12 BEST Ginger Ale Brands From a Michigander’s Perspective
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Looking for the best ginger ale brands? Michiganders know the easy and obvious answer to that… but here are a few other popular brands of ginger ale to consider if you’re not from here.
Ginger ale is a popular carbonated soft drink that is known for its spicy and sweet flavor. It is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a mixer in cocktails.
While Canada Dry is often the go-to brand for ginger ale in the United States, many other options are available on the market, and Michiganders definitely have a favorite ginger ale brand (be sure to scroll down to find out which one is the best!).
We decided to try out different ginger ale brands to find the best ones available. Our team judged the ginger ale based on its carbonation, flavor, and overall taste. We also looked at the ingredient list for each brand to determine the quality of the drink.
Popular Ginger Ale Brands in the United States
When it comes to ginger ale, several popular brands come to mind. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most well-known ginger ale brands on the market.
Canada Dry
Canada Dry is, perhaps, the most iconic ginger ale brand and has been a household name for over a century. Its crisp and refreshing taste has made it a favorite among many ginger ale lovers. Canada Dry comes in several flavors, including original, diet, cranberry, and lemon-lime.
Schweppes
Schweppes is another popular ginger ale brand that has been around for over 200 years. Its ginger ale is known for its bold and spicy flavor, making it a great choice for mixing with other drinks. Schweppes also offers a diet version of its ginger ale.
Seagram’s
Seagram’s ginger ale is a classic brand that has been around since the 1850s. It has a smooth and crisp taste with just the right amount of ginger flavor. You can find Seagram’s in a diet variation too.
Zevia
Zevia is a newer brand that offers a unique take on ginger ale. It is sweetened with stevia, making it a great choice for those looking for a low-sugar option. Zevia’s ginger ale also contains no artificial sweeteners or colors.
Overall, these four brands are some of the most popular ginger ale options on the market. Each brand offers its own unique take on ginger ale, so it’s worth trying them all to find your favorite.
Lesser-Known Ginger Ale Brands
If you’re tired of the same old ginger ale brands, there are some lesser-known options out there that are worth trying. Here are three brands that we recommend.
Boylan
Boylan has been around since 1891, and its ginger ale is made with pure cane sugar and real ginger extract. It has a strong ginger flavor and a hint of sweetness, without being too overpowering. Also, Boylan ginger ale offers a diet version for those who want a low-calorie option.
Fentimans
Fentimans is a British brand that has been making botanical beverages since 1905. Its ginger ale is made with Chinese ginger root and has a complex flavor profile that includes notes of orange and lemon. It’s also fermented for seven days, which gives it a slight effervescence and a unique taste.
Q Mixers
Q Mixers is a newer brand that was founded in 2007. Its ginger ale is made with organic agave nectar and ginger extract from three different sources — India, Indonesia, and Nigeria. Q Mixers has a clean, crisp taste and a subtle sweetness that balances out the spiciness of the ginger.
Overall, these lesser-known ginger ale brands are worth checking out if you’re looking for something new. While they may not be as widely available as some of the more popular brands, they offer unique flavors and high-quality ingredients that make them stand out.
Craft Ginger Ale Brands
Craft ginger ale brands are becoming increasingly popular as people seek out unique and high-quality pop. Here are some of our favorite craft ginger ale brands.
Reed’s
Reed’s ginger ale is made with fresh ginger root and has a strong, spicy flavor. It comes in a variety of flavors, including original, extra, strongest, and zero sugar. We appreciate that Reed’s uses natural ingredients and doesn’t add any artificial flavors or colors.
Bruce Cost Ginger Ale
Bruce Cost Ginger Ale is another craft ginger ale brand that uses fresh ginger root in its pop. It has a milder flavor than Reed’s and a slightly sweeter taste. Bruce Cost Ginger Ale comes in a variety of flavors, including original, jasmine tea, and pomegranate with hibiscus.
Red Ribbon Mint Ginger Ale
Red Ribbon Mint Ginger Ale, formerly known as Tom Tucket Southern Style Mint Ginger Ale, is a unique craft ginger ale that combines the flavors of ginger and mint.
It has a refreshing taste and is perfect for hot summer days. Red Ribbon Ginger Ale is made with natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any high fructose corn syrup.
Fever-Tree
Fever-Tree is a high-end craft beverage company that makes a premium ginger ale with a blend of three types of ginger from India, Africa, and South America. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus and spice. Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Ale is perfect for mixing with cocktails or enjoying on its own.
Craft ginger ale brands are a great way to add some variety to your pop selection. With so many unique flavors and high-quality ingredients, it’s easy to see why these brands are gaining popularity.
Best Ginger Ale Brand
When it comes to ginger ale, there are many brands to choose from. But if you ask any Michigander, they’ll tell you that one stands out from the rest — Vernors Ginger Ale.
Vernors Ginger Ale
Vernors has been around since 1866, making it one of the oldest ginger ale brands in the United States. It has a unique and distinct flavor that sets it apart from other ginger ales.
This pop is made with a blend of ginger and spices, giving it a bold and spicy taste that is perfect for those who love a little kick in their drinks.
One of the things that sets Vernors apart from other ginger ale brands is its aging process. It is aged for three years in oak barrels, which gives it a smooth and mellow flavor. Also, the aging process allows the ginger and spices to fully infuse into the pop, creating a rich and complex profile.
Vernors is known for its effervescence too. It has a strong and long-lasting fizz that adds to its refreshing quality. This makes it a great drink for hot summer days or as a mixer for cocktails.
Overall, we (along with 99% of Michiganders — give or take a few) believe that Vernors Ginger Ale is the best ginger ale brand out there. Its unique flavor, aging process, and effervescence make it stand out from the crowd. If you haven’t tried Vernors yet, we highly recommend giving it a try!
Related: Famous Michigan Foods
FAQs About the Best Ginger Ale Brands
What are the most popular ginger ale brands?
We have found that the most popular ginger ale brands in the United States are Canada Dry, Schweppes, and Seagrams. These brands have been around for a long time and have become household names.
However, the most popular ginger ale in Michigan is Vernors.
What makes a ginger ale brand stand out?
Ginger ale brands can stand out by using real ginger, having a unique flavor, or having a strong brand presence.
Some brands, like Fentimans, use fiery Chinese ginger for a spicy kick, while others, like Brooklyn Crafted, offer unique flavors like mango.
Which ginger ale brand is known for using real ginger?
Many ginger ale brands claim to use real ginger, but one that stands out is Reed’s. It uses fresh ginger root and has a strong ginger flavor that is not too sweet.
What are the ingredients in Schweppes ginger ale?
Schweppes ginger ale contains carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors, and caramel color.
Is Vernors ginger ale good for upset stomachs?
Vernors ginger ale is known for being a good choice for upset stomachs. The brand has been around since 1866 and is said to have a particularly strong ginger flavor that can soothe upset stomachs.
What is the best ginger ale to mix with whiskey?
When it comes to mixing ginger ale with whiskey, many people prefer a brand with a strong ginger flavor. Some popular choices include Fever-Tree and Q Mixer.
Do they only sell Vernors in Michigan?
While Vernors is sold predominantly in Michigan and its surrounding Midwest states, it can be found in select stores across the United States and is available to order on Amazon.
Is Vernors only made in Michigan?
The flagship bottling plant for Vernors is located in Holland Michigan, but it is also bottled in select cities across the country.
Find Your Favorite Ginger Ale Brand
You don’t have to take our word for which ginger ale brands are the best. Try a variety of brands for yourself, and tell us which is your favorite in the comments below!