Known equally for its alleged nausea-relieving properties as for its ability to turn any spirit into a quick co*cktail, ginger ale has a broad fan base. Trouble is, some store-bought brands skip real ginger root (the very ingredient responsible for that stomach-settling sensation) in favor of artificial ginger flavors and sweeteners. The good news? You can make homemade ginger ale with just four ingredients—including fresh ginger root—and it’s much easier than you may think.
Our simple homemade ginger ale recipe combines carbonated water, ginger-infused simple syrup, and citrus (we like lime juice, but lemon juice is an easy swap if preferred). The resulting soft drink is sweet, mild in flavor, and easy to adjust to suit your palate. Simmering fresh ginger softens the root’s natural bite. (Want a full-on robust gingery soda? Try fermenting ginger beer.) Once you’ve learned the basics, play around: Swap the granulated sugar for light brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave. Add spices like coriander, cardamom, or black peppercorns to the steeping ginger water. Or try different forms of carbonation, from soda water to tonic to a fresh batch of bubbly from your Soda Stream.
Beyond sick days and long car rides, you can deploy this ginger ale recipe in your home bar. Stir the ginger syrup into sparkling water and add a spritz of lime for an à la minute glass of ginger ale (a very classy nonalcoholic co*cktail all on its own), or make a big batch of DIY ginger ale to personalize a Penicillin, Pimm’s Cup or a simple whiskey-ginger highball.
Read more: What’s the Difference Between Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer?
Ingredients
Makes about 1½ cups ginger syrup (enough for 4–6 servings)
Ginger syrup:
1½ cups (7 oz.) chopped peeled ginger
¾ cup (150 g) sugar
Kosher salt
Assembly:
About 1 qt. chilled seltzer or club soda, divided
About 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, divided, plus lime wedges for serving
FAQs
You can make homemade ginger ale with just four ingredients—including fresh ginger root—and it's much easier than you may think. Our simple homemade ginger ale recipe combines carbonated water, ginger-infused simple syrup, and citrus (we like lime juice, but lemon juice is an easy swap if preferred).
How long does ginger ale take to ferment? ›
drinking! Bottling is what gives the ginger ale it's carbonation. The last blog was all about fermentation which will have been taking place on your kitchen counter for 3-4 days. There should be bubbles rising in the liquid and the top should be nice and foamy.
What happens to your body when you drink ginger ale? ›
Ginger may offer benefits for heart health, headaches, and nausea, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, varieties of ginger ale that contain more ginger may be better for your health. However, ginger ale may cause increased gassiness due to its carbonation.
Is ginger ale healthier than soda? ›
In the case of artificially flavored ginger ale, the beverage has no more health benefits than any other soda, which, of course, are zero. But in the case of ginger ale flavored by real ginger root, the beverage has marginally more health benefits than other soft drinks.
Which ginger ale uses actual ginger? ›
Drink Reed's - Real Ginger Ale & Real Ginger Beer.
What happens if you let ginger beer ferment too long? ›
When you have a brew that has succumbed to Autolysis it will have this burnt rubber taste and smell to it and will most likely be undrinkable. At that point, you would want to toss it. Now I do want to note that you can keep beer in the fermenter for longer.
How much alcohol is in fermented ginger ale? ›
Alcohol Content – Homemade Ginger Ale (7 Days)
| Days | ABV % | Notes |
|---|
| 3 | 1.31% | Beginning to taste a little alcoholic |
| 4 | 1.31% | Same |
| 5 | 1.58% | Our favorite in the taste test |
| 6 | 2.36% | Beginning to be sour |
3 more rowsAug 8, 2020
Fermenting garlic and ginger can enhance their already numerous health benefits. As garlic and ginger go through the fermentation process, the number of probiotic bacteria in them increases. Consuming probiotic bacteria has many benefits including improving your digestive system and immune system.
When should you not drink ginger ale? ›
“Most commercial-brand ginger ales have at least 10 teaspoons of sugar,” says Dr. Goldman. “If a person has bloating, gas or indigestion, the carbonation and sugar may make it worse. Even diet ginger ale can be harmful because our bodies may not digest artificial sugars as well.”
Why do doctors tell you to drink ginger ale? ›
Medical experts have found that servings of ginger "accelerate stomach emptying" and "stimulate motility known contractions" — how food moves through the stomach and digestive tract — which could make ginger ale seem like it's helping a sick patient if there's real ginger in the drink, according to Schafer.
Can people living with diabetes safely consume ginger? While more research is necessary, some evidence suggests ginger may help manage blood sugar levels. As such, people with diabetes can safely consume ginger as part of a healthy eating plan.
Is there a healthy version of ginger ale? ›
You may also stumble on a more traditional style of ginger ale made with yeast or ginger bug, similar to how sourdough bread or kombucha is made. Ginger bug is a fermented culture that often contains sugar, ginger, and water. As it naturally ferments, it creates beneficial bacteria and produces natural carbonation.
Does co*ke make ginger ale? ›
Naturally flavored and caffeine-free, Seagram's Ginger Ale has a classic ginger flavor fit for any occasion. Lift – or mix – your spirit with the invigorating taste of Seagram's Ginger Ale.
What are the ingredients in ginger ale soda? ›
*Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet. Ingredients: CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND LESS THAN 2% OF: GINGER EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), CARAMEL COLOR.
Is ginger ale just ginger beer? ›
While we can't speak for all Ginger Beers, a true Ginger Beer is brewed (just like a beer) using real ginger. Bundaberg Ginger Beer is traditionally brewed over 3 days using real ginger, whereas ginger ale is often a version of carbonated water that's flavoured with ginger syrup.
How was ginger ale originally made? ›
Originally, ginger beer came first invented in England around the 1800s with Ireland following hot on their heels developing ginger ale in the 1851. ginger beer was brewed using ginger, sugar, water. It travelled across the Atlantic, soon to become one of Canada's favourite soft drinks.
Is Canada dry real ginger ale? ›
According to researchers, the drink did not have enough ginger for it to have health benefits and for the company to claim that it was "made from real ginger." Instead of defending their ginger content by going to court, they decided to settle by no longer making this claim.
