WHISKEY AND GINGER ALE
Perfect all-year-round, whiskey and ginger ale is a classic partnership. Simple, yet refreshing, you'll only need two ingredients to make a whiskey ginger (not forgetting a garnish and some ice).
While some say the drink originated in Europe, the real clue to its origin could be in its old namesake from the early 1900s - the 'Whiskey Highball' - as 'Highball' is an American railroad term.
No matter where it came from, the whiskey ginger quickly became a go-to cocktail across the world.
Does whiskey and ginger ale go together?
In a word, yes. Quite simply, the semi-sweet flavour combination in a whiskey ginger is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of bite. The oaky, spicy notes of Tennessee Whiskey shine through, mellowed by the sweet, bubbly fizz of the thirst-quenching ale. Add the lime as an essential finishing touch and you're all set! Enjoyed by whiskey lovers, and also great for those who aren't typical whiskey-drinkers, the whiskey ginger really does have it all.
Ginger ale vs Ginger beer
Think of ginger as a natural flavour enhancer. While both ginger ale and ginger beer complement whiskey with their warming notes, they have very different flavour profiles. Ginger ale is an artificially-carbonated soda water and alcohol-free. It's more mellow, with a sweet, subtle taste. Ginger beer, on the contrary, has a strong, spicy flavour, and competes more with the flavour of the whiskey. While ginger ale has less carbonation, ginger beer has big bubbles. It's naturally fermented and brewed, but is classed as non-alcoholic as it contains less than 0.5% alcohol.
WHISKEY GINGER COCKTAILS
Not only do they taste great, but whiskey and ginger cocktails are easy-to-make and only require a few ingredients. As a classic highball cocktail and a popular pick for many, the whiskey you use with ginger ale is crucial (so you've come to the right place).
Jack & Ginger
Let’s start with the classic whiskey ginger cocktail. All you’ll need is some Old No. 7, ginger ale, ice and a lime.
Ingredients
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40 ml
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
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Ginger Ale
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Ice
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Lime wedge
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Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
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Ginger Ale
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Ice
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Lime wedge
How to make a Jack & Ginger
3/4 fill a highball glass with cubed ice
Pour Old No.7 over ice
Top with ginger ale of your choice
Add lime wedge to garnish
Gentleman & Ginger
For double mellowed smoothness with your ginger ale, swap Old No.7 for Gentleman Jack.
Ingredients
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40 ml
Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Whiskey
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Ginger beer or Ginger ale
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Ice
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Lime wedge
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Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Whiskey
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Ginger beer or Ginger ale
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Ice
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Lime wedge
How to make a Gentleman & Ginger
3/4 fill a highball glass with cubed ice
Pour Gentleman Jack over ice
Top with ginger beer or ale
Add lime wedge to garnish
Honey & Ginger Cocktail
Want to try something a little different? For a sweet twist on the classic whiskey ginger, follow the same process above but mix the ale with Jack Honey.
Fruity Whiskey & Ginger Cocktail
If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the Unrequited Love Punch, which combines whiskey and ginger ale with cranberry, pineapple and orange juice.
What to eat with a whiskey ginger
Whiskey ginger cocktails are a happy hour favourite. You can serve your whiskey and ginger ale anytime you'd enjoy a beer, with some pre-game snacks or perhaps alongside some appetisers before dinner.