What is ginger ale?
Well, this is easy. Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink that has a ginger flavor. We have two main types: golden ale and dry(pale) ale. The difference, besides the color, is also in taste. The pale ginger ale has a lighter ginger flavor.
Where is it coming from?
We have two actors that played a role in discovering this drink. First, the inventor of the golden style ginger ale is Thomas Joseph Cantrell, an Irish apothecary and surgeon. This happened in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the 1850s.
The second one, the creator of the dry style ginger ale is the Canadian John J. McLaughlin.
Over time the dry ginger ale became more popular globally. Nowadays the golden style ale will be found more locally, in the region that started.
Ingredients
Carbonated water, sugar(or a substitute like or high-fructose corn syrup), and artificial or natural ginger-flavour. This makes this drink pretty easy to do at home. I advocate for making your own drinks especially if they are so easy like this one. You need a nice strong ginger syrup, soda water and there you have it, your own, healthier supply of ginger ale. Of course, because you make this by yourself you can add other flavors to it as well.
Health benefits
As a lot of carbonated products, ginger ale helps with indigestion, reduces motion sickness, and can help with sore throats as well.
It is also good for people who are on an “all clear liquid” diet.
What can we use it for?
Cocktails, of course. Ginger ale has a nice flavor and it is a good mixer. You can pair it with beer or hard liquors. Usually people pair this with whiskey.