What To Know
- The ginger ale should have a strong, spicy flavor that can stand up to the other ingredients in the cocktail.
- Gosling’s is a Bermuda-based company that makes a variety of ginger beers, including a ginger ale that’s perfect for cocktails.
- Ginger ale is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cocktails.
Ginger ale is an essential ingredient in many classic cocktails, adding a refreshing and spicy kick to drinks like the Moscow Mule, Dark ‘n Stormy, and Whiskey Ginger. But not all ginger ales are created equal. Some are too sweet, some too spicy, and some just don’t have enough flavor. If you’re looking for the best ginger ale for your next cocktail, read on.
What Makes a Good Ginger Ale for Cocktails?
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best ginger ale for cocktails:
- Flavor: The ginger ale should have a strong, spicy flavor that can stand up to the other ingredients in the cocktail.
- Sweetness: The ginger ale should be sweet enough to balance out the spiciness, but not so sweet that it overpowers the other flavors in the drink.
- Carbonation: The ginger ale should be well-carbonated to give the cocktail a refreshing fizz.
The Best Ginger Ales for Cocktails
After testing a wide range of ginger ales, we’ve found the following to be the best for cocktails:
- Fever-Tree Ginger Ale: Fever-Tree is known for its high-quality mixers, and their ginger ale is no exception. It has a strong, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness, and it’s well-carbonated.
- Q Mixers Ginger Ale: Q Mixers is another great brand for cocktail mixers, and their ginger ale is a top choice. It has a slightly milder flavor than Fever-Tree, but it’s still plenty spicy and flavorful.
- Bundaberg Ginger Beer: Bundaberg is an Australian brand that makes a delicious ginger beer that can be used in cocktails. It has a strong, spicy flavor with a bit of a molasses-like sweetness.
- Gosling’s Ginger Beer: Gosling’s is a Bermuda-based company that makes a variety of ginger beers, including a ginger ale that’s perfect for cocktails. It has a strong, spicy flavor with a hint of citrus.
- Canada Dry Ginger Ale: Canada Dry is a classic ginger ale brand that’s still a good choice for cocktails. It has a milder flavor than some of the other options on this list, but it’s still plenty flavorful and refreshing.
How to Use Ginger Ale in Cocktails
Ginger ale is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Here are a few popular recipes:
- Moscow Mule: Combine vodka, ginger ale, and lime juice in a copper mug over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Dark ‘n Stormy: Combine dark rum, ginger beer, and lime juice in a highball glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Whiskey Ginger: Combine whiskey, ginger ale, and a splash of lime juice in a highball glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Ginger Ale Spritz: Combine ginger ale, Aperol, and sparkling water in a wine glass over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.
- Ginger Ale Rickey: Combine ginger ale, lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup in a highball glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Final Thoughts
Ginger ale is a great way to add a refreshing and spicy kick to your cocktails. By choosing the right ginger ale, you can make your drinks even more delicious and enjoyable.
Questions We Hear a Lot
- What’s the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer? Ginger ale is typically sweeter and less spicy than ginger beer. Ginger beer is also more carbonated and has a stronger ginger flavor.
- Can I use ginger ale in any cocktail? Yes, ginger ale can be used in a variety of cocktails. It’s a particularly good choice for cocktails that are spicy or refreshing.
- What are some other ways to use ginger ale? Ginger ale can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing drink. It can also be used to make mocktails, punches, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
