How Did Ginger Ale Get Its Name?

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.

1. The Origins of Ginger Ale
2. Why Is It Called “Ginger Ale” If There’s No Alcohol?

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.

But by the mid-1800s, tastes began to shift. Soda makers in Ireland in the 1850s developed a non-alcoholic version of ginger beer [PDF]. This softer, sweeter alternative was made by adding ginger flavoring to carbonated water, removing the need for fermentation. 

The drink was further refined in Canada by pharmacist John McLaughlin, who launched his own “Belfast Style” ginger ale in the 1890s. In 1907, he introduced a lighter, crisper version; he trademarked this as “The Champagne of Ginger Ales” and it became the blueprint for the modern gingery beverage we know today.

Why Is It Called “Ginger Ale” If There’s No Alcohol?

The ale in ginger ale comes from its roots in ginger beer, and more broadly, from the old tradition of calling fermented or brewed drinks “ales.” Even though the drink itself no longer has any alcohol, the name stuck, and gave it a little borrowed sophistication along the way. “Ginger soda” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Alcohol isn’t the only thing missing from a lot of ginger ale these days. Today’s store-bought ginger ale isn’t always made with real ginger. Many commercial brands rely on artificial flavoring or use only tiny amounts of ginger extract, meaning its medicinal reputation isn’t always justified. And though some people still swear by ginger ale for nausea, you’d be better off with real ginger or ginger tea if you’re seeking relief.

Discover More Fascinating Stories About Soda: