Is Ginger Beer Really Different From Ginger Ale?
Both Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale have been around a long time; since the 1700s, and both originally contained some amount of alcohol due to the fermentation process they underwent. During colonial times, when Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale were first brewed, they were called Small Beers. They got this name because even though they had some alcohol content to them (about 2 ” 10%) it wasnt as high as the beer or liquor being made.
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.
Since ginger root has been considered as a medicinal herb that eases nausea and sore throats, Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale are often consumed for the purpose of giving ease to these health problems. Both beverages are also credited as great mixers for different alcoholic drinks. The very famous National Drink of Bermuda called Dark N’ Stormy is made by mixing Ginger Beer with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, or when mixed with vodka it will result in what is called Moscow Mule.
So What is the Difference Then?
Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale do have a lot in common, but the fact still is these two beverages are quite different. The very big difference between these two falls in the content of ginger that each have. Ginger Beer has a spicier bite since it contains a higher amount of ginger compared to Ginger Ale.
There are also more sweeteners, and more carbonation in Ginger Ale, which makes Ginger Beer appear cloudier than Ginger Ale, and of course, taste less sweet. Also, while both beverages do usually contain some type of fruit juice flavorings; lemon, lime and sometimes pineapple, these ingredients are used in different amounts for each type of beverage.
On the production side there is not much difference when it comes to the process on how both of these beverages are made. Since everything is now more commercial and they have been branded as sodas due to use of carbonated water and syrups, Ginger Beers and Ginger Ales are now produced on a large scale to provide the demand. However, some small beverage companies have stayed true to the old fashioned Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale recipes and production processes. Some are still made in small batches without any artificial flavorings, colors or high fructose corn syrup that sodas normally have.
Because of the different tastes of Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale, as well as the different recipes used to make each different brand of these beverages, there is one out there for everyone. So, experiment, and find the right brand of ginger beverage for you; you wont be disappointed!