Have you ever wondered what is the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale? Well here we have the answer! This post, explains the similarities and differences between ginger beer and ginger ale. Let's dive right in!
Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer might sound the same, However simply put, from brewing to serving, they have only ginger to share and pretty much everything else to differ from.
The Differences Between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale
Despite their names, neither ginger beer nor ginger ale have alcohol. They are both based on the ginger root, as the names imply, and most varieties contain real ginger root. However, this is where the similarities end.
Ginger beer and ginger ale differ in many respects, from how they are made to how they taste, what nutritional value they have, and how they are used.
How They Are Made
Ginger beer and ginger ale are produced in two distinctively different methods.
Despite being non-alcoholic, ginger beer has retained its traditional production methods of brewing. Manufacturers nowadays control the fermentation period to avoid the rise in alcohol content.
Nevertheless, because of fermentation, ginger beer can contain less than 0.5% abv, which classifies it as a non-alcoholic beverage. Since ginger beer is fermented, it is less carbonated.
Ginger ale, on the other hand, is the result of adding ginger flavoring to carbonated, sparkling water. It does not require any fermentation, and sugar and/or corn syrup are added for a sweeter taste.
The Taste and Appearance
Because of the different manufacturing methods, these two drinks tend to differ considerably both in taste and look.
Ginger beer is less carbonated, can be either clear or cloudy, with a spicy whiff, and a strong, distinct taste of ginger. Because of the natural fermentation process, ginger beer tends to develop a beer-like head when poured into a glass. Ginger ale, on the other hand, has a mellow, sweeter taste and is always transparent.
In any case, the main difference between the ginger beer and ginger ale comes down to taste, with ginger beer having a stronger and spicier kick, and ginger ale being sweeter and mellow.
Different Flavorings
Ginger beer and ginger ale are also known for receiving some variations in flavor. Ginger ale is more varied in terms of flavors, coming in varieties such as green tea, cranberry, blackberry, cherry, pomegranate, and peach.
Ginger beer, on the other hand, sticks to more citrusy flavors such as lime, lemon, and pineapple.
Use in Cocktails
Some drinks reply on a deeper taste of Ginger beer to standup to other ingredients such as Rum paired with Coolberg Ginger beer or Gunsberg Ginger Beer, While Ginger ale can be easily mixed with lighter spirits such as Gin and Ginger ale Cocktail made with Svami Ginger ale, Sepoy & Co. Ginger ale or Jade Forest Original Ginger ale .
DD Recomendations: Gunsberg Ginger Ale, Coolberg Ginger non-alcoholic Beer, Sepoy & Co. Ginger Ale, Jade Forest Orginal Ginger Ale, Svami Ginger Ale, Gunsberg Ginger Beer.
References: The difference between ginger ale and ginger beer, what is the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer.
