Whiskey Ginger
The Whiskey Ginger is an easy cocktail that’s so refreshing! Whiskey and ginger ale is a classic combination: use any type you have on hand.
Here’s a classic combination that makes one of the easiest cocktails you’ll make: the Whiskey Ginger! Whiskey and ginger ale are the perfect pair: the spicy notes of the liquor meld into the subtle sweet and bubbly notes of the ale. Add a squeeze of lime and a big ice cube, and you’re in business!
I’m a big fan of ginger ale cocktails and ginger beer cocktails because of the spicy, subtly herbaceous flavor. You can make this drink with either one: it’s typically made with ginger ale, though I personally like it better with ginger beer because the flavor is even more intense!
What’s a Whiskey Ginger?
The Whiskey Ginger is another name for mixing whiskey and ginger ale. It’s essentially the same as a Whiskey Highball, a classic cocktail born in the early 1900’s. A highball cocktail is a family of drinks that combine alcohol with a larger percentage of non-alcoholic mixer, like the gin and tonic or vodka soda.
The whiskey highball initially combined Scotch with soda water, called “scotch and soda.” It’s often served with soda water, but ginger ale is a common substitute.
Why mix whiskey and ginger ale? These two are a classic pairing because they compliment each other so well. The whiskey brings in spicy and oaky notes, and ale is perfect to offset it: it’s subtly sweet and bubbly. The two together make a stellar combo, similar to a Whiskey and Coke.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Whiskey: The star of the show: see my notes on which type to use below.
- Ginger ale: Use 3 oz for a spirit-forward drink, 4 oz if you want it lighter and more bubbly.
- Lime wedge: The citrus squeeze at the end lifts the flavors. Lemon works too, but lime is the classic choice.
- Ice: A big cube or sphere melts more slowly and keeps the drink ice cold with less dilution: try my clear ice tutorial!
The Best Whiskey for a Whiskey Ginger
You can use any type of whiskey in your Whiskey Ginger: you’ll get a different drink with each variety! Here are the major types of whiskey and how the flavors change the drink, listed in order of my preference:
- Bourbon: Bourbon has a sweeter flavor than other styles of whiskey, with notes of vanilla, oak and caramel.
- Rye: The most common choice for a Whiskey Ginger! The spicy and peppery notes of rye are a good complement to the subtle sweetness of ginger ale.
- Irish: Irish whiskey is a great choice! It’s light and fruity, with a subtle floral scent and hints of nutty and vanilla tones.
- Scotch: Scotch also works! Blended Scotch is malty and buttery, with a spicy finish. Single malt Scotch tastes oaky and woody, with signature peaty and smoky notes. You could also use a good Japanese whisky as well.
More great whiskey mixers? Go to What to Mix with Whiskey.
The Best Ginger Ale Brands
There are several types of ginger ale brands on the market. Here’s what we like:
- Q Ginger Ale: This is our top choice! We like that it comes in small cans so you only have to use a little at a time. It’s also our top brand of ginger beer.
- Fever Tree Ginger Ale: Fever Tree is made with real ginger and has no artificial sweeteners.
- More Ginger Ale Brands: Here’s a list of more top brands.
Can You Use Ginger Beer Instead?
Can you pair whiskey and ginger beer? Absolutely, though it has a much different flavor profile! Using ginger beer makes it essentially a Kentucky Mule or Irish Mule, which add lime juice. Head over for those recipes!
The difference of ginger beer vs ginger ale is that ginger beer has a very strong, spicy ginger flavor and big bubbles, whereas ginger ale is more subtle and sweet with less carbonation. Ginger beer competes with the flavor of the liquor, whereas ginger ale complements it. You get two very different drinks!
Ginger Ale Cocktails To Try Next
There are lots of ways to mix ginger ale into tasty drinks! Here are some of favorites to try:
- Use rum for a Rum and Ginger Ale, vodka for a Vodka and Ginger Ale, or tequila for a Tequila and Ginger Ale
- Opt for a Shandy: a bubbly beer cocktail starring beer and ginger ale
- Try a Pimm’s Cup, a British drink with Pimm’s No. 1 and ginger ale
- Grab a Transfusion, a golf drink with Concord grape juice, ginger ale and lime
When to Serve a Whiskey Ginger
This cocktail is bubbly and light: a great party drink! Try it as a:
- Before-dinner aperitif for appetizer hour
- Patio or backyard drink: it’s simple to build in the glass on demand
- Dinner party cocktail: takes 2 minutes to make but seems put together
- Beginner’s whiskey drink: the ginger ale softens the whiskey flavor making it more approachable
Classic Whiskey Ginger
Pin RecipeThe Whiskey Ginger is an easy cocktail that’s so refreshing! Whiskey and ginger ale is a classic combination: use any type you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey (or bourbon or Irish whiskey)
- 3 ounces ginger ale (4 ounces for more ginger taste)
- 1 lime wedge
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
Instructions
- Add the whiskey and ice to a glass and stir to combine.
- Top with the ginger ale. Squeeze in the juice from the lime wedge and serve. Garnish with additional lime wedges or wheels
More whiskey drinks
There are so many famous drinks starring this liquor! Here are some of the top whiskey cocktails to try:
- Try refreshingly minty Whiskey Smash or Classic Mint Julep
- Go classic with a Classic Old Fashioned
- Opt for a sophisticated Manhattan or Boulevardier
- Try modern classics Paper Plane or Gold Rush
- Also try: Scotch Cocktails, Irish Whiskey Cocktails or Bourbon Cocktails
from A Couple Cooks
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Sonja Overhiser
May 22, 2026 at 03:41PM
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