This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love. Read the full disclosure here
Ginger ale might seem simple—just a sweet, fizzy drink with a gingery twist. But not all ginger ales are created equal. Some hit your taste buds with a crisp zing, while others fizzle out before the first sip is done. We lined up 24 of the most popular ginger ales and ranked them from flat-out failures to sparkling superstars. Some are bold, some are mellow, and a few are barely ginger at all. Let’s crack open some cans and see who earns the crown.
1. Canada Dry Bold
Not as bold as it claims.
Canada Dry’s attempt at spicing things up falls a little flat. The label says “Bold,” but it barely kicks harder than the regular version. The flavor is sweet, with only a whisper of heat at the end. If you’re looking for true ginger intensity, this won’t deliver. It’s fine for mixing, but not much of a solo act.
2. Schweppes Ginger Ale
An old-school standby that tastes tired.
Schweppes has been around forever, but it’s not exactly a showstopper. The flavor is safe and syrupy, with very little bite. It’s widely available and inexpensive, which helps, but it lacks the zesty snap that makes a great ginger ale stand out. This one’s a background player, not a star.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
3. Signature Select Ginger Ale
Grocery store brand, and it shows.
This store-brand option from Safeway and similar chains is drinkable but forgettable. It’s overly sweet and lacks depth. There’s barely a hint of real ginger, and the carbonation fades fast. It’s not the worst, but it won’t win any flavor awards either. Best reserved for emergencies or budget punches.
4. Seagram’s Ginger Ale
Smooth, but almost too smooth.
Seagram’s doesn’t rock the boat. It’s mellow and drinkable, but a little bland. The carbonation is nice and tight, but the flavor plays it safe. There’s a slight citrus twist, but no real ginger fire. A good match for whiskey, but not exciting on its own.
5. 365 Organic Ginger Ale
Organic doesn’t always mean better.
Whole Foods’ house brand hits the mark on clean ingredients but misses on flavor. It’s flat, both in bubbles and in spice. The sweetness overwhelms any ginger notes, making it taste more like a general soda than a true ginger ale. It’s okay if you’re going for organic only, but otherwise, skip it.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
6. Faygo Ginger Ale
Sweet, cheap, and cheerful—but basic.
Faygo knows how to make fun soda, but their ginger ale is pretty basic. It’s sugary and light, with a faint ginger taste. The carbonation is solid, but the overall flavor leans more toward lemon-lime soda than a true ginger ale. It’ll do in a pinch, but don’t expect fireworks.
7. Shasta Ginger Ale
Budget-friendly with a thin flavor.
Shasta delivers on price, but not much else. The flavor is faint and sweet, with barely-there ginger. The fizz is decent, but the overall experience is underwhelming. If you need a large quantity of mixer on the cheap, it works. But if you’re chasing real ginger flavor, move on.
8. Bruce Cost Original
Unfiltered, cloudy, and different.
This one looks like ginger juice—and tastes like it too. Bruce Cost doesn’t filter their ginger ale, which gives it a bold, spicy edge and visible ginger sediment. It’s not for everyone, but if you love strong, natural ginger flavor, this is a must-try. Best served ice-cold and shaken gently before pouring.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
9. Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew
Spicy, sweet, and powerful.
Reed’s goes hard on the ginger—and we’re here for it. This brew has serious spice and a strong molasses finish. It’s got a craft soda vibe and feels like something you’d sip slowly, not chug. Not for the faint of heart, but a great choice if you want real heat.
10. Q Mixers Ginger Ale
Sleek, smart, and made for cocktails.
Q Mixers aims to be the premium choice for mixers, and it delivers. The flavor is balanced—not too sweet, not too spicy—and the carbonation is tight and lively. It doesn’t overpower, making it a great sidekick for spirits. Smooth enough to drink on its own, but shines with whiskey or gin.
11. Boylan Ginger Ale
Old-fashioned charm in a glass bottle.
Boylan’s version has a mild, herbal note that sets it apart. It’s not overly sweet, and the ginger is subtle but fresh-tasting. The glass bottle gives it a nostalgic feel, and the flavor holds up. Great as a sipper or a classy mixer.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
12. Zevia Ginger Ale
Sugar-free, and surprisingly decent.
Zevia skips sugar in favor of stevia, and while that can go sideways, here it works. The flavor is clean and light, and the ginger is gentle but present. It’s not super fiery, but it’s refreshing and guilt-free. Great for folks avoiding sugar or looking for a lighter option.
13. Virgil’s Zero Sugar Ginger Ale
Another sugar-free pick that tastes legit.
Virgil’s gets the zero-sugar formula right. The carbonation is bold, and the flavor is bright with a touch of spice. It’s slightly more aggressive than Zevia, with a pleasant bite. Good for anyone watching sugar but not willing to sacrifice taste.
14. Ale-8-One
A regional gem with citrusy charm.
This Kentucky favorite has a loyal following—and for good reason. It blends ginger ale with a hint of citrus, giving it a unique, refreshing twist. It’s sweet but not cloying, with a light fizz. A great alternative to mainstream brands if you can find it.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
15. Maine Root Ginger Brew
Big bottle, bold flavor.
Maine Root’s version is spicy, earthy, and a bit rustic. You can taste the ginger root, and the sweetness is balanced. It’s got a homemade feel that sets it apart from the mass-market stuff. A good pick if you like your sodas strong and real.
16. Thomas Kemper Ginger Ale
Smooth, rich, and sippable.
This one’s a little heavier on the vanilla, giving it a cream-soda twist. The ginger is subtle but real, and the bubbles are soft. It’s unique—not everyone will love it—but it’s worth trying for something different and mellow.
17. Blenheim Ginger Ale (Hot)
Fire in a bottle.
This legendary Southern ginger ale doesn’t mess around. The heat hits hard and fast—like ginger with attitude. It’s not for beginners, but fans swear by its spicy, almost peppery punch. If you want bold, Blenheim brings it.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
18. Hansen’s Ginger Ale
Natural flavor, retro vibes.
Hansen’s keeps it light and citrusy. It’s not too sweet, and the ginger flavor is clean and clear. The old-school can design adds charm. It’s nothing revolutionary, but it’s solid and easy to like.
19. Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Ale
Elegant and refined.
Fever-Tree is made for mixing with spirits, and its ginger ale is no exception. It’s soft, with a whisper of citrus and a light ginger background. Not too sugary, and very smooth. A high-end mixer that can also stand alone.
20. Dry Ginger Ale by DRY Soda Co.
Minimalist, with a twist.
This one’s less sweet and more herbal. The ginger is dry (as the name promises), with a clean finish. It’s not a party soda—it’s more like a grown-up sparkling drink. Light, crisp, and great with food.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
21. Jones Ginger Beer
Not quite a ginger ale, but unforgettable.
Jones does bold sodas, and their ginger beer walks the line between soda and spicy brew. It’s sugary, yes, but also strong in ginger and fun to drink. If you like your soda with a punch, this will hit the spot.
22. Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Ale
Crafted with care—and it shows.
Unfiltered and packed with real ginger bits, Brooklyn Crafted is fiery and flavorful. It’s got bite, it’s got fizz, and it feels like something made in small batches. If you want something that tastes handcrafted, this is it
23. Vernors Ginger Ale
Sweet nostalgia with a twist.
Vernors has a cult following. It’s more like ginger cream soda than a standard ginger ale. Super fizzy, smooth, and with a hint of vanilla. Some love it, some don’t—but it’s definitely memorable and totally unique.
24. Canada Dry Original
The gold standard.
It’s hard to beat the classic. Canada Dry Original is balanced, bubbly, and widely loved. Not too spicy, not too sweet—it hits the middle perfectly. Great solo or in a cocktail, it’s a reliable favorite that earns its top spot.
More from Bullock’s Buzz
- 22 Budget Bourbons That Sip Like They Belong on the Top Shelf
- 18 Everyday Foods That Help Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check
- 21 Diabetes-Friendly Foods You Should Be Eating Every Day
- 21 Foods That Can Spike Blood Pressure—And What to Eat Instead
- 26 Easter Side Dishes That Deserve a Spot on Your Spring Table
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.