What Are Some Popular Ginger Drinks?
The most popular drinks to feature the famous root are of course, ginger beer and ginger ale. But, more on that later. For now let’s focus on getting to know more about the delicious ginger beer shall we?
The History of Ginger and Ginger Beer
Ginger is one of the oldest spices on record, dating back over 5000 years. Initially, it was an Asian spice that was first cultivated and treasured not just for its culinary prowess but also for its medicinal wonders. Like many of its cousins, it eventually found its way to England through trade routes. People would infuse it to add flavour and nutrients to their beverages and meals, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, ginger remains a global superstar, spicing up our dishes, soothing our ailments, and jazzing up our drinks. From ancient remedies to modern recipes, ginger's journey is pretty legendary.
Let's pop the top on the history of ginger beer. The story goes that ginger beer began in the 18th century in England, where it was initially brewed as a fermented alcoholic beverage using ginger, sugar and water. As the beverage gained popularity for its refreshing, spicy kick, ginger beer breweries started popping up all over England, and it soon became a staple in British pubs. When it hopped across the pond to America in the 19th century, ginger beer's recipe was tweaked to create a non-alcoholic version, making it a family-friendly favourite.
It's safe to say that the ginger beer craze has since gone global, making waves as a standalone thirst-quencher and adding a zippy fizz and flavour to cocktails like the Moscow Mule. Like beers, most breweries have their own artisanal way of crafting ginger beers in addition to the primary process, meaning there are loads of styles to choose from. With its literal roots in tradition and its popularity in the present, ginger beer's history is almost as effervescent as the drink itself.
Here are some popular must-try brands that have topped the BWS ginger beers list:
Brookvale Union
Amply’s
Monday Distillery (For non-alcoholic, sugar-free, ginger beer)
How Is Ginger Beer Made?
These days, making ginger beer is a blend of tradition and innovation, bringing a touch of modern convenience to an age-old process. As we touched on before, ginger beer is brewed with three primary ingredients: ginger, sugar, and water. Generally speaking, brewers start with their chosen ginger brew and then introduce the yeast. Modern brewers have a variety of yeast strains to choose from, each imparting different flavours and carbonation levels. This allows for a bit of experimentation and personalisation, creating a ginger beer that’s unique to the company and maker. The mixture is then transferred to clean, airtight bottles or fermentation vessels to ferment. Once the desired level of carbonation is achieved, the ginger beer is moved to the fridge. At this stage, brewers can add different flavours or spices—think citrus zest, vanilla, raspberry, cinnamon, lime, pomegranate, peach, etc. This customisation adds a fun twist, allowing each batch their own stamp and style.
But what makes ginger beer and ginger ale different? Let’s dive in.
What Is the Difference Between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale?
Ginger beer and ginger ale are like two cousins at a family reunion—they’re both related but definitely have different vibes.
Ginger beer is the wild, adventurous cousin, bursting with bold, spicy flavour and a rich history of fermentation. It's generally brewed with natural ginger, giving it that fiery kick, robust flavour and cloudier appearance. On the other hand, ginger ale is the smooth, laid-back cousin, known for its mild, sweet, and bubbly personality. Typically, ginger ale is non-alcoholic and is made by mixing carbonated water with ginger-flavoured syrup, resulting in a lighter, more subtle taste. While ginger beer is great on its own, it can also add an extra tang to cocktails like the Moscow Mule or Dark 'N' Stormy. Ginger ale on the other hand is the go-to for a refreshing, easygoing drink solo or as a classic mixer in lighter-style drinks like a whisky apple ginger or Pimms punch.
So, whether you're in the mood for a fiery adventure or a lighter refreshment, these two fizzy favourites have ginger-lovers covered.
How Are You Supposed to Drink Ginger Beer?
At BWS, we don’t like to limit your taste buds. We say try all the styles of ginger beer and ginger ale options till you find your absolute fave. In saying that, we figured we’d give you a list of hot tips on what's trending to get you started from our tried and tasted classics.
Ginger Beer - As Is: One of the best ways to enjoy ginger beer is simply to chill it and drink it as is. If you feel the need to jazz it up, pop in an ice cube and garnish it with a slice of lime or some fresh mint.
Mix It Up: One of the best things about ginger beer is its versatility. Why not whip up a cocktail with your fave spirits or even a mocktail with the non-alcoholic ginger beer to impress your mates at your next gathering?
Cook: You can even cook and bake using ginger beer to prepare marinades, sauces, and desserts with incredible depth and complex flavours.
Shop Ginger Beer at BWS
Now that you're a bit of an aficionado, find all of your ginger beer and ginger ale options at BWS, ready for you to taste. With a treasure trove of trending and flavorful styles, from your alcoholic options non-alcoholic or Zero%* brews, we have just the thing to cater to any occasion. Just browse online or pop into any of our many BWS liquor stores, and we can find the perfect gingery drinks for you.