View source for Ginger ale

{{Short description|Soft drink flavoured with ginger}}
{{Distinguish|Ginger beer}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{use Canadian English|date=October 2022}}<!--flavour, colour, modelled...note -our spellings are preferred style by Oxford dict & CP guide since circa 2002...please do not change back-->
{{Infobox beverage
| name = Ginger ale
| image = Vernors ginger ale.jpg
| caption = [[Vernors]] golden ginger ale
| type = [[Soft drink]]
| proof = 
| manufacturer = 
| distributor = 
| origin = <!--{{nowrap
}}<br />--><!--{{small|-->{{nowrap|[[Ireland]] and [[Canada]]}}<!--}}-->
| introduced = 1851 (golden){{break}}1904 (dry)
| region = [[Northern Ireland]] and [[Southern Ontario]], [[Canada]]
| discontinued = 
| colour = Golden
| flavour = [[Ginger]]
| variants = Golden and dry
| related = 
| website = 
}}
{{Cookbook|Ginger ale}}

'''Ginger ale''' is a [[Soft drink|carbonated soft drink]] (not an [[ale]]) flavoured with [[ginger]]. It is consumed on its own or used as a [[drink mixer|mixer]], often with spirit-based drinks. There are two main types of ginger ale. The golden style is credited to the Irish doctor Thomas Joseph Cantrell. The dry style (also called the pale style), a paler drink with a much milder ginger flavour, was created by Canadian [[John J. McLaughlin|John McLaughlin]].

==History==

Ginger ale is transparent, whereas [[ginger beer]], a stronger tasting product, is often cloudy due to the residues of brewing. Thomas Joseph Cantrell, an Irish [[apothecary]] and surgeon, manufactured the first ginger ale in [[Belfast]], Ireland, in the 1850s. He set out to create a [[soft drink]]. This was the older "golden style" [[fermented]] ginger ale, dark coloured, generally sweet to taste, with a strong ginger spice flavour,{{clarify|How is this not a *ginger beer*?  What did he do different?  Was it filtration to make his product clear?  If so, clarify and explain why this is not a "ginger beer" by its definition.|date=July 2021}} which he marketed through local beverage manufacturer Grattan and Company.<ref name="Cantrell & Cochrane">{{cite news |url=http://letslookagain.com/tag/thomas-joseph-cantrell/|title=THE SPARKLING HISTORY OF CANTRELL & COCHRANE |work=Let's Look Again |date=November 2016 |access-date=October 19, 2018}}</ref> Grattan embossed the slogan "The Original Makers of Ginger Ale" on its bottles.<ref name="fohbc">{{cite web |url=http://www.fohbc.org/PDF_Files/GingerAle_Previtali.pdf |title=Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors |publisher=FOHBC |access-date=2013-10-03 |archive-date=February 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227135038/http://www.fohbc.org/PDF_Files/GingerAle_Previtali.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Canada Dry Pale Ginger Ale Toronto Star ad 1916.jpg|thumbnail|1916 ''Toronto Star'' ad for [[Canada Dry]] ginger ale]]

Dry ginger ale was created by Canadian [[John J. McLaughlin]], a chemist and pharmacist.<ref name="Canadian Geographic">{{cite news |url=http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/magazine/jf02/canadianfoodfirsts.asp |title=Canadian food firsts |work=Canadian Geographic |date=January–February 2002 |access-date=October 31, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624005710/http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/Magazine/JF02/canadianfoodfirsts.asp |archive-date=June 24, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Having established a [[soda water]] bottling plant in 1890, McLaughlin began developing flavour extracts to add to the water in 1904. That year, he introduced "Pale Dry" Ginger Ale, the bubbly drink that would be patented in 1907 as [[Canada Dry]] Ginger Ale. A success, Canada Dry products were accepted by appointment to the Vice-Regal Household of the [[Governor General of Canada]]. The dry-style also became popular in the United States during the [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]] era, when it was used as a [[Drink mixer|mixer]] for alcoholic beverages.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tallon |first1=Beverley |title=Canada Dry Ginger Ale |journal=The Beaver |volume=88 |issue=6 |page=10}}</ref>

===Ingredients===
Traditional ginger ale is [[Fermentation|fermented]] from a microbial [[fermentation starter|starter]] culture ([[yeast]] or ginger bug), [[sugar]], fresh [[ginger root]], other flavourings and [[water]]. Ginger bug can be derived from ginger beer plant containing ''[[Saccharomyces florentinus]]'' and ''[[Lactobacillus hilgardii]]'' or fresh ginger root containing ''[[Lactobacillus]]'' bacteria and wild yeast. The [[carbonation]] comes from the yeast fermentation as opposed to carbonating the finished product. [[Alcohol (drug)|Ethanol]], as a byproduct of fermentation, will be present in the ginger ale but can be controlled by modifying fermentation time.

Commercial ginger ale commonly contains [[carbonated water]], sugar or [[high-fructose corn syrup]], and artificial or natural ginger-flavour. Ginger content is often listed on labels in a general "natural aroma" or "[[natural flavoring|natural flavouring]]" statement, to preserve secrecy of the complex proprietary mix of [[spices]], fruits and other flavours used;{{cn|date=July 2021}} lemon, [[Lime (fruit)|lime]], and [[cane sugar]] are the most common ingredients.{{cn|date=July 2021}} [[Pineapple]] and [[honey]] are also occasionally used.{{cn|date=July 2021}}

== Processing ==
=== Fermentation  ===
[[File:Yeast and nutrients.JPG|thumb|upright|Yeast]]

Traditional ginger ale is [[fermented]] using [[ginger]], yeast, water, sugar, and possibly other flavourings. A ginger bug – a slurry of ginger and sugar used to propagate the yeast and bacteria found on the ginger skin – may be used in place of commercial yeast.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=Colleen |title=Make a Ginger Bug for Healthy Homemade Sodas |url=https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-start-a-ginger-bug-and-make-natural-ginger-soda-3016495 |website=The Spruce Eats |publisher=Dotdash |access-date=29 July 2020 |ref=003 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807161936/https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-start-a-ginger-bug-and-make-natural-ginger-soda-3016495 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Artificial carbonation===
Rather than ferment their product, most commercial ginger ale bottlers will [[Carbonated water|carbonate]] their soda by chilling the water to a low temperature to allow more [[carbon dioxide]] to be dissolved.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Soft-Drink.html|title=How soft drink is made - production process, making, history, used, product, industry, machine|website=www.madehow.com|language=en|access-date=2018-08-09}}</ref> Then, [[PH|alkaline]] compounds such as [[sodium bicarbonate]] may be added to reduce acidity. Lastly, carbon dioxide is added and slightly over-pressurized to facilitate movement into storage and the filling machine.<ref name=":0" />

==Uses==
[[File:8 Gläser Ginger Ale.jpg|thumb|Glasses of ginger ale with wedges of limes]]

Ginger ale is consumed as a [[soft drink]] and a [[Drink mixer|mixer]] in [[mixed drink|cocktail]]s and [[Punch (drink)|punch]].<ref>Noah Rothbaum, and David Wondrich. 2021. “Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer.” ''The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails''. New York, Oxford University Press. {{ISBN|9780199311149}}</ref> It is sometimes used by non-drinkers or in the performing arts as a [[non-alcoholic mixed drink|non-alcoholic]] substitute for [[Champagne (wine)|Champagne/sparkling wine]] or [[beer]], since the beverages resemble each other in appearance. Ginger ale is also added to beer to make [[shandy]].{{cn|date=June 2025}}

Ginger ale has traditionally been used as a home remedy, particularly for [[indigestion]] and nausea.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XFnZCwAAQBAJ |title=National Geographic Complete Guide to Natural Home Remedies: 1,025 Easy Ways to Live Longer, Feel Better, and Enrich Your Life |last=Geographic |first=National |date=2014 |publisher=National Geographic Books |isbn=9781426212604 |page=28 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IB5IBAAAQBAJ |title=The Art of Seamanship: Evolving Skills, Exploring Oceans, and Handling Wind, Waves, and Weather |last=Naranjo |first=Ralph |date=2014-09-12 |publisher=McGraw Hill Professional |isbn=9780071791588 |pages=66–67 |language=en}}</ref>

== Nutrition ==
Ginger ale is usually acceptable for people on a [[clear liquid diet]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yIjKDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA487|title=deWit's Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing - E-Book|last=Williams|first=Patricia A.|date=2016-12-23|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|isbn=9780323483285|pages=487|language=en}}</ref> It is generally high in sugar, with commercial varieties containing around 10&nbsp;g of sugar per 100&nbsp;ml.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

==Variations==
=== Ginger ale vs ginger beer ===

Ginger ale and ginger beer are similar beverages, however, there are clear differences during the process. Ginger beer originated in [[England]] in the 1800s while ginger ale was founded in [[Ireland]] approximately 50 years later before it was modernized in 1907 by John McLaughlin.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/20/ginger-ale-vs-ginger-beer_n_1438420.html|title=The Difference Between Ginger Ale And Ginger Beer|last=Daily|first=Kitchen|date=2012-04-20|work=Huffington Post|access-date=2018-08-09|language=en-US}}</ref> Original ginger beer contains 11% alcohol, but modern ginger beer contains less than 0.5% alcohol while modern ginger ale has absolutely no alcohol content.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/a15873518/alcoholic-ginger-beer-vs-ginger-ale/|title=What's the Difference Between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale?|date=2018-02-13|work=Town & Country|access-date=2018-08-09|language=en-US}}</ref> Ginger beer is brewed with natural [[ginger]], [[Lemon|lemon juice]], sugar and it is fermented with a ginger beer plant culture (mainly ''[[Lactobacillus]]''). The fermentation of the ''Lactobacillus'' produces a cloudy appearance, stronger-tasting and spicier flavour compared to ginger ale. Other differences between ginger ale and ginger beer are in terms of taste and aroma. Whilst ginger ale is mellow and smells sweet, ginger beer has a spicy whiff and gingery taste.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://advancedmixology.com/blogs/art-of-mixology/ginger-beer-vs-ginger-ale-which-one-should-you-use|title=Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale: Which One Should You Use?|website=Advanced Mixology|access-date=2019-08-18}}</ref>

=== Other flavours ===

Dry ginger ale is also sold with a [[mentha|mint]] flavouring added.{{where|date=October 2022}} Some mint ginger ale brands have an artificial green [[food colouring|colour]] added, while others are clear. Canada Dry has introduced a line of ginger ale mixed with green tea and one mixed with lemonade.{{when|date=October 2018}}

==Manufacturers==
[[File:Ginger ale bottles.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Boylan Bottling Company|Boylan]] ginger ale]]

[[Vernors]], [[Blenheim Ginger Ale|Blenheim]], [[A-Treat Bottling Company|A-Treat]], Bull's Head, [[Chelmsford, Massachusetts#History|Chelmsford]], [[Buffalo Rock]], [[Sussex Golden Ginger Ale|Sussex]] and [[Red Rock (drink)|Red Rock]] are brands of golden ginger ale. [[Canada Dry]], and [[Seagram|Seagram's]], both formerly Canadian companies, and [[Schweppes]], are major brands of dry ginger ale.

===North America===
American brands include [[A.J. Canfield Company|Canfield's]], [[Hansen Natural]], [[Vernors]], [[Buffalo Rock]], [[Boylan Bottling Company]], [[Polar Beverages]], [[Ale-8-One]], [[Blenheim Ginger Ale|Blenheim]], [[Foxon Park]], [[Fitz's]], [[Sprecher Brewery|Sprecher]], [[DeMoulas/Market Basket|Market Basket]]/[[Chelmsford, Massachusetts|Chelmsford]], [[Red Rock Cola|Red Rock]], [[Reed's Ginger Brew]], [[Chek (brand)|Chek]] (River of Dreams), [[Shasta (soft drink)|Shasta]], and in Canada; [[Sussex Golden Ginger Ale]].

Vernors is a flavoured golden ginger ale aged for three years in oak barrels before bottling. It was the first U.S. soft drink, originating in 1866, although it was modelled on imported Irish ginger beers. In [[Detroit]], Michigan, a drink made with [[vanilla ice cream]] and Vernors ginger ale is called a [[Boston cooler]].

===South America===
* Cunnington

===Asia===
* Evervess
* East Imperial
* Kohodo
* Schweppes <ref>{{Cite web |title=Product Schweppes {{!}} Coca-Cola |url=https://www.coca-cola.com/in/en/brands/schweppes/product-schweppes#accordion-24d51d5abb-item-b20a2a81b8 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=www.coca-cola.com |language=en-IN}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Drink}}
* [[Ginger tea]]
* [[Ginger wine]]
* [[List of brand name soft drinks products]]
* [[List of soft drink flavors]]
* [[List of soft drink producers]]
* [[List of soft drinks by country]]
* [[Switchel]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Wiktionary}}

{{Ginger ales}}
{{Soft drink}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ginger Ale}}
[[Category:Ginger ale| ]]
[[Category:Drink mixers]]
[[Category:Northern Irish inventions]]
[[Category:Ginger soda]]
[[Category:Canadian drinks]]
[[Category:Drinks from Northern Ireland]]