Last Updated on March 5, 2024 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 whiskey for ginger ale.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 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.
Read: The Best Whiskeys For Bartesian
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.
Read: Our Favorite Whiskeys For Cocktails
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.
Read: Recommended Whiskeys For Highball
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
Frequently Asked Questions (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.
What kind of whiskey goes with ginger ale?
Several types of whiskey pair well with ginger ale, with bourbon, rye, and blended Scotch being popular choices.
The sweetness of bourbon complements the ginger ale’s effervescence, while the spiciness of rye adds a robust kick, and the mellow character of blended Scotch creates a smooth and refreshing combination.
What liquor is best mixed with ginger ale?
While whiskey is a classic choice, other liquors also pair well with ginger ale. Dark and spiced rums add depth and sweetness, while vodka provides a clean and versatile option.
Additionally, some enjoy mixing tequila or even brandy with ginger ale for unique and enjoyable cocktails.
Is Jack Daniels and ginger ale good?
Yes, Jack Daniel’s and ginger ale make a delicious combination. The smooth and slightly sweet profile of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey complements the effervescence of ginger ale, creating a refreshing and well-balanced drink.
Garnishing with a wedge of lemon or a splash of bitters can enhance the flavor profile further.
What whiskey is best with ginger beer?
Several whiskies pair exceptionally well with ginger beer. Spicy rye whiskies complement the boldness of ginger beer, while smoky Islay Scotch whiskies add complexity.
Bourbon, with its sweet and caramel notes, also creates a delightful contrast with the spiciness of ginger beer. Ultimately, personal taste preferences will determine the “best” whiskey for an individual’s ginger beer cocktail.
Is Johnnie Walker good with ginger ale?
Yes, Johnnie Walker and ginger ale can be a delightful combination. The diverse range of Johnnie Walker whiskies allows for versatile pairings, and the smooth and blended nature of Johnnie Walker works well with the effervescence of ginger ale.
Whether it’s Johnnie Walker Black Label, Red Label, or another expression, experimenting with ratios and garnishes can tailor the drink to individual preferences.
Can I mix ginger ale with whiskey?
Yes, mixing ginger ale with whiskey is a popular and enjoyable combination.
The effervescence of ginger ale complements the diverse flavor profiles of different whiskies, creating a refreshing and versatile cocktail.
Bourbon, rye, Scotch, and even Irish whiskey can be used, allowing for a range of flavor experiences.
What is Scotch and ginger ale called?
The combination of Scotch whisky and ginger ale is often referred to as a “Whisky Ginger” or “Scotch and Ginger.”
This simple and delightful cocktail showcases the rich and complex flavors of Scotch alongside the spiciness and effervescence of ginger ale.
Is Hennessy good with ginger ale?
While Hennessy is a brandy, not a whiskey, it can be mixed with ginger ale to create a delicious cocktail known as a “Henny and Ginger.”
The smooth and robust nature of Hennessy pairs well with the sweetness and carbonation of ginger ale, offering a refreshing and flavorful drink.
Is Jack Daniel’s proper whiskey?
Yes, Jack Daniel’s is considered a proper whiskey. It falls into the category of Tennessee whiskey, a type of American whiskey that undergoes an additional charcoal filtering process known as the Lincoln County Process.
This process imparts a distinctive smoothness to the whiskey, contributing to Jack Daniel’s signature flavor profile.
Why is Jack Daniel’s so good?
Jack Daniel’s is appreciated for several reasons that contribute to its widespread popularity. Its smooth and mellow taste, achieved through charcoal filtering and aging in new charred oak barrels, appeals to a broad audience.
The consistent quality and iconic nature of Jack Daniel’s, along with its versatility in various cocktails, contribute to its reputation as a well-regarded whiskey.
Additionally, the brand’s rich history, commitment to tradition, and attention to detail in the production process contribute to the overall appeal of Jack Daniel’s among whiskey enthusiasts.
Final Verdict: Best Whiskey For Ginger Ale
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/