Ginger ale adds a zesty kick to cocktails. This bubbly mixer blends well with many spirits and juices.
You can make tasty drinks with ginger ale at home.
These ginger ale cocktail recipes give you lots of options for refreshing beverages. They range from simple two-ingredient mixes to more complex concoctions.
You’ll find recipes using whiskey, vodka, gin and other liquors paired with ginger ale. There are also some alcohol-free choices if you want a mocktail.
1. Ginger Mule Cocktail
The Ginger Mule is a tasty twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It swaps vodka for gin to create a refreshing drink with a spicy kick.
To make a Ginger Mule, you’ll need gin, lime juice, ginger beer, and mint leaves.
Fill a copper mug with ice and add 1.5 ounces of gin and the juice of half a lime.
Top it off with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel. The copper mug keeps your drink cool and enhances the fizzy ginger flavor.
This cocktail is perfect for warm days or anytime you want a zesty, effervescent drink. The gin and ginger beer blend nicely for a crisp, spicy sip.
2. Aperol Ginger Spritz
The Aperol Ginger Spritz is a fun twist on the classic Italian cocktail. It blends the bittersweet taste of Aperol with the fizzy kick of ginger ale.
To make this drink, you’ll need Aperol, Prosecco, and ginger ale.
Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of Aperol and 2 ounces of Prosecco.
Top off the mixture with 1-2 ounces of ginger ale. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
For a fancy touch, you can add a slice of orange and a sprig of rosemary as garnish.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for sipping on warm evenings or at social gatherings. Its lower alcohol content makes it a good choice for those who prefer lighter drinks.
3. Ginger Lemon Fizz
This zesty cocktail combines the zing of ginger ale with the bright citrus flavor of lemon. To make it, you’ll need ginger ale, fresh lemon juice, and vodka.
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of lemon juice.
Top it off with 4 ounces of ginger ale.
Stir gently to mix the flavors. For extra flair, add a lemon wheel or twist as a garnish.
The result is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm days or as a light cocktail option.
This simple recipe is easy to adjust. You can make it stronger by adding more vodka, or lighter by using less. For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the vodka.
4. Dark ‘n’ Stormy
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a tasty cocktail that blends dark rum and ginger beer. It’s easy to make and has a bold, spicy flavor.
To mix one, pour dark rum over ice in a tall glass.
Top it with ginger beer and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
For the best taste, use high-quality dark rum and spicy ginger beer. Avoid using ginger ale, as it’s too sweet for this drink.
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy originated in Bermuda and is now enjoyed worldwide. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm evening or at a casual get-together with friends.
5. Ginger and Bourbon Delight
This cocktail brings together the rich taste of bourbon with the spicy kick of ginger ale. You’ll love how these flavors complement each other.
To make it, fill a glass with ice.
Pour 2 ounces of bourbon over the ice. Top it off with 4 ounces of ginger ale.
Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients. For extra flavor, add a slice of lime.
You can squeeze some juice into the drink before dropping it in.
This easy-to-make drink is perfect for relaxing after a long day. It’s also great for parties or gatherings with friends.
6. Moscow Mule with Ginger Twist
The Moscow Mule with Ginger Twist puts a fun spin on a classic cocktail. You’ll need vodka, lime juice, and ginger ale instead of the usual ginger beer.
Fill a copper mug with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and the juice of half a lime.
Top it off with ginger ale and stir gently.
This version is sweeter and milder than the original. The ginger ale adds a pleasant fizz and subtle ginger flavor.
Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig for a fresh touch.
Try using flavored vodkas to create unique variations. Strawberry vodka pairs well with the ginger and lime for a fruity twist.
7. Cranberry Ginger Punch
This refreshing punch blends cranberry juice and ginger ale for a crowd-pleasing drink. You’ll need cranberry juice, ginger ale, and garnishes like orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise.
Mix 1 part cranberry juice with 3-4 parts ginger ale in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
Add ice and your chosen garnishes. For extra kick, include a splash of lime juice.
You can easily scale this recipe up for parties. Use 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice and 5 cups ginger ale for a 2-quart pitcher.
Adjust sweetness by using diet ginger ale or adding more cranberry juice.
For a non-alcoholic version, stick with just cranberry juice and ginger ale. Or spike it with rum or vodka for an adult punch.
8. Berry Ginger Smash
The Berry Ginger Smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines the sweetness of berries with the zingy kick of ginger ale. You can use blackberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries for this drink.
To make it, muddle about 10-12 berries in a cocktail shaker.
Add bourbon or vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well with ice.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with ginger ale for a fizzy finish.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a few extra berries.
This cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a fruity, bubbly drink. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to suit your taste.
9. Spicy Mango Ginger Refresher
This drink mixes the tropical sweetness of mango with the kick of ginger ale. You’ll need mango nectar, ginger ale, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Pour the mango nectar and ginger ale into a tall glass filled with ice.
Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
For extra spice, try using ginger beer instead of ginger ale. You can garnish with a slice of fresh mango or a sprinkle of ground ginger on top.
This refreshing mocktail is perfect for hot summer days. It’s easy to make and tastes great with or without alcohol.
10. Maple Ginger Sour
This cocktail blends the warmth of maple syrup with the zing of ginger ale. You’ll need ginger ale, maple syrup, and lime juice to make it.
Mix 2 ounces of ginger ale with 1 ounce of maple syrup and 1/2 ounce of lime juice in a glass filled with ice.
Stir gently to combine the flavors.
For extra ginger flavor, add a few slices of fresh ginger to your drink. The maple syrup adds a unique sweetness that balances the sour lime perfectly.
This refreshing cocktail works well for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup to suit your taste.
11. Pineapple Ginger Punch
Pineapple Ginger Punch is a refreshing cocktail that combines tropical flavors with a spicy kick. You’ll love the mix of sweet pineapple juice and zesty ginger ale.
To make this drink, pour pineapple juice and ginger ale into a large pitcher.
Add fresh lime juice for a tangy twist. For extra flavor, include sliced oranges and peaches.
If you want to make it alcoholic, add rum or vodka to taste.
Serve the punch over ice in glasses rimmed with pineapple slices. It’s perfect for summer parties or any time you need a tropical escape.
12. Tequila Ginger Fresca
The Tequila Ginger Fresca is a bright and zesty cocktail that combines the smooth taste of tequila with the crisp spice of ginger ale.
This refreshing drink is perfect for warm summer days or any time you want a light, bubbly cocktail.
To make a Tequila Ginger Fresca, you’ll need tequila, ginger ale, fresh lime juice, and ice.
Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour in 2 ounces of tequila. Add 4-5 ounces of ginger ale and a squeeze of lime juice.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge or slice for an extra pop of citrus flavor.
The combination of tequila’s earthy notes and ginger ale’s sweetness creates a balanced and tasty drink.
13. Honey Ginger Sparkler
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of honey with the zing of ginger. You’ll love its bubbly nature and balanced flavors.
To make it, mix honey syrup with fresh lemon juice in a glass.
Add a splash of ginger ale and stir gently.
Top with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge or slice of fresh ginger.
For extra flair, rim the glass with a mixture of honey and sugar before pouring.
This drink works well for brunches or summer parties. You can easily adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of honey syrup used.
14. Ginger Apple Martini
This cocktail blends the crisp taste of apple with the zing of ginger. To make it, you’ll need ginger-infused vodka, apple juice, and simple syrup.
Start by filling a shaker with ice.
Add 2 ounces of ginger vodka, 1 ounce of apple juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
Shake well for about 10 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
For garnish, you can add a thin slice of apple or a piece of candied ginger. This drink offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
The History of Ginger Ale
Ginger ale has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Its evolution from a homemade remedy to a popular mixer shows how tastes and production methods have changed over time.
Origin and Evolution
Ginger ale was first created in the 1850s in Ireland. James Cantrell, a doctor and chemist, mixed ginger with sugar, lemon juice, and carbonated water. He made it as a stomach-settling drink for his patients.
In 1866, James Vernor in Detroit claimed to have invented the first American ginger ale. His version was aged in oak barrels, giving it a unique flavor.
By the early 1900s, Canada Dry introduced a lighter, drier ginger ale. This “pale dry” style became very popular. It was less sweet and had a crisper taste than earlier versions.
Ginger Ale vs. Ginger Beer
Ginger ale and ginger beer are often confused, but they’re different drinks. Ginger beer came first, dating back to the 1700s in England. It was traditionally fermented and contained alcohol.
Ginger ale is non-alcoholic and carbonated. It’s usually sweeter and has a milder ginger flavor than ginger beer.
Today, most ginger beers are non-alcoholic too. They’re often spicier and have a stronger ginger taste than ginger ale. In cocktails, you can often swap one for the other. But ginger beer will give a bolder flavor to your drink.
Mixology Tips for Ginger Ale Cocktails
Mastering ginger ale cocktails requires skill in balancing flavors and choosing the right spirits. These tips will help you craft delicious drinks.
Pairing Ginger Ale with Spirits
Ginger ale works well with many spirits. Whiskey and bourbon are classic choices that create spicy-sweet combos.
Vodka makes a crisp, refreshing drink when mixed with ginger ale. Rum adds tropical flair, while gin brings herbal notes.
Dark spirits like brandy or cognac pair nicely for rich, complex cocktails.
Try experimenting with different ratios. Start with 2 parts ginger ale to 1 part spirit. Adjust to your taste.
For a stronger drink, use less ginger ale. For a lighter cocktail, add more. Don’t forget to taste as you go!
Balancing Flavors
Ginger ale has a sweet, spicy taste. Balance it with other ingredients for the best cocktails.
Add citrus juices like lemon or lime for tartness. This cuts the sweetness and adds fresh flavor.
Bitters can add depth and complexity. Just a dash or two will do.
Herbal liqueurs also work well with ginger ale’s spiciness.
Fresh herbs like mint or basil bring brightness. Muddle them gently before adding other ingredients.
For sweetness, use simple syrup sparingly. Ginger ale is already sweet.
Taste your drink before adding more sugar.
Remember to consider garnishes too. A lime wheel or candied ginger can enhance the flavors in your cocktail.