The Surprising Origin Story Behind Ginger Ale’s Name You’ve Never Heard Before
Ever wondered why that fizzy, sweet concoction called ginger ale shares its name with something that sounds like a pint at your local pub, yet doesn’t pack a drop of alcohol? It turns out, this bubbly favorite—whether you sip it at happy hour or nurse a stomach ache with it—has a truly rich and quirky history that’s been brewing beneath the surface for centuries. From its gritty beginnings as a slightly boozy ginger beer in England to the expertly crafted, crisp “Champagne of Ginger Ales” that emerged from a Canadian pharmacist’s mind, this drink’s journey is anything but flat. And just when you thought you had it figured out, there’s the twist about its less-than-ginger-packed modern-day incarnations and that charmingly misleading name. Ready to get stirred up about ginger ale’s roots and revelations? LEARN MORE.
You might know ginger ale as your favorite bar mixer, or the drink your grandma gave you when you had a stomach ache. But this beloved soft drink has a more interesting backstory than most people realize. Its name, its flavor, and even its popularity are all rooted (pun intended) in centuries of change and clever marketing.
The Origins of Ginger Ale
Before there was ginger ale, there was ginger beer: a fermented, slightly alcoholic beverage that originated in Yorkshire, England, in the 18th century. Ginger beer quickly became popular throughout the UK and its colonies—not just for its taste, but also for its alleged medicinal benefits.
