Are you looking to try something spicy yet refreshing?
Ginger-based drinks are the perfect fit for this description.
You’ll discover more about these sibling-like drinks with distinct personalities in this ginger beer vs. ginger ale face-off.
Both drinks use ginger roots as their main ingredient to achieve that fresh ginger taste with a spicy kick.
But their main difference comes in their flavor profile, as ginger ale is delicate while ginger beer is strong.
To know more about this gingery goodness, ready your glasses, and let’s embark on this ginger exploration.
Ginger Beer 101
Ginger beer was a popular drink in the United Kingdom, where they fermented ginger, water, sugar, yeast, and cream of tartar.
People in England made it as a homemade tonic that would later be exported to the Caribbean.
It became even more popular among sailors because they believed ginger had medicinal properties to improve their health.
Today, ginger beer is a classic drink whether you want a traditional spicy or sweet thirst-quencher.
The ginger beer features a strong and spicy flavor with a bit of fizz, making it ideal for mixing with other cocktails.
During its brewing process, this beer style ferments the ginger and sugar mixture for a couple of days.
This procedure leads to natural carbonation, which gives the ginger beer a tangy and refreshing flavor.
Have you ever considered if beer contains caffeine while brewing?
Ginger Ale 101
Ginger ale, the famous sparking and spicy refreshment, started in the Victorian era in England.
The first ginger ales were from Ireland and were not alcohol but soft drinks.
It is famous for its sweetened carbonated flavor with the predominating taste of ginger.
Although its carbonation came from fermentation, modern ginger ales achieve their fizz through artificial saturation.
Depending on the origin of the gingers used in the brewing, the ginger ale can vary in taste and zest.
There are times when brewers use citrus essences, fruit juices, and capsicum to adjust the gingerness of the drink.
Related Reading: Fermenting Maple Syrup – Learn It Here.
Ingredients Used in Brewing: Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale
The ginger beer and ginger ale siblings come from the same root, ginger, but their similarities end there.
Ginger beer uses ginger, sugar, water, and yeast, essential in making alcoholic drinks.
Meanwhile, ginger ale is a soft drink with ginger syrup, carbonated water, and sugar.
Most ginger beers have an ABV of at least 4%, but there are also non-alcoholic versions of this drink.
Conversely, the ginger ale only has a non-alcoholic variant with a milder and more fizzy flavor.
The use of ginger extract gives it a consistent taste, but it may lack the deep flavors of ginger compared to ginger beers.
Brewing Process: Ginger Beer vs. Ginger Ale
The brewing process of ginger ale and ginger beer is also a fundamental difference.
It affects the overall alcohol content, benefits, and flavor profile as much as the ingredients.
In the ginger beer brewing process, the yeast ferments the sugar to create the alcoholic character of the drink.
The process takes several days with constant temperature monitoring to achieve the unique yet strong ginger flavor.
On the other hand, ginger ale uses carbonation by adding carbon dioxide to the mixture to achieve a sweet and mild taste.
Related Reading: How To Make Beer Taste Better – Read It Here.
Flavor Profile: Ginger Beer vs. Ginger Ale
There is a distinct taste of ginger, whether you have it as beer or ale.
But these two come in different variations, affecting their overall flavor profile.
For example, ginger ale can come in flavors like peach, blackberry, green tea, and more.
Meanwhile, ginger beer has some offerings besides citrus fruit flavors like lemon and lime.
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Ginger Ale
Ginger ale is sweet and light, making it the perfect drink if you want something mild to keep you sober.
The light carbonation gives you a fizzy feeling in every sip while still getting a hint of ginger goodness on the side.
Ginger Beer
Ginger beer has a bolder flavor profile so that you can taste ginger’s pungent and spicy flavor.
Depending on the type of ginger and yeast used and the brewing process, it can be sweet and mild to spicy.
3 Ginger Beer Brands To Try
Now you are ready to embark on a wild ride of trying different ginger beer brands, from classic to daring.
Related Reading: Organic Beer Brands On The Market – Learn Them Here.
Fever Tree Ginger Beer
Fever Tree Ginger Beer uses their signature blend of three gingers which are not too sweet but refreshing.
It is bold but non-alcoholic to enjoy ginger’s deep and long-lasting flavor.
You can drink it as a soft drink because they use the finest spirits to make it refreshing, natural, and delicious.
Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer
Brooklyn offers a bold take on ginger beer using pure sugar cane and unfiltered ginger that you can taste.
It comes in Lemon Lime, Mango, Extra Spicy, and Earl Grey that you can enjoy on its own or as a cocktail mixer.
Related Reading: What Is Craft Beer? – Dive Deeper Here.
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Bundaberg offers their famous ginger beer made from traditional family recipes, a jewel in the company.
They use Australian-grown ginger from their farm, so you know you’re getting the best flavor.
For every sip, you can taste and see ginger pieces, which they brew for up to three days to get the best of its flavor.
Related Reading: Top Canadian Beer Brands You Should Try: Read More Here.
3 Ginger Ale Brands To Try
With many brands available in the market, there is something perfect for your mood, whether you want a soothing drink or a playful mix.
Vernor’s Original Ginger Ale Soda Pop
Vernors Original offers a perfectly balanced ginger soda pop that has a unique flavor that can keep you wanting more.
It is more than your typical ginger ale because it is caffeine-free and a good drinking buddy on any occasion.
Schweppes Ginger Ale
Schweppes brings their exciting ginger ale mix from a unique ginger blend, citrus oil, and chili.
This carbonated drink has a hint of sweetness and tanginess with spirit so that you can enjoy its refreshing sip.
Seagram’s Ginger Ale
Seagram’s very own ginger ale has a natural flavor of ginger that is perfect for any mood when drinking.
Take a sip and enjoy its clean, crisp, and caffeine-free goodness that always makes you satisfied.
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Final Verdict
Try a ginger beer or ginger ale if you’re in the mood for something refreshing, spicy, and potentially healthy.
Try to mix and match by adding them to your favorite cocktail or spirit.
So get ready to add something unique to your taste buds and try the daring ginger beer and delicate ginger ale.
