Here’s a tried-and-true recipe for one of the simplest cocktails in history. Whiskey Ginger, baby! Whiskey and ginger ale are a classic combination because the liquor’s spiciness complements the ale’s mild sweetness and fizz. Just give it a good squirt of lime juice and a large ice cube, and you’re good to go. Here, ginger beer and ginger ale cocktails are huge hits. You can use either, but the ale is the more common choice. What you need to know to shake things up!
Whiskey Ginger? What’s That?
Whiskey and ginger ale goes by a few different names, but one of them is the Whiskey Ginger. It’s very similar to the iconic cocktail of the early 20th century, the Whiskey Highball. Drinks like gin and tonic and vodka soda belong to the highball cocktail family because they contain a larger amount of non-alcoholic mixers. Originally, the whiskey highball was made by mixing Scotch and soda water, hence the name “scotch and soda.” Soda water is the traditional accompaniment, but ginger ale is also frequently used. To make a Whiskey Ginger, you’ll need:
- Rye whiskey, although bourbon, Irish or Scotch work just as well as Ginger ale
- Citrus wedge to serve as a condiment
- Spirits and soda
Does a Whiskey Ginger Have a Lot of Kick?
This mixed cocktail is just as light as any other highball. Depending on how much soda you add, the final strength can be as low as 10% ABV (20 proof). It’s equivalent to having a glass of wine.
Whiskey With Ginger Ale? Why Bother?
Whiskey and ginger ale go along so well because their flavors are so complementary. Ale’s subtle sweetness and fizz make it a great complement to the whiskey’s peppery and oaky flavors. They go together like whiskey and coke, which is to say that they form a fantastic combination.
Whiskey Gingers Made With Ginger Beer
Whiskey and ginger beer: a good mix? Certainly, albeit it has a distinctive taste! It’s essentially a Kentucky Mule or Irish Mule (with lime juice) if ginger beer is used. You should go check out those recipes.
How does ginger beer vary from ginger ale? Unlike ginger ale, which is milder and sweeter and has less carbonation, ginger beer has a very robust, spicy ginger flavor and lots of bubbles. Whereas ginger ale enhances the liquor’s flavor, ginger beer overpowers it. You receive two very unique beverages:
- Whiskey and ginger
- The ideal liquor for making Whiskey Gingers.
If you want to experiment with different flavors, try switching up the whiskey you use in your Whiskey Ginger. We’ve ranked the many whiskey varieties and described how their unique flavors enhance the spirit:
- Rye is the most popular whiskey used in making whiskey gingers. Rye’s peppery and spicy undertones pair well with ginger ale’s light sweetness.
- Compared to other types of whiskey, Bourbon is sweeter, with hints of vanilla, oak, and caramel.
- Native to Ireland? Try some fine Irish whiskey. It’s fruity and light, with a hint of floral and nutty or vanilla undertones.
- Scotch is effective as well! Malty and buttery with a peppery aftertaste characterize blended Scotch. The flavor of single malt Scotch is oaky and woodsy, with hints of peat and smoke. A fine Japanese whiskey would also do the trick.
Ginger Beer VS. Ginger Ale
Although they share some similarities in appearance, ginger ale, and ginger beer have very different tastes. Ginger ale is non-alcoholic soda water with a ginger flavor and artificial carbonation. It has a mild flavor and pleasant aroma.
Ginger beer is fermented and brewed with ginger root. It’s fermented, so there’s a trace amount of alcohol in it, but at less than 0.5% ABV, it’s technically considered to be alcohol-free. It’s got a more robust and nuanced ginger flavor, and it finishes on a spicy note. If you use it in whiskey ginger, you’ll end up with a drink that’s similar to the original but with added depth and character.
Popular Ginger Ale Labels
Several different brands of ginger ale can be found in stores nowadays. Our favorite things are:
- We recommend Q Ginger Ale above all others.
- We appreciate that it is packaged in convenient single-serve cans.
- This is also the best ginger beer that we sell.
Real ginger and no artificial sweeteners go into Fever Tree’s ginger ale.
FAQS About Whiskey
What’s the distinction between a Moscow mule and a whiskey ginger?
Similar ingredients can be found in the Moscow Mule, which also features vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It is also customary to drink it out of a copper mug.
Where can I locate candied ginger?
The dried fruit or bulk sections of well-stocked supermarkets are good places to look for candied ginger, also known as crystallized ginger.
What about scotch?
Compared to Canadian, American, or Irish whiskies, scotch typically has a stronger smokier, and peatier flavor, making it an unsuitable choice for this cocktail. If you can get your hands on an unpeated Scotch, by all means, use it instead.
How much is an Irish buck?
A “buck” is a mixed cocktail that typically consists of a base liquor, ginger ale or ginger beer, and citrus (often a lime squeeze). Classic members of the buck family include the dark and stormy and the Moscow mule; the Irish buck, which features Irish whiskey, is also known as an Irish mule or whiskey mule.
Some Tips:
Whiskey ginger can be made using any type of Irish whiskey. When made with Jameson Irish whiskey, this cocktail is commonly known as a “Jameson and ginger.” Another choice is Bushmills. Adjust the amount of ginger ale poured based on your preference and the size of the serving glass.
The Perfect Complement To Ginger Ale
There isn’t a bad whiskey out there that would work well in a whiskey and ginger ale drink. The distinct flavors of Irish whiskey, bourbon, and rye all make them excellent mixers. But if you want to give your cocktail that extra something, scotch is a safe bet. Scotch whiskey’s smoky flavor is an unexpected but welcome addition to any beverage. There is a whiskey out there that will suit your tastes, whether you prefer traditional cocktails or are more adventurous with your mixology.