Skip to content 
Last Updated on February 1, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Using whiskey for mixing cocktails may not be our first choice when we have an expensive bottle.
However, the complex flavors of whiskey lend an unpredictable taste when mixed with ginger ale.
Unlike ginger beer with spicy ginger flavor, ginger ale has a subtle sweetness that complements whiskey.
Our team has tried different brands recently, and here’s the result of our little experiment. Read on and check our list of the best whiskeys for ginger ale.
Top 10 Whiskeys Perfect for Ginger Ale
10. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Average Price: around $60 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Although you may need to spend a little bit more for this drink, the twice-barreled process that it goes through creates a rich complex flavor like no other.
The maturation processes of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked incorporate a smooth and full-bodied texture in the liquor.
Mixing it with ginger ale and lime juice would make a refreshing cocktail with hints of hazelnut, apple, and spices.
9. 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey
Average Price: around $20 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Of course, if there’s something that we shouldn’t miss on the list of whiskey that pairs well with ginger ale, it would be the 2 Ginger Irish Whiskey.
CEO Kieran Folliard introduced this whiskey to use in his four pubs in 2011.
But his marketing approach includes creating a seasonless signature cocktail by mixing this whiskey and ginger ale as a refreshing alternative to beer.
It imparts light spice, malt, and nuts flavors to the ginger ale.
8. Bulleit Bourbon
Average Price: around $33 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Bulleit Bourbon comes from a unique blend of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley, mix with pure Kentucky limestone filtered water and special yeast strains.
It has a light spiciness and oak sweetness on the palate, with hints of honey, nutmeg, and maple that blend well with ginger-flavored beverages.
The high corn content of this bourbon accounts for the smoothness of the drink even when drunk neat or with ice.
7. Ragtime Rye
Average Price: around $44 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Ragtime Rye Straight Whiskey is made by using 72% rye, 16% corn, and 12% barley malt. It was a product of a Brooklyn-based distillery founded in 2011.
The high rye content is very obvious on the palate where you can taste some punchy flavors like white pepper and licorice.
That’s why you would want to mix it with cocktails and mellow down its bold spicy flavor.
However, this Rye whiskey would be perfect if you want your highball glass drink to have that extra kick.
6. Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
Average Price: around $35 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Aged for approximately four years, Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey boasts caramel, vanilla, rye, candied citrus, and dried fruits on the palate.
Its mash bill is rumored to have a low-rye profile, which is 51% rye, 39% corn, and 10% malted barley.
As a type of soda, ginger ale can help balance the strong flavors of this whiskey. But it still has some dark fruit and black pepper hints after finishing the drink.
5. Tincup American Whiskey
Average Price: around $31 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 42%
Why We Like It:
Launched in 2014, Tincup American Whiskey has a high rye content in a bourbon-style profile. The 32% rye mash bill of this whiskey is enough to lend it those fairly spicy rye flavors.
It is a famous mixer in a Buck recipe or a cocktail category that usually contains ginger ale, citrus or lime juice, and liquor.
Adding ice to your highball recipe could help tone down the spice, while the whiskey would still be able to shine through.
4. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Average Price: around $35 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Although it is hard to find in some states, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon is a reliable bottle when purchased at MSRP [1].
It is an excellent introduction to the variety of Buffalo Trace’s product lines.
Aged for a minimum of eight years, this drink has a soft mouth feel and a pleasing sweetness that is perfect for cocktails.
It incorporates gentle flavors of caramel, brown sugar, cherry, vanilla, and light oak when mixed with ginger ale.
3. Seagrams 7
Average Price: around $16 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Many of us would agree that Seagram’s Seven Crown Blended Whiskey is not meant to be drunk neat.
It has a strong alcoholic taste and smell that overpowers other flavors like apricot and charred wood.
Surprisingly, it is a good alcoholic companion for a carbonated soft drink like ginger ale. It lends a subtle whiskey flavor to the ginger ale, creating a sweet and refreshing drink that goes down smoothly.
2. Wild Turkey 101
Average Price: around $27 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50.5%
Why We Like It:
Wild Turkey 101 is one of the best budget bourbons that offers versatility and high alcohol content in each bottle.
That 101 proof might make you hesitate to use it with ginger ale, but rest assured that its high rye content incorporates a unique complexity to the cocktail drink.
The well-incorporated sweet caramel flavors and toasty sourdough aromas of Wild Turkey 101 ensure that they would not dominate the flavors of ginger ale.
1. Jameson Irish Whiskey
Average Price: around $32 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Jameson Irish Whiskey is one of the most popular whiskey brands from Ireland, exceeding 70% share of the Irish whiskey market globally [2].
It is among the most popular choices for bartenders when making cocktails.
The whiskey has subtle tobacco notes, honey, vanilla, and citrus hints, making it a perfect match for the sugary flavor of ginger ale.
“The highball is probably the simplest drink you can make and the most satisfying.”
– Tom Macy, Beverage Director
Recently, Jameson released their ready-to-drink cans of pre-mixed Jameson with real ginger flavors.
Whiskey Highball Recipe
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 4-6 ounces of ginger ale
- Lemon or lime wedge
Instructions:
Gather all the ingredients and prepare a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Fill the glass with whiskey and ginger ale and mix them properly. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge and serve.
Serving: 1
FAQs
How do you order whiskey with ginger ale?
Ordering highball glass drinks at a bar would require you to state the liquor and mixer of your choice to the bartender. In this case, you can simply ask, “Whiskey with ginger ale.”
It also works with other mixers like soda water or even coffee.
What does whiskey with ginger ale taste like?
Although it may vary, whiskey with ginger ale brings in slightly sweet and bubbly notes, with oak hints and spice.
Does Scotch go with ginger ale?
Yes, Scotch pairs well with ginger ale. Blended Scotch, like Monkey Shoulder, has vanilla, nutty, and malty flavors with spicy notes. On the other hand, Single Malt Scotch has oaky and peaty flavors, with that signature smoky notes.
In Conclusion
Ginger ale is a ginger-based soda that can offset some of the strong flavors that most whiskeys present.
There is a wide range of whiskey bottles you can choose from, like those with higher alcohol content or brands with more mellow flavors.
You can also mix in a Blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder with ginger ale.
Canada Dry Ginger Ale is one of the most popular ginger ale brands that we often mix in our highball glass drinks. This simple recipe would surely satisfy you from the first sip to the last.
References:
- https://www.pastemagazine.com/drink/whiskey/buffalo-trace-bourbon-rye-buying-guide-prices-brands-value/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2020/11/10/how-jamesons-irish-whiskey-will-continue-to-dominate-the-us-market/
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
