Why is ginger beer spicier than ginger ale?

Spiced, fizzy drinks like ginger ale and ginger beer have a similar flavor. So how do they differ? For starters, ginger ale is one of America's oldest soft drinks and typically has a light, bubbly taste with subtle hints of lemon and spice. It's generally made with simple ingredients like carbonated water and a sweet, spiced syrup, and it's an easy-drinking beverage, perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. Ginger beer, on the other hand, is a more robust-tasting drink with pronounced ginger notes. (And despite its name, it rarely contains alcohol.)

Formerly made through fermentation, and now with a combination of boiled water and concentrated ginger, ginger beer, with its intense flavor, is an excellent complement to strong spirits like vodka in cocktails such as the Moscow Mule. Ginger beer typically contains more natural ginger root than ginger ale, while the latter often contains no real ginger, but rather sugar and artificial flavorings. You can make either beverage at home and customize them to your liking, but generally, ginger beer is spicier than the sweet and delicate flavor of ginger ale. This is because it's made with more intense ingredients like natural ginger, allowing it to stand out against other equally potent spirits, unlike the milder ginger ale.

Ginger ale or ginger beer?

Because ginger ale is often marketed as fizzy drinks, it frequently contains more syrups and artificial additives, while ginger beer is made with real ginger and spices. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, many people recommend ginger beer for soothing an upset stomach instead of ginger ale, as its authentic ingredients may have a more calming effect. However, every brand of ginger ale and ginger beer is different, so always read the labels before buying to ensure you're getting the genuine product.

Due to its more intense flavor, ginger beer is often the best choice for making strong cocktails, while ginger ale is ideal to have on hand when you're looking for a refreshing drink. However, if you're looking for a more subtle mixer to enhance the flavor of a spirit, ginger ale might be the perfect choice.

What you decide to do with your beer or ale is entirely up to you. Both offer a pleasant combination of sweet and spicy flavors, so you can't go wrong.