How to Make Fake Ginger Ale Using Soda: 12 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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1Making Ginger Ale Substitute

2Making Quick Ginger Ale at Home

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Last Updated: December 14, 2023

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"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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making Ginger Ale Substitute

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  1. 1

    Make 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.
  2. 2

    Start with a glass of ice. As always, mix in a glass of ice to keep the ingredients cold.

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  3. 3

    Add 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.
  4. 4

    Add 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.
  5. 5

    Pour 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.

  6. 6

    Fill 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.

  7. 7

    Add it to the drink. Test your fake ginger ale by mixing it with whiskey, or use it in co*cktails such as the Moscow mule. Bartenders typically add the same amount they would regular ginger ale.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making Quick Ginger Ale at Home

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  1. 1

    Try 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.

  2. 2

    Start 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.
  3. 3

    Fill 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.

  4. 4

    Add 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 co*cktails at home.

  5. 5

    Stir and serve. Give it a stir until all the ginger syrup has dissolved. Add ice or drink it straight.

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      Tips

      • Ginger ale is a sweet soda, with very little ginger flavor. If you enjoy a strong ginger flavor, try making ginger beer instead.

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      Things You'll Need

      Substitute

      • Lemon-Lime Soda
      • Cola
      • Bitters
      • Sour mix
      • Glass
      • Ice

      Home Recipe

      • Ginger syrup
      • Seltzer or colorless soda
      • Bitters
      • Glass

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      References

      1. Substitute adapted from Bartending Blueprint
      2. Home recipe adapted from Mens Journal

      About This Article

      wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 24 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 191,776 times.

      28 votes - 99%

      Co-authors: 24

      Updated: December 14, 2023

      Views:191,776

      Categories: Featured Articles | Sodas and Fizzy Drinks

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      How to Make Fake Ginger Ale Using Soda: 12 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

      FAQs

      How to make ginger ale with co*ke products? ›

      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. Fill the rest with cola. The main purpose of the cola is to add a golden color to the clear soda.

      What two sodas make ginger ale? ›

      If you're curious about the mixture and want to try making it yourself, the blog recommends a 70 percent Sprite and 30 percent Diet co*ke blend for the "most authentic ginger ale flavor."

      How to make Sprite taste like ginger ale? ›

      If I combine co*ke and Sprite together, it will make ginger ale. They both taste like ginger ale.

      Can you mix co*ke and Sprite? ›

      co*ke and Sprite. Together, it will make ginger ale.

      Is ginger ale just Sprite? ›

      No, it's a Sprite with a splash of co*ke. So Sprite with splash co*ke and solid ginger.

      What ginger ale is made by co*ke? ›

      Seagram's® Club Soda, Tonic Water, Ginger Ale and Original Sparkling Seltzer Water are a core part of the Coca-Cola® Company's bar portfolio that offers the perfect every day refreshment.

      Does Coca Cola make a ginger beer? ›

      Trust Stoney Ginger Beer to quench the strongest thirst!

      Did you know Stoney is available in 3 delicious variants: Ginger Beer Original, Ginger Beer Zero Sugar and Stoney Extra.

      What can I use instead of ginger ale? ›

      Yes - get root ginger and juice it add juice of a lemon keep in fridge then dilute with water or sparkling water - its strong tasting and not sweet so add extra lime or lemon juice.

      Does 7UP make ginger ale? ›

      7 Up Canada Dry Ginger Ale, 12-Ounce (Pack Of 24) - Walmart.com.

      How do you mimic ginger ale? ›

      Really simple, just blend ginger (wash but don't need to peel ) with really really hot sugar syrup, preferably a 2:1 syrup with a 2:1 ratio of syrup:ginger.

      What is ginger Sprite? ›

      Sprite's original lemon-lime flavor, with a twist. Combined with ginger flavors for a unique taste combination. Caffeine-free. 12 fl oz per can. The taste of sprite, with a hit of ice-cold ginger flavor.

      Is Sprite or co*ke better for an upset stomach? ›

      You can also drink noncaffeinated sodas, such as Sprite, 7UP or ginger ale. Take care to avoid caffeinated sodas, since caffeine can make your upset stomach worse. The carbonation from sodas inflates the stomach while increasing its internal pressure.

      What can you substitute for ginger ale? ›

      Make individual (tall) glasses of ginger ale by mixing 1/2 cup of ginger water with 1/3 cup of Simple Syrup and 1/2 cup of club soda. Serve over ice, if you like. Add a few drops of fresh lime juice and a lime wedge to each glass. Did you enjoy this recipe?

      What is homemade ginger ale made of? ›

      You can make homemade ginger ale with just four ingredients—including fresh ginger root—and it's much easier than you may think. Our simple homemade ginger ale recipe combines carbonated water, ginger-infused simple syrup, and citrus (we like lime juice, but lemon juice is an easy swap if preferred).

      Is there a ginger ale that actually has ginger in it? ›

      Most ginger ales do contain ginger — and likely boast of it on their labels. Those most likely to settle an upset stomach would be those with real bits of ginger in them, like Reed's, or very strong ginger flavor, like Vernor's.

      What makes ginger ale taste like ginger? ›

      Fermentation. Traditional ginger ale is fermented using ginger, yeast, water, sugar, and possibly other flavourings. A ginger bug – a slurry of ginger and sugar used to propagate the yeast and bacteria found on the ginger skin – may be used in place of commercial yeast.

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