Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’ve ever stood in the drinks aisle wondering whether to reach for ginger beer or ginger ale, you’re not alone. Both are fizzy, refreshing, and flavour-forward, but the truth is, they couldn’t be more different.

At Franklin & Sons, we’ve been crafting premium soft drinks and mixers since 1886, so we know a thing or two about getting ginger flavoured drinks just right. As pioneers of flavour, one of the very first recipes created by the Franklin brothers was a traditional Brewed Ginger Beer – a testament to their early expertise of this bold and distinctive taste.

Our founders began their journey in London with a simple philosophy – use the finest natural ingredients and craft every drink with care, carrying forward almost 140 years of British heritage.

So, what really separates ginger beer from ginger ale? Why do some prefer one over the other, and how do you know which to use in your next serve? Here, we’ve broken down the real difference between these two classics and how to make them shine, whether in a classic serve or a delicious ginger cocktail.

Origins & Evolution

Ginger Beer has a bold, fiery history. In the 18^th century, ginger beer was produced using a traditional brewing method, like ale, therefore held no carbonation whatsoever.

Traditional ginger beer was a fermented mixture of ginger root, sugar, water, yeast, and sometimes lemon juice. The result was cloudy, aromatic, and fiery, with a gentle warmth that came from the fermentation process.

Early ginger beer was mildly alcoholic, typically around 2-3% ABV, and was popular for its comforting heat and digestive qualities. By the early 19^th century, ginger beer had become a staple of British refreshment, often sold in stone bottles or drawn from casks at pubs and markets.

At Franklin & Sons, our Brewed Ginger Beer proudly nods to this heritage. While our modern version contains no alcohol, it’s still crafted using a fermentation process with malted barley, giving it the same depth, complexity, and body that made the original so distinctive. What makes our current recipe different from our original 1886 recipe, is the added carbonation, which further delivers great taste, and enhances both flavour and aroma.

By contrast, ginger ale was born a little later, with its first versions appearing in Ireland and Canada during the mid-19^th century, and they were designed to be lighter, gentler, and more sparkling than ginger beer. Ginger ale wasn’t fermented – instead it relied on modern carbonation techniques that emerged during the early soda era. Its sweetness and mild spice made it more of a refreshment – appealing to those who prefer a more subtle flavour.

As soft drinks technology evolved, so did both of these beverages. Ginger beer gradually lost its alcoholic edge, transforming into a non-alcoholic brewed soft drink by the early 20^th century. Meanwhile, ginger ale became a symbol of sophistication, often found in highball glasses and hotel bars.

The Core Difference – Brewing vs Blending

At the heart of the distinction between these two popular drinks lies the production method.

Ginger Beer is traditionally brewed and fermented, giving it a more complex, spicy flavour and a cloudy appearance. Even when produced today without alcohol, it maintains the depth and warmth that comes from that process.

Ginger Ale, on the other hand, is carbonated rather than brewed. Its clarity, lighter body, and clean sweetness make it a more straightforward refreshment. It’s smooth, crisp, and gently spiced, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtler ginger flavour or want to use it as a mixer in a more delicate ginger ale cocktail.

The Perfect Serve

Both Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale are extremely adaptable. Whether you’re mixing a cocktail, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a premium soft drink, each has its perfect moment.

Brewed Ginger Beer shines when it’s paired with spirits that complement its intensity. Its spice can cut through richness, complement herbal notes, and bring a refreshing lift to both dark and light spirits. Try pairing our Brewed Ginger Beer with the following:

• Dark Rum – The richness of dark rum marries beautifully with the spicy edge of ginger beer. The caramel tones in the rum complement the fiery warmth of ginger, creating a bold yet harmonious balance.
• Spiced Rum – Spiced Rum adds layers of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove that intertwine seamlessly with the ginger’s heat. Together, they create a drink that feels indulgent yet invigorating.
• Vodka – For those who prefer something cleaner, vodka lets the ginger shine through. The neutral base accentuates the fiery spice, making for a refreshingly crisp pairing.
• Tequila or Mezcal – The smoky, earthy notes of aged agave spirits contrast beautifully with ginger beer’s brightness. The interplay of smoke, spice, and citrus delivers a sophisticated twist with real depth.
• Bourbon – The smooth sweetness of bourbon paired with the zesty heat of ginger beer creates a robust and comforting serve. The ginger lifts the spirit’s vanilla and oak notes without overwhelming them.

Original Ginger Ale is smooth, light, and subtly sweet, ideal for sipping on its own or mixing into refreshing ginger ale cocktails like a Whisky Ginger or Gin & Ginger Ale Spritz. It pairs effortlessly with spirits that appreciate subtlety, such as:

• London Dry Gin – Ginger ale brings a new dimension to gin, drawing out its citrus notes while adding a touch of spice. It’s an excellent alternative to tonic for those who prefer a smoother, less bitter profile.
• Blended Scotch Whiskey – The gentle spice of ginger ale highlights the honeyed, malty sweetness of blended Scotch, resulting in a refined, balanced highball. A dash of lemon zest or orange peel lifts it beautifully.
• Irish Whiskey – Softer and smoother than Scotch, Irish whiskey pairs wonderfully with ginger ale, resulting in a mellow, rounded and effortless serve.
• Light Rum – The crisp sweetness of light rum pairs with ginger ale’s clean spice to create a bright, easy-drinking combination, ideal for daytime occasions or summer gatherings.
• Cognac – The warmth of ginger complements cognac’s fruit and oak character, adding a refreshing lift to its richness.

The Art of Pairing

Ultimately, ginger beer and ginger ale each carry a distinct texture and level of intensity, meaning they can transform a serve in a subtle yet effective way.

Use Brewed Ginger Beer when you want to bring warmth, spice and body for a drink that feels bold and layered. Choose Original Ginger Ale when you’re looking for lightness and a more refined drink.

Whether you’re hosting, mixing, or simply craving a drink with character, Franklin & Sons has a variety of ginger-infused drinks for every moment.

Feeling inspired? Explore our range of carefully crafted cocktail recipes.