Homemade ginger ale is sweet, spicy, and refreshing. You can make the syrup and keep it in the fridge to make a glass when you want it.
With just four ingredients, this ginger ale will become your favorite refreshing beverage or mixer. It has the flavor of real ginger and can be made for a crowd or one glass at a time.
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Homemade Ginger Ale is made with an easy-to-make ginger simple syrup and plain seltzer or sparkling water. It is very similar to Italian sodas made with Torani syrups, where you control the amount of flavor in each drink by varying the amount of syrup and sparkling water.
I've made this homemade ginger ale often for company on hot days because it is a way to make a simple drink very special. Everyone gets to have just the right sweetness in a timeless summer refresher.
Ingredients
For the Ginger Simple Syrup you will need:
- White Granulated Sugar - White sugar is best for this beverage. It lets the ginger flavor dominate the flavor of the syrup.
- Water - Just plain tap water is fine.
- Fresh Ginger Root - Purchase a little more than you need. The ginger root needs to be peeled which will reduce the amount.
For the Homemade Ginger Ale you will need:
- Ginger Simple Syrup - Absolutely the best when you make it yourself. The detailed recipe is included in this post and also in my Simple Syrup Recipes Chart.
- Plain Sparkling Water or Seltzer - Sparkling water plus a ginger syrup makes a sparkling ginger ale.
Please see the recipe card for the quantities.
Instructions
How to Make the Ginger Simple Syrup
Peel and thinly slice the ginger root. An "old-school" pivoting peeler or the edge of a spoon works well to peel the ginger.
Add water, sugar, and sliced ginger to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Cool to room temperature. Strain and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
How to Make A Glass of Ginger Ale
Add ice to a 12-to-16-ounce glass.
Pour 2 to 4 tablespoons of the ginger simple syrup over the ice.
Top off the ginger simple syrup with sparkling water and give it a stir. If desired add a garnish and a straw.
My Top Tips
If I plan on serving homemade ginger ale for a gathering of 6 to 8 people, I typically make the ginger simple syrup the day before and triple the recipe. This lets the syrup get nice and cold and I always have enough for everyone to have more than one glass.
Variations
- Lemon Ginger Ale - Use lemon-flavored sparkling water to make the ginger ale.
- Vanilla Ginger Ale - Add one-half of a vanilla bean pod when making the ginger simple syrup.
- Shirley Temple - Add a splash of grenadine syrup while making a glass of ginger ale and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Make-Ahead and Storage
The ginger simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
More Delicious Drinks
📖 Recipe
Homemade Ginger Ale
Ingredients
For the Ginger Simple Syrup
- 1 ½ Cups Plain Water
- 1 Cup White Granulated Sugar
- 4 Ounces Fresh Ginger Root, peeled and thinly sliced
For Individual Servings of Ginger Ale
- 4 Tablespoons Ginger Simple Syrup
- Sparkling Water or Seltzer
Instructions
How To Make the Ginger Simple Syrup
- Peel and thinly slice the ginger root. An "old-school" pivoting peeler or the edge of a spoon works well to peel the ginger.
- Add water, sugar, and sliced ginger to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cool to room temperature. Strain and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
How To Make a Glass of Ginger Ale
- Add ice to a 12-to-16-ounce glass.
- Pour 2 to 4 tablespoons of the ginger simple syrup over the ice.
- Top off the ginger simple syrup with sparkling water and give it a stir. If desired add a garnish and a straw.
Notes
- Lemon Ginger Ale - Use lemon-flavored sparkling water to make the ginger ale.
- Vanilla Ginger Ale - Add one-half of a vanilla bean pod when making the ginger simple syrup.
- Shirley Temple - Add a splash of grenadine syrup while making a glass of ginger ale and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Nutrition Per Serving
All nutritional information on this site is an estimate. Your results may vary.
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