Transforming basic ingredients into a refreshing homemade ginger ale is easy!
By Elise Bauer Updated on July 1, 2026
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Why Make This
You can make ginger ale at home with just a few basic steps.
You won’t need any special equipment, just a saucepan and a fine mesh strainer.
Both the ginger water and simple syrup can be tailored for a sweeter or spicier drink.
Several years ago, I got together with a few other food bloggers for lunch at a terrific diner in San Francisco. Lunch was fabulous, truly. One menu item that struck my fancy was homemade ginger ale, which they made fresh to order.
After lunch, on my way out the door, I stopped the waitress to ask how they made it. She gave me a general idea, which I have attempted to recreate in the steps shown here.
The diner version included a little touch of ground clove and cardamom if I recall correctly. I didn’t add those spices, but even without them the ginger ale still turned out just great!
It’s quite easy to make. You may need to adjust the proportions depending on how intense or sweet you want your drink.
A tall glass of ginger ale soda with a bowl of sliced limes next to it.
Eliezer Martinez
What Is Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale is a carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage that can be traced back to 1850s Ireland. It’s said that Irish apothecary owner Thomas Joseph Cantrell created the sweet, ginger-based drink in Belfast. A dryer, less sweet style of ginger ale was created in the early 1900s by Canadian pharmacist John J. McLaughlin. He patented the drink as Canada Dry Ginger Ale.
The basis of ginger ale is carbonated water, ginger, and sugar. The drink can be enjoyed on its own or as a mixer for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
How Long Can You Store Homemade Ginger Ale?
Store the ginger water and the simple syrup in the refrigerator separately. The ginger water lasts 1 to 2 weeks. If the color or the odor of the water changes, discard it. The simple syrup should last up to 1 month.
The assembled ginger ale, a combination of the ginger water, simple syrup, and club soda, will last until the carbonation goes flat. It’s best to combine the three immediately before serving.
More DIY Drinks That Taste Better Homemade
Homemade Sassafras Root Beer
Kombucha
The Best Detox Smoothie
Iced Chai Latte
Cold Brew Coffee
From the Editors
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4 servings
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE.
