Once considered the same and used interchangeably, ginger beer and ginger ale were termed different during the 19^th and 20^th centuries. They both have ginger as the base component, ginger beer and ginger ale both vary in terms of preparation process, spiciness and degree of sweetness. Read to know more about how these two ginger flavours differ from each other and understand which one is best for your home bar.

What is Ginger Beer?

Historians believe that ginger beer originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s. These beers are prepared by fermenting freshly and finely grated ginger with citrus and sugar. This fermentation process adds effervescent to it. The bubbles are a result of this process only. It typically has a slight alcoholic content i.e. 2-3% ABV (alcohol by volume). However, most modern beers are prepared using artificial flavours and dyes and do not have any alcoholic content. Many cocktails such as Moscow Mule and Dark and Stormy are made with ginger beer that beautifully complements the piquancy with lime juice.

What is Ginger Ale?

Ginger Ale is a much lighter and sweetly flavoured drink that uses the carbonation process to create the fizz. Here carbonated water is mixed with ginger syrup to create the desired zingy flavour. Ginger Ale gives a refreshing punch. This drink is less spicy than ginger beer. Just like ginger beer, modern-day ginger ale drinks are made using new and improved flavours to give you an amazing kick!

Ginger Beer Vs Ginger Ale

Let’s discuss some of the major differences between ginger beer and ginger ale.

1.       Carbonation – Ginger Ale is artificially carbonated to add fizz but for ginger beer, the fermentation process is used to create the effervescence.

2.       Alcohol Content – There may be a small alcohol content in the ginger beer. Earlier it was 2-3%. But today modern beers have around 0.5% of ABV. Ginger Ale is completely a non-alcoholic drink. Both drinks are loved by people across all generations.

3.       Mixing – Ginger ale is a popular highball mixer while ginger beer is a well-known preferred mixer for cocktails, particularly for Moscow Mule. The best part of ginger beer being used as a mixer is that it can hold against its own flavours.

4.       Flavour – Spicier and strong flavour, ginger beer is renowned for its taste. While on the other hand, ginger ale is on a sweet and syrupy side. Ginger beer offers a balanced sweet taste, but ginger ale does not.

5.       Ingredients – The ingredients of ginger beer include ginger root, carbonated water and cane sugar. There are many variants of beers that have lime and lemon extract as well. Cane sugar is also present in ginger ale, while some variants also come in a fruity flavour. This is done to overpower the zesty ginger flavour coming from the ginger pieces.

6.       Freshness – Ginger beer is made by fermenting fresh ginger while in ginger ale, ginger syrup is mixed with carbonated water to get the desired flavour.

Which is Good For you?

For a stronger, zesty, and more potent flavour, prefer Ginger beer as it is made with fresh ginger. Also, when you are looking for a softer and more carbonated flavour, go for ginger ale. Both ginger beer and ginger ale have their own essence and flavour, and nothing can beat them. You may use them interchangeably to make your favourite drinks, but the results could be less balanced. Whether you are looking especially for ginger beer or any other flavoured drink, Lovely Drinks has the best collection of all. Dive into the world of Lovely Drinks and find the best that suits you.