Compare
Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale
The two ginger mixers: which one a Mule needs, and which one a whisky highball does.
Which should you use?
Ginger beer burns; ginger ale soothes. A Moscow Mule or a Dark 'n' Stormy needs ginger beer's heat to stand up to the spirit. A whisky highball or a Horse's Neck wants ginger ale, which lengthens the drink without fighting it.
| Dimension | Ginger beer | Ginger ale |
|---|---|---|
| Ginger heat | Strong | Mild |
| Sweetness | Varies; often less than ginger ale | Usually sweeter |
| Appearance | Often cloudy | Clear |
| Made | Traditionally brewed; most today are carbonated soft drinks | A ginger-flavoured soft drink |
Using one in place of the other
Ginger ale in a Mule makes a pleasant, sweet, much milder drink. Ginger beer in a whisky highball works if you like the heat — use a little less of it.