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This easy homemade ginger ale is ready in minutes, and is made with ginger syrup, fresh lime juice, and sparkling water. Plus, try making it with cold ginger tea or ginger juice!
My husband loves ginger ale.
Of course he does. He’s from Kentucky, home of Ale 8, the state’s signature ginger ale soda.
And so, while I was on a ginger kick last month, it only seemed right to make some homemade ginger ale.
However, even though I love the flavor of ginger ale, it’s a little sweeter than I prefer. So I wanted a few options (sweet and less sweet) for this recipe.
Follow the recipe exactly for a traditional ginger ale, or switch things up for a healthy ginger spritz!
Traditional Ginger Ale
For a traditional ginger ale, you need three things: ginger simple syrup, lime juice, and sparkling water (or club soda).
This time, I made my own ginger simple syrup with ginger, lemon juice, and sugar.
If you don’t have time to make your own syrup (or don’t want to!), you can also buy ginger simple syrup online.
When you’re ready to serve the drink, mix together the syrup and lime juice, and then pour it a in glass over ice. Top the glass off with sparkling water, and drink!
Healthier Homemade Ginger Ale
If you’re looking for a ginger ale with less sugar, here are some of my favorite options. Each of these options can totally replace the ginger simple syrup, or can be used in addition to the syrup.
These drinks won’t taste just like a traditional ginger ale, but they’re just as delicious and refreshing!
Option 1: Ginger Juice
Ginger juice is made by blending raw ginger with water and lemon juice. It’s mild and tastes a lot like ginger lemonade.
I make my own ginger juice, but if you want to try store-bought, I recommend The Ginger People’s ginger juice.
Option 2: Cold Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is made by simmering ginger in water. Ginger tea is a little stronger than ginger juice, and the spicy ginger flavor is generally more pronounced.
I make my ginger tea with ginger, lemon, and honey.
If you want to make ginger tea from a tea bag, I like Traditional Medicinal’s organic ginger tea.
After brewing the tea, chill it completely before using in ginger ale.
Option 3: Ginger Wellness Shots
I love using ginger wellness shots in ginger ale. They pack a lot of spicy flavor in a tiny amount of liquid!
I make my own lemon ginger wellness shots.
If you want to buy ginger shots, I recommend the Ginger People’s ginger wellness shots. I especially like their lemon cayenne flavor for a ginger ale.
Ginger Ale Cocktail
Want to turn your ginger drink into a ginger cocktail?
Add an ounce (or two!) of your favorite spirit. I love it with vodka or bourbon.
Mix your drink and serve this ginger-licious treat right away!
Homemade Ginger Ale
Ingredients
Classic Ginger Ale:
- crushed ice (optional)
- 1/4 cup ginger simple syrup homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 8 oz sparkling water or club soda Use enough to fill the glass
Variations: Pick one of the following. Use instead of (or in addition to) ginger simple syrup.
- 1 cup ginger juice
- 1 cup cold ginger tea
- 2 oz ginger wellness shot
Instructions
- Fill a glass with crushed ice. (Skip ice if desired.)
- Add ginger syrup and lime juice to the glass. Fill glass with sparkling water or club soda and serve immediately.
- For a nontraditional ginger ale, add ginger juice, tea, or a wellness shot before adding the sparkling water. Depending on the sweetness of your juice, tea, or shot, you might opt to use less syrup or leave it out entirely.
We love ginger ale too, but never thought of making it!! What a brilliant idea! I bet it’s super duper refreshing! Can’t wait to give this one a try 🙂
Enjoy!!! 😁