X
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 22 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.
This article has been viewed 175,309 times.
Learn more...
"Bartender's ginger ale" has a decent amount of flavor when made correctly, but it's really a separate drink. A few people prefer their whiskey and "ginger" made this way, but for most, it's just a substitute when there's no ginger ale around. If you came here expecting a closer imitation, check out the homemade version with ginger syrup instead.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Making Ginger Ale Substitute
-
1Make this for an emergency mixed drink ingredient. Some bartenders use this substitute when there's no ginger ale in stock. It's not intended to be an amazing drink by itself, or to be drunk straight.
- Don't assume the customer is fine with the substitute. Let them know you would have to use a soda replacement, and give them the option to change the order.
-
2Start with a glass of ice. As always, mix in a glass of ice to keep the ingredients cold.Advertisement
-
3Add a couple dashes of bitters. This adds a spicy aroma and taste to replace the ginger bite. You may use Angostura bitters, or whatever you have on hand.
- Bitters are alcoholic. Skip this step if you're making the drink for kids or non-drinkers.
-
4Add a splash of sour mix. Most prepackaged sour mixes taste terrible. Make this simple recipe yourself for best results:
- Make simple syrup by combining equal amounts of sugar and water. Heat and stir until all sugar is dissolved, then let cool.
- To make sour mix, combine two parts simple syrup and three parts lemon or lime juice.[1]
-
5Pour the glass mostly full of lemon-lime soda. At least ¾ of the "ginger ale" should be Sprite, 7–Up, or another lemon-lime soda. You can even make it most of the drink, saving just a splash for the remaining ingredients.
-
6Fill the rest with cola. The main purpose of the cola is to add a golden color to the clear soda. You only need a splash, but you can add up to ¼ of the glass if you prefer the taste.
-
7Add it to the drink. Test your fake ginger ale by mixing it with whiskey, or use it in cocktails such as the Moscow mule. Bartenders typically add the same amount they would regular ginger ale.
Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Making Quick Ginger Ale at Home
-
1Try this for a real ginger taste. If you want a more authentic ginger flavor, you can rely on this recipe instead. Making it at home allows you to adjust the strength to suit your taste.
-
2Start with ginger syrup. Start with about 2 tbsp (30mL) for a 10-oz (300mL) glass. You can find this ingredient at health food stores, upper end grocery stores, or online. For a fresher taste, make your own:
- Heat 1 cup (240mL) water and 1¼ cups (240g) sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add ½ cup (120mL) grated or thinly sliced, raw ginger.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Let cool, then add 2 tbsp (30mL) lemon juice.
-
3Fill the glass with seltzer or soda. Plain seltzer (fizzy water) is best. You may use lemon-lime soda, cream soda, or other sodas. Sodas add a large amount of sugar and can overpower the ginger taste.
-
4Add a few drops of bitters (optional). This alcoholic ingredient will add complex herbal flavors. Try it if you happen to have it on hand, but don't bother buying it if you don't make cocktails at home.
-
5Stir and serve. Give it a stir until all the ginger syrup has dissolved. Add ice or drink it straight.
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Substitute
- Lemon-Lime Soda
- Cola
- Bitters
- Sour mix
- Glass
- Ice
Home Recipe
- Ginger syrup
- Seltzer or colorless soda
- Bitters
- Glass
References
- ↑ http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2007/ask-your-bartender-sour-mix-in-two-parts/
- Substitute adapted from Bartending Blueprint
- Home recipe adapted from Mens Journal
About This Article
Advertisement