5 Classic Cocktails with Ginger Ale

These classic cocktails with ginger ale will make it clear, once and for, all why mixologists and bartenders love to use this ingredients in so many of their creations.

Ginger ale is more than just a childhood soda. It’s a sophisticated mixer that adds magic to your cocktails.

It offers a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and refreshing flavors. Whether you’re mixing ginger ale with gin or trying other spirits, you’re in for a treat.

Ginger ale pairs well with almost every liquor. It adds depth and complexity to drinks.

Even simple recipes become special with ginger ale.

So, are you ready to begin exploring the amazing world of cocktails that use ginger ale?

Let’s go, then!

Key Takeaways

• Ginger ale is an incredibly versatile cocktail mixer.
• Works perfectly with multiple spirit types.
• Adds depth and complexity to drink recipes.
• Easy to use for home bartenders.
• Provides a balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Ginger Ale and Whiskey Highball

The Whiskey Highball is a classic cocktail. It mixes whiskey’s rich flavor with ginger ale’s crispness.

This drink is simple yet elegant, great for any event. It blends the caramel warmth of whiskey with the bright, fizzy spice of ginger ale for a popular, easy-sipping drink.

It’s refreshing yet comforting, with a subtle sweetness and gentle heat that make it a crowd-pleaser for any season.

In essence, this cocktail is perfectly balanced, lively, and incredibly drinkable.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 4–6 oz chilled ginger ale
• Ice
• Lemon wheel or peel

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey.
3. Top with chilled ginger ale.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or peel.

Food Pairing

Great with BBQ pulled pork sliders or salted mixed nuts.

Garnish and Variations

Garnish Option	Flavor Enhancement
Lemon Twist	Adds bright citrus notes
Lime Wedge	Provides zesty undertones
Angostura Bitters	Introduces complex aromatics

You can make your Whiskey Highball your own.

Try different whiskeys and ginger ales to find your favorite. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just relaxing at home.

Pro Tip

Use large ice cubes to keep the drink cold without watering it down.

To make a great ginger ale and whiskey highball, start with good whiskey.

Check out some of our Ginger Ale Jameson cocktail recipes.

Ginger Ale and Vodka Fizz

Find the perfect mix of ginger ale and vodka for a refreshing drink.

This classic combo is a delightful blend of crisp vodka and bubbly ginger ale that is sure to excite your taste buds.

Clean, bright vodka lets the ginger ale shine, creating a crisp, sparkling drink that’s incredibly refreshing.

Light citrus notes and a gentle bite make it perfect for warm-weather sipping or easy entertaining.

It’s smooth, effortless, and pairs beautifully with fruit-forward garnishes.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 6 oz ginger ale
• Ice
• Lime wedge

Instructions

1. Add ice to a tall glass.
2. Pour in vodka.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Squeeze in lime and drop it in.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with shrimp ceviche or light appetizers.

Pro Tip

Chill your vodka beforehand for maximum smoothness.

Try new things with your vodka and ginger ale cocktail. Add a splash of lime for a twist, or muddle fresh berries for more flavor.

Cocktail Variation	Key Ingredients	Flavor Profile
Classic Vodka Fizz	Vodka, Ginger Ale	Light, Crisp, Refreshing
Dirty Shirley	Vodka, Ginger Ale, Grenadine, Maraschino Cherries	Sweet, Fruity, Playful
Spicy Ginger Twist	Vodka, Ginger Ale, Muddled Fresh Ginger	Zesty, Spicy, Bold

Ginger Ale and Tequila Spritz

Want to make your cocktails more exciting? The Ginger Ale and Tequila Spritz is a great choice.

This cocktail mixes tequila’s herbaceous, citrusy character with the lively sparkle of ginger ale, resulting in a zesty, refreshing spritz.

Slightly sweet, a little spicy, and delightfully aromatic. It’s an easy twist on tequila classics that surprises guests with bold flavor and a clean finish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz blanco tequila
• 5 oz ginger ale
• Ice
• Orange slice

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add tequila.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Garnish with an orange slice.

Food Pairing

Perfect with tacos al pastor or chips with guacamole.

Garnish and Variations

Garnish Option	Flavor Profile
Lime Wheel	Classic, Citrusy
Fresh Jalapeño Slice	Spicy Kick
Cilantro Sprig	Herbal Note

Pro Tip

Use blanco tequila for bright, crisp flavor.

If you are the kind of person that enjoys trying new things, make a Mezcal version of this cocktail. It adds a smoky flavor to the mix.

Your taste buds will love this twist on Mexican drinks!

Ginger Ale and Rum Cooler

Escape to a tropical paradise with the ultimate summer cocktail. It combines rum and ginger ale into a refreshing drink.

This simple yet delightful cooler brings island vibes right to your glass with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Rum’s natural vanilla and caramel notes pair effortlessly with the sparkling spice of ginger ale, creating a smooth, tropical-inspired cooler.

It’s lightly sweet, incredibly refreshing, and the kind of drink that feels just as at home at a beach party as it does during a cozy gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 oz light or dark rum
• 6 oz ginger ale
• Ice
• Lime wheel

Instructions

1. Add ice to a highball glass.
2. Pour in rum.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Food Pairing

Goes well with Caribbean jerk chicken or coconut shrimp.

Pro Tip

Try dark rum for a deeper, richer finish.

Also, experiment with tropical additions like coconut cream, fresh mint, or passion fruit juice.

The key is to have fun and create a drink that transports you to a beachside paradise with every sip.

Ginger Ale and Bourbon Smash

Discover the perfect cocktail that brings together the rich warmth of bourbon and the zesty kick of ginger ale.

The Bourbon Smash is a delightful drink that transforms your favorite liquor into a refreshing and sophisticated beverage.

Bourbon’s deep caramel and vanilla notes meet ginger ale’s bubbly spice for a smooth, warming drink with a refreshingly crisp finish.

It’s approachable yet full-flavored. Great for bourbon newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

A hint of citrus brightens the mix, making the whole drink feel elegant and balanced.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 5 oz ginger ale
• Ice
• Lemon peel or mint

Instructions

1. Add ice to a rocks or highball glass.
2. Combine bourbon and ginger ale.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with lemon peel or mint.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled burgers or smoked meats.

Bourbon Selection Tips

Bourbon Type	Flavor Profile	Ginger Ale Pairing
Wheated Bourbon	Smooth and Sweet	Excellent Combination
High-Rye Bourbon	Spicy and Bold	Adds Extra Complexity

Serve your bourbon smash in a rocks glass filled with ice, garnished with a mint sprig or lemon twist.

This cocktail works beautifully year-round. It’s cooling in summer and warming in winter.

Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a casual cocktail lover, the ginger ale bourbon smash offers a perfect balance of flavor and refreshment.

Pro Tip

Choose a mid-proof bourbon (90–100) for the perfect balance.

Ginger Ale and Cranberry Sparkler – Alcohol Free

Looking for a drink that’s refreshing and fun without alcohol? The Ginger Ale and Cranberry Sparkler is your go-to.

Bright cranberry adds tartness to ginger ale’s natural sweetness and spice, creating a sparkling drink that’s festive, fruity, and easy to love.

It’s wonderfully balanced and visually striking, making it a perfect party punch or holiday refresher served either with or without alcohol.

Ingredients

• 4 oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz ginger ale
• Ice
• Fresh cranberries or lime

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add cranberry juice.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Garnish as desired.

Food Pairing

Great with charcuterie, brie, and holiday appetizers.

Pro Tip

Use 100% cranberry juice for deeper flavor and color.

Related: Fancy up this drink a bit making it perfect for a NYE party.

Ginger Ale and Orange Citrus Cooler – Non Alcohol

Get ready for the ultimate summer drink: the Orange Citrus Cooler.

Fresh orange juice brings sunny sweetness to the lively sparkle of ginger ale, creating a refreshing, crowd-friendly citrus cooler.

This drink brings sunshine to your glass with its bright, zesty flavors.

This mocktail is fruity, bright, and naturally uplifting. Great for brunch, picnics, or warm afternoons.

Ingredients

• 4 oz orange juice
• 4 oz ginger ale
• Ice
• Orange slice

Instructions

1. Add ice to a glass.
2. Pour in orange juice.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Garnish with an orange slice.

Food Pairing

Amazing with brunch dishes like waffles or quiche.

Pro Tip

Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for best flavor.

Other Alternatives

Want a festive cocktail that uses ginger ale for the winter holidays?

Then take a look at our Champagne & Ginger Ale Sparkler.

Or if you prefer to err on the safe side you can never go wrong with a true, blue Cuba Libre.

FAQ

What makes ginger ale such a great mixer for cocktails?

Ginger ale’s flavor is unique. It’s spicy, sweet, and aromatic. This makes it perfect for mixing with spirits like whiskey and vodka. It also works well in mocktails.

How much ginger ale should I typically use in a cocktail?

Use 4-6 ounces of ginger ale for every 2 ounces of spirits. This balance lets both the spirit and mixer shine.

Can I make these cocktails without alcohol?

Yes! Many recipes can be made into mocktails. Just leave out the alcohol and add fresh juices and garnishes for a fun drink.

What type of whiskey works best with ginger ale?

The choice is yours. Lighter whiskeys make a delicate drink. But, bold whiskeys like bourbon or rye pair well with ginger ale’s flavor. Try different ones to find your favorite.

Are these cocktails difficult to make?

No! These cocktails are easy and quick to make. They need just a few ingredients and basic skills. You can make most in a few minutes.

What are some good garnish options for ginger ale cocktails?

Try citrus wheels, mint sprigs, maraschino cherries, or berries. You can also use jalapeño slices or herb sprigs like rosemary. Garnishes add flavor and look great.

Can I use diet ginger ale in these cocktails?

Yes, diet ginger ale works too. But, it might taste slightly different and be less sweet than regular ginger ale.

What spirits pair best with ginger ale?

Ginger ale goes well with whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, and gin. Each spirit adds its own twist, making the cocktails diverse and tasty.

How can I make my ginger ale cocktails more interesting?

Try adding fresh fruit juices, herbs, bitters, or syrups. Change garnishes, adjust the spirit-to-mixer ratio, or add muddled ingredients. This will add depth to your drinks.

Are these cocktails suitable for special occasions?

Yes! These ginger ale cocktails are great for any event. They’re perfect for casual gatherings, barbecues, holiday parties, or fancy events. Their taste and simplicity make them a hit with everyone.