Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-10 Origin: Site
The main difference in the ginger beer vs ginger ale debate lies in their production methods and the intensity of the ginger flavor. Ginger beer typically offers a stronger, spicier taste, while ginger ale is lighter and sweeter. Check out this comparison table to understand how ginger beer vs ginger ale differ:
Attribute | Ginger Beer | Ginger Ale |
|---|---|---|
Calories (12 oz) | 170-200 | 120-140 (diet 0-5) |
Alcohol Content | Up to 0.5% ABV | Always non-alcoholic |
Carbonation | Fermented or artificial | Artificial |
Flavor | Bolder, spicier | Milder, sweeter |
Gluten | Mostly gluten-free | Mostly gluten-free |
This guide will help you decide which ginger drink suits your taste when considering ginger beer vs ginger ale.
Ginger beer is made by brewing and fermenting real ginger. This gives it a strong, spicy taste and soft bubbles. Ginger ale is made by mixing fizzy water with ginger flavor and sugar. It tastes mild, sweet, and has lots of bubbles. Ginger beer can have a tiny bit of alcohol from fermentation. Ginger ale never has alcohol. Use ginger beer if you want a strong ginger flavor in drinks. It is also good as a spicy soda. Pick ginger ale if you want a light, crisp soda or a mixer. Both drinks can help if your stomach feels upset. Ginger beer usually has more real ginger and may give more health benefits.
You may ask what makes ginger beer and ginger ale different. The biggest difference is how they are made and how strong the ginger tastes. Ginger beer is made with real ginger root. It is brewed and fermented. This gives it a strong, spicy flavor and sometimes a cloudy look. Ginger ale gets its taste from ginger extract or fake flavor. It is mixed with carbonated water. This makes it taste lighter and sweeter.
If you check the ingredients, ginger beer has real ginger, sugar, water, and sometimes lemon. It ferments on its own. This gives it a softer fizz and a stronger ginger taste. Ginger ale uses ginger flavoring, sweeteners like corn syrup, and fake bubbles. It feels more bubbly and crisp. Most ginger beer today does not have alcohol, but it can have a tiny bit from fermentation. Ginger ale never has alcohol.
Both drinks are liked in many countries. Ginger ale sells a bit more, with $5.25 billion in 2024. Ginger beer sold $4.42 billion in 2021. People in North America and Europe drink both. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing place for ginger ale.
Tip: Pick ginger beer if you want a strong ginger taste. Choose ginger ale if you like a mild and sweet drink.
Here is a simple table to show the main differences between ginger beer and ginger ale:
Feature | Ginger Beer | Ginger Ale |
|---|---|---|
Main Ingredient | Real ginger root, sugar, water, sometimes lemon | Ginger extract or artificial flavoring, sweeteners |
Production Method | Mixed and carbonated | |
Carbonation | Natural, softer fizz | Artificial, more bubbly |
Flavor | Spicy, bold, sometimes cloudy | Sweet, light, always clear |
Alcohol Content | Usually non-alcoholic (<0.5% ABV) | Always non-alcoholic |
Market Size | $4.42 billion (2021) | $5.25 billion (2024) |
Popular Uses | Cocktails, mocktails, standalone drink | Soft drink, mixer, stomach relief |
Now you can see what makes each drink special. If you want a spicy ginger flavor, pick ginger beer. If you want something sweet and gentle, pick ginger ale.
Ginger beer started in the Caribbean, mostly in Jamaica. People made it in the 1600s. They mixed ginger, sugar, and water to make a fizzy drink. This idea moved to England in the 1700s. English brewers used Jamaican ginger. They sent ginger beer to Canada and the United States. In Yorkshire, people made it with ginger, sugar water, and sometimes lemon. Ginger beer became popular in North America and Australia. For almost 200 years, it was England’s top alcoholic drink.
Ginger beer uses easy, natural things. The main ones are fresh ginger root, sugar, and water. Some recipes add lemon juice or cream of tartar. Old recipes use a starter called the "Ginger Beer Plant." This is yeast and bacteria mixed together. It gives ginger beer its special taste and fizz. Ginger beer always has real ginger, not just flavoring.
Fresh ginger root
Sugar (sometimes molasses)
Water
Lemon or lime juice (optional)
Ginger Beer Plant (yeast and bacteria)
You make ginger beer by brewing and fermenting. First, boil water, sugar, ginger, and a little salt for a few minutes. Let it cool, then add lemon juice and the starter. Pour it into jars and close them with airlocks. Let it sit for two or three days at room temperature. This makes bubbles and a cloudy look. When it is done, strain and bottle it. Put it in the fridge to slow down the bubbles.
Step | Description |
|---|---|
Boil | Water, sugar, ginger, and salt for 5-7 minutes |
Cool & Add | Lemon juice and starter culture |
Ferment | 2-3 days in sealed jars at room temperature |
Strain & Bottle | Remove solids, bottle, and refrigerate |
Ginger beer tastes bold, spicy, and a little citrusy. Fermentation gives it a strong kick and deep flavor. Old-style ginger beer has a stronger taste than most store brands. Store ginger beers use bubbles and ginger flavoring, so they taste sweeter and lighter. If you want a drink with real ginger taste, ginger beer is a good choice.
Note: Old-fashioned ginger beer tastes more spicy and complex than ginger ale.
Old ginger beer has a little alcohol from fermentation. Homemade kinds can have about 3% to 4% alcohol. Some brands have 2% to 5% alcohol. Most ginger beer in stores today has less than 0.5% alcohol. You can drink it like a soft drink.
You can use ginger beer in many ways. It is great in cocktails like the Moscow Mule and Dark 'n' Stormy. Many people drink it by itself for a spicy treat. Ginger beer is good in mocktails and cooking too. It adds a spicy-sweet taste to food. Bars and hotels use it in lots of drinks. You can find ginger beer with flavors like pineapple or lemon. During the pandemic, more people made drinks at home with ginger beer.
Mix in cocktails and mocktails
Drink straight for a spicy refreshment
Use in recipes for extra flavor
Ginger ale started in Ireland in the 1800s. People wanted a drink without alcohol but with ginger’s spicy taste. They made ginger ale by adding ginger flavor to fizzy water. They did not use fermentation. This made it safe and good for everyone. In the 1890s, John J. McLaughlin from Canada changed the recipe. He made a lighter and crisp version called "The Champagne of Ginger Ales." This new style became very popular in North America. The word "ale" comes from old drinks called ales, even though ginger ale has no alcohol.
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Origin | Mid-19th century Ireland; created as a non-alcoholic alternative to alcoholic ginger beer |
Types of Ginger Ale | Golden (strong ginger flavor, deep color); Dry (lighter taste and color, popularized early 20th century) |
Canada Dry Company | Founded 1890 by John J. McLaughlin in Toronto; developed dry ginger ale formula in 1904 |
Canada Dry's Contribution | Created lighter, less sweet ginger ale; popularized dry variant in North America by 1920s |
Naming Origin | Derived from ginger beer and tradition of calling brewed drinks 'ales' despite no alcohol |
Evolution | Transitioned from medicinal beverage to popular soft drink and cocktail mixer |
Ginger ale uses simple ingredients. Ginger gives it its main flavor. Most recipes add sugar or another sweetener. Carbonated water is always used. Some recipes add lemon or lime juice. Some fancy brands use real ginger root. Others use ginger extract or natural flavors. Black tea can make the taste deeper. Brown sugar can make it taste richer.
Ginger (fresh, extract, or flavoring)
Sugar or sweetener
Carbonated water
Lemon or lime juice (optional)
Black tea (in some recipes)
Brown sugar (in some recipes)
To make ginger ale, mix ginger juice, sweetener, and fizzy water. Some recipes use fresh ginger. You squeeze and filter it to get juice. Others use ginger extract for a softer taste. Companies often mix ginger juice with brown sugar and black tea. Then they add water to thin it out. They heat the mix to keep it safe and fresh. Most ginger ale you buy does not use fermentation. This gives you a clean and crisp drink every time.
Step/Ingredient | Details |
|---|---|
Raw materials per 1000 ml | Ginger: 15-25 g (optimal 20 g), Brown sugar: 30-50 g (optimal 50 g), Black tea: 2-6 g (optimal 4 g), Water: remainder |
Ginger juice preparation | Fresh ginger squeezed; centrifuged to remove proteins; residue fried and decocted with water (1:6 w/v); combined to form ginger juice solution |
Brown sugar solution | Brown sugar dissolved in hot water (90-100 ℃) at 1:6-8 w/v ratio; filtered to clarify |
Black tea solution | Black tea soaked in hot water (90-100 ℃) at 1:6-10 w/v ratio; filtered to clarify |
Mixing | Ginger juice solution, brown sugar solution, and black tea solution combined; diluted to 1000 ml |
Sterilization | Mixture sterilized in 100 ℃ water bath for 30 minutes before packaging |
Ginger ale tastes sweet and mild. It feels light and bubbly. Some brands use more ginger, so the taste is stronger. Others keep it gentle and sweet. Most people like ginger ale because it is crisp and refreshing. Some special kinds have hints of citrus or vanilla. The bubbles make the ginger taste stand out, but it never feels too strong.
Tip: Pick ginger ale if you want a gentle ginger taste and a fizzy, refreshing drink.
Ginger ale does not have alcohol. Store-bought ginger ale is always non-alcoholic. Companies follow rules to make sure of this. Homemade ginger ale can have a tiny bit of alcohol if you ferment it. But bottles from the store are safe for everyone. Restaurants and bars serve ginger ale as a drink for all ages.
Ginger ale is a favorite non-alcoholic drink and is used instead of alcohol in many places.
More people want non-alcoholic drinks, so the market is growing.
Companies must meet rules for quality and labels to keep ginger ale alcohol-free.
You can drink ginger ale in many ways. People like to drink it by itself as a soft drink. Many use it in cocktails like Whiskey Ginger or Pimm’s Cup. Ginger ale is also used to help with upset stomachs. Ginger helps with digestion. Some people look for organic or sugar-free ginger ale. Fancy brands use real ginger and natural things for better taste. You can buy ginger ale in stores, online, and at bars. More people are making drinks at home, so ginger ale is now a popular mixer.
Drink it alone as a soft drink
Mix it in cocktails and mocktails
Use it to help with nausea or upset stomach
Try organic or craft ginger ale for natural ingredients
You may wonder what makes ginger ale and ginger beer different. The biggest difference is how they are made and how they taste. Ginger beer is made by brewing and fermenting real ginger. This gives it a strong, spicy flavor and makes it taste fresh. Ginger ale is made with carbonated water, ginger flavor, and sweeteners. It tastes lighter and sweeter than ginger beer.
Here is a quick table to help you see the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer:
Aspect | Ginger Beer | Ginger Ale |
|---|---|---|
Historical Roots | Fermented with ginger, sugar, water, and yeast; started as an alcoholic drink | Developed later as a non-alcoholic soft drink, popularized in Canada |
Alcohol Content | Historically up to 11%, now mostly non-alcoholic (<0.5% ABV) | Always non-alcoholic |
Flavor and Appearance | Spicier, stronger flavor, often cloudy | Milder, sweeter, always clear |
Production Method | Brewed and fermented | Carbonated water with ginger flavoring |
To make ginger beer, you brew and ferment ginger, sugar, and water. This creates bubbles on its own and sometimes a little alcohol. Today, many ginger beers use added bubbles to stay non-alcoholic. Ginger ale is made by mixing fizzy water with ginger flavor and sweeteners. It does not get brewed or fermented.
Ginger beer has a bold, spicy ginger taste. It often looks cloudy because it uses real ginger. Ginger ale tastes light, sweet, and mild. It is always clear and crisp. If you want a strong ginger flavor, pick ginger beer. Ginger ale is better if you want a gentle, refreshing drink.
Homemade ginger beer gets bubbles from natural fermentation. This makes the fizz softer and you might hear a 'plop' when you open it. Ginger ale uses fake bubbles, so it is more bubbly and fizzy. The bubbles in ginger beer come from nature and can add some healthy things. Ginger ale is more processed and does not have these extras.
Long ago, ginger beer had a lot of alcohol, sometimes up to 11%. Now, most ginger beer in stores has less than 0.5% alcohol. Ginger ale never has alcohol. Food safety and alcohol laws change how ginger beer is made and sold. Ginger ale does not have to follow these rules.
Yeast strain: Some yeasts make more alcohol than others.
Sugar content: More sugar can mean more alcohol after fermentation.
Fermentation time and temperature: Longer and warmer fermentation can increase alcohol.
Post-fermentation processing: Companies may heat ginger beer to remove alcohol.
Regulations: Laws usually require non-alcoholic drinks to have less than 0.5% alcohol.
You can use ginger beer in drinks like Moscow Mule or Dark 'n' Stormy. You can also drink it by itself or add it to recipes for a spicy taste. Ginger ale is a favorite soft drink, a mixer for cocktails, and helps with upset stomachs. Both drinks come in many flavors and styles, so you can find one you like.
Tip: Pick ginger beer if you want a spicy drink. Choose ginger ale if you like something sweet and mild.
When you want to make a cocktail, your choice between ginger beer and ginger ale changes the drink’s flavor. Ginger beer gives cocktails a bold, spicy kick. It works well in classics like the Moscow Mule or Dark 'n' Stormy. If you prefer a lighter taste, ginger ale makes your drink sweeter and less spicy. Some recipes, like the Rhubarb Ginger Ale Cocktail, let you pick either mixer. Ginger ale creates a smooth, soda-like base, while ginger beer adds a stronger ginger punch. For whiskey drinks, ginger ale pairs well with bourbon, making the cocktail mild and easy to enjoy. You can try both to see which mixer you like best in your favorite recipes.
You can enjoy both ginger beer and ginger ale on their own. Ginger beer tastes spicy and bold, which makes it a great choice if you want a drink with a strong ginger flavor. Many people find it refreshing, especially when served cold. Ginger ale tastes milder and sweeter. It is a popular soft drink and feels crisp and refreshing. If you want a gentle ginger taste, ginger ale is a good pick. Both drinks can help settle your stomach, but ginger beer often uses real ginger and natural fermentation. This means it may offer more health benefits, like antioxidants and probiotics, which can help with digestion and nausea.
Ginger has a long history as a remedy for upset stomachs. Ginger beer, made with real ginger root and fermentation, may help reduce nausea and support digestion. It contains antioxidants that protect your cells. However, ginger beer often has a lot of sugar, so you should drink it in moderation. Ginger ale is usually sweeter and may not contain much real ginger. While it is still used for stomach relief, its health benefits are often less than those of ginger beer. Always check the label to see how much ginger and sugar each drink contains.
You can often swap ginger beer and ginger ale in recipes, but you will notice some differences. Ginger beer brings a bold, spicy flavor and softer bubbles. Ginger ale offers a milder, sweeter taste with more fizz. If you want to boost the ginger flavor when using ginger ale, add a pinch of ground ginger or a splash of lime juice. When a recipe calls for alcoholic ginger beer, you can add a shot of vodka or ginger liqueur to non-alcoholic versions. The table below shows key differences to help you decide:
Aspect | Ginger Ale | Ginger Beer |
|---|---|---|
Carbonation | High, artificial | Moderate, natural |
Ginger Flavor | Mild, sometimes artificial | Bold, usually natural |
Sweetness | Often high | Varies, generally lower |
Alcohol Content | None | Up to 0.5% if fermented |
Tip: Taste your drink as you mix. Adjust sweetness or spice to match your preference. Garnish with fresh ginger or citrus for extra aroma.
You now know the main differences between ginger beer and ginger ale. Ginger beer gives you a bold, spicy flavor and comes from fermentation. Ginger ale tastes sweeter and milder, making it a popular soft drink. The ginger beer market reached $4.42 billion in 2021 and keeps growing as more people look for unique, low-alcohol drinks.
Choose ginger beer for a strong ginger kick or cocktails.
Pick ginger ale if you want a gentle, bubbly refreshment.
Try both and see which one you like best! Have questions or thoughts? Share them below—your feedback matters.
Most ginger beer you find in stores is non-alcoholic. You can drink it like a soft drink. Some homemade or craft versions may have a small amount of alcohol from fermentation.
You can swap ginger ale for ginger beer in many cocktails. The drink will taste sweeter and less spicy. Try both to see which flavor you like best.
Many people drink ginger ale to help with nausea. Some brands use real ginger, which may help settle your stomach. Always check the label for real ginger content.
Ginger beer uses real ginger root and fermentation. This process gives it a bold, spicy flavor. Ginger ale uses ginger flavoring, so it tastes milder and sweeter.
