variations in ingredients, production methods, flavor profiles, and uses of these carbonated ginger drinks will help determine when one is more appropriate over the other.

What is Ginger Ale?

Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic carbonated drink that originated in Ireland. It is made by combining ginger root, sugar, and carbonated water. Additional lemon and lime juices are sometimes added to enhance the flavor.

The ginger ale commonly found today uses artificial flavors rather than fresh ginger root. However, some artisanal brands do use real ginger. Ginger ale has a light golden color and is less spicy compared to ginger beer.

The ingredients in modern ginger ale include:

• Ginger extract or ginger root – Provides ginger flavor
• Sugar – For sweetness
• Carbonated water – Adds fizz
• Natural and/or artificial flavors – Enhances flavor such as lemon, lime, or honey
• Preservatives – Potassium sorbate
• Acid – Citric acid for tartness

Ginger ale has a light, sweetened ginger taste with subtle notes of lemon and lime. It tends to be mild in flavor. The ginger flavor is noticeable but not overpowering.

Ginger ale is commonly used to help soothe digestive issues such as nausea, gas, bloating, and indigestion. It can also help reduce motion sickness symptoms. The combination of ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties and the carbonation can aid digestion. Additionally, ginger ale is an excellent drink option when you have a cold or flu and need extra hydration.

What is Ginger Beer?

In contrast to ginger ale, ginger beer originated in England and is a brewed beverage. Traditionally, it was made by fermenting ginger, sugar, water, and lemon juice with a starter culture called a “ginger beer plant”.

Modern commercial ginger beers skip the fermentation process but still use plenty of fresh ginger root to achieve a robust flavor. However, some handcrafted ginger beer is still fermented.

The ingredients in ginger beer include:

• Fresh ginger root – Provides intense ginger flavor
• Sugar – Added sweetness
• Lemon juice – Bright, citrusy notes
• Water
• Yeast (for fermented varieties)
• Natural flavors

Compared to ginger ale, ginger beer has a much stronger ginger bite. It is slightly carbonated with a sweet yet spicy taste. The flavors of ginger and lemon are very pronounced. Ginger beer also has a darker golden color.

Ginger beer that has been fermented contains alcohol, usually around 4% ABV. The fermentation process creates carbonation and the distinct bold flavors. On the other hand, commercial ginger beers are non-alcoholic.

The Difference Between Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer

Now that we have a general understanding of ginger ale and ginger beer separately, let’s directly compare the two:

Production

• Ginger ale is made by carbonating water and adding ginger, sugar, and other natural or artificial flavors and preservatives. The ginger flavor comes from ginger extracts.
• Ginger beer is traditionally brewed and fermented with yeast for several days. This process makes it naturally carbonated. Modern versions skip the fermentation but still use plenty of fresh ginger.

Flavor

• Ginger ale has a light, sweet ginger taste. It is refreshing and crisp with a less intense ginger flavor.
• Ginger beer has a strong, spicy ginger bite from the generous amounts of fresh ginger used. It has a much more pronounced ginger and lemon taste.

Alcohol Content

• Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic beverage, containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
• Ginger beer can contain up to 4% ABV when fermented. Commercially produced ginger beers sold today are non-alcoholic.

Brewing and Storage

• Ginger ale does not require any special brewing or aging process. It is ready to drink right after production and should be refrigerated.
• Ginger beer needs to be brewed properly and aged for a few days during fermentation to develop the complex flavors. It should be stored in a cool, dark place.

The Reason for Brewing Ginger Beer

So why go through the extra trouble of brewing ginger beer instead of making a simple ginger ale? There are a few motives:

• The fermentation process creates a much more robust, gingery flavor that can’t be replicated with just ginger extracts.
• Brewing allows you to control exactly how spicy, sweet, and flavorful you want your ginger beer to be.
• The fermentation provides natural carbonation and a slight alcohol content.

For ginger beer connoisseurs, the depth of flavor and ability to customize the beverage is worth the extra brewing effort. The complexity of the taste profile simply can’t compare to commercial ginger ales.

Popular Ginger Ale Cocktails

Ginger ale’s mild flavor makes it a popular mixer for many cocktails. Here are some classic ginger ale cocktails you can make:

Moscow Mule: Ginger ale, lime juice, vodka

Dark and Stormy: Ginger ale, rum, lime

Gin Gin Mule: Ginger ale, gin, lime juice

Rum and Ginger Ale: Rum, ginger ale

Ginger ale cocktails are often served in copper mugs and garnished with lime or mint to complement the ginger. The carbonation and ginger act as a palate cleanser between sips of alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are some common questions people have about using ginger ale versus ginger beer:

Can you substitute ginger beer for ginger ale in cocktails and recipes?

Ginger beer can be used instead of ginger ale in cocktails, but the flavor profile will be much stronger. For recipes, ginger beer can be swapped 1:1 for ginger ale, but expect a more pungent ginger taste. Reduce any other spices to balance.

What does ginger beer taste like compared to ginger ale?

Ginger beer has a very strong, spicy ginger flavor while ginger ale is milder and sweeter. Ginger beer also has notes of lemon and lime.

What are the health benefits of ginger beer versus ginger ale?

Ginger beer made from fermented fresh ginger root will have greater health benefits than ginger ale. The fermentation process preserves more of ginger’s anti-inflammatory compounds. Both provide antioxidants and may aid digestion.

Does ginger beer help with stomach problems?

Yes, ginger beer contains substantial ginger, which can help soothe nausea, gas, bloating, and other stomach issues. The carbonation also helps digestive symptoms.

Should a Moscow Mule be made with ginger beer instead of ginger ale?

Traditionally, Moscow Mules are made with ginger beer instead of ginger ale. Ginger beer provides the authentic, strongly gingered flavor profile expected in this cocktail.

Where does the term “ginger beer” come from when there’s no actual beer involved?

Originally, ginger beer was brewed and fermented, making it a type of beer. The name stuck even after commercial versions became non-alcoholic.

Prefer Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer?

So in the battle of ginger ale versus ginger beer, neither one is the clear winner. Preference depends on whether you like a lighter, sweeter ginger taste or a more robust ginger kick. Ginger ale is more refreshing, while ginger beer provides complexity.

Consider when you want to use each type. Ginger ale adds a subtle ginger zing to cocktails and pairs well with meals. Ginger beer can hold its own and shines through in drinks and foods.

Understanding their unique differences allows you to choose the optimal ginger drink for the occasion!

Conclusion

To summarize, ginger ale and ginger beer are both ginger-flavored carbonated beverages, but they have distinct variations:

• Ginger ale is non-alcoholic, sweetened, and has a mild ginger taste. Ginger beer has a strong ginger flavor and can be alcoholic when fermented.
• Ginger ale is made by adding ginger flavor to carbonated water while ginger beer is traditionally brewed and fermented.
• In cocktails, ginger beer provides bold ginger flavor while ginger ale has a lighter taste.
• Ginger beer must be properly stored and aged during the fermentation process. Ginger ale is ready to drink after production.

So if you come across a recipe calling for ginger ale or ginger beer, you now know the difference between the two! Both ginger ale and ginger beer have their purposes depending on the flavors and characteristics you want.