by David Marcheschi
First brewed during the colonial period, Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale are beverages that have been part of history. Since it was conceptualized in the year 1700, both beverages have proven their staying power in the market. During that period, they were considered “Small Beers”, because in spite of having natural alcohol content from the fermentation process, the 2-10% alcohol content they had was much smaller as compared to the amount of alcohol in beer or other liquors from that time period.
Nowadays, you can only find Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale brands that have alcohol content in other countries. In America, all brands available no longer have any alcohol content to it, since they are now being marketed as a type of soda.
Because of the ginger content in both of these beverages, youll find them often used to help with nausea and sore throats; common medicinal uses for ginger root. Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer are also used as mixers for alcoholic drinks like the famous Dark N Stormy (when mixed with Goslings Black Seal Rum), also known as the Bermuda National Drink or, the Moscow Mule (when mixed with Vodka).
So What is the Difference Then?
Despite all of these similarities, ginger ale and ginger beer are very different sodas. The main difference between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale is in the amount of ginger each type of beverage contains. The amount of ginger root used to make Ginger Beer is much higher than that used to make Ginger Ale, and as a result, there is much more of a spicy ginger flavor to Ginger Beer.
Besides the ginger content, other factors that mark the difference between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale are the levels of its sweetener, carbonation and flavoring content. Ginger Ale is sweeter since it has more sweeteners in it and it also appears less cloudy than Ginger Beer since it has a higher carbonation level. Also, the amount of fruit juice flavorings in these beverages differ. Each soda uses different amounts of lemon, lime or even pineapple.
Other than these things the process for making both of these drinks is basically the same. Today most Ginger Beers and especially Ginger Ales are made on a large scale like most other sodas (carbonated water and syrups put together to make the soda). There are some small companies though that still produce Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale in small batches without using ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors and colors which are often found in soft drinks.
Ginger Beers and Ginger Ales are two of the most versatile kind of beverages. There are a lot of brands available that have created different flavors and recipes of Ginger Beers and Ginger Ales that will surely suit each and every palate. Give each brand a try and enjoy what makes each beverage different and unique in taste.
About the Author:
Beverages Direct offers a large selection of unique and hard to find
ginger ales, gourmet root beers, creme sodas and other specialty soda flavors.
Is there Really a Difference Between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale?
First brewed during the colonial period, Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale are beverages that have been part of history. Since it was conceptualized in the year 1700, both beverages have proven their staying power in the market. During that period, they were considered “Small Beers”, because in spite of having natural alcohol content from the fermentation process, the 2-10% alcohol content they had was much smaller as compared to the amount of alcohol in beer or other liquors from that time period.
Nowadays, you can only find Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale brands that have alcohol content in other countries. In America, all brands available no longer have any alcohol content to it, since they are now being marketed as a type of soda.
Because of the ginger content in both of these beverages, youll find them often used to help with nausea and sore throats; common medicinal uses for ginger root. Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer are also used as mixers for alcoholic drinks like the famous Dark N Stormy (when mixed with Goslings Black Seal Rum), also known as the Bermuda National Drink or, the Moscow Mule (when mixed with Vodka).
So What is the Difference Then?
Despite all of these similarities, ginger ale and ginger beer are very different sodas. The main difference between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale is in the amount of ginger each type of beverage contains. The amount of ginger root used to make Ginger Beer is much higher than that used to make Ginger Ale, and as a result, there is much more of a spicy ginger flavor to Ginger Beer.
Besides the ginger content, other factors that mark the difference between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale are the levels of its sweetener, carbonation and flavoring content. Ginger Ale is sweeter since it has more sweeteners in it and it also appears less cloudy than Ginger Beer since it has a higher carbonation level. Also, the amount of fruit juice flavorings in these beverages differ. Each soda uses different amounts of lemon, lime or even pineapple.
Other than these things the process for making both of these drinks is basically the same. Today most Ginger Beers and especially Ginger Ales are made on a large scale like most other sodas (carbonated water and syrups put together to make the soda). There are some small companies though that still produce Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale in small batches without using ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors and colors which are often found in soft drinks.
Ginger Beers and Ginger Ales are two of the most versatile kind of beverages. There are a lot of brands available that have created different flavors and recipes of Ginger Beers and Ginger Ales that will surely suit each and every palate. Give each brand a try and enjoy what makes each beverage different and unique in taste.
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