This refreshing, 3-ingredient Whiskey Ginger Cocktail is one of the easiest cocktails to make at home. In just minutes, you can enjoy a simple whiskey ginger ale drink that even non-whiskey lovers will enjoy!
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Whiskey Ginger?
Ginger Whiskey?
Big Ginger?
Jameson Ginger?
This basic, 3-ingredient cocktail goes by a slew of names, but I think we can all agree that the combination of a fresh lime wedge, whiskey and ginger ale makes this easy Whiskey Ginger drink one refreshing libation!
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Why you'll love this drink
➤ It's so refreshing and easy to make. You don't need to be a professional mixologist to make a quality cocktail. This three-step whiskey and ginger ale (or bourbon and ginger ale) can be made in less than a minute and tastes just like you order at a restaurant or bar.
➤ No special equipment is required, like a shaker or strainer. All you need is a jigger, a glass and a spoon. This Whiskey Ginger is also budget friendly. Only three ingredients needed!
➤ Perfect for non-whiskey lovers. The beauty of this recipe is you can scale the whiskey to ginger ale ratio to accommodate all types of whiskey fans - from the timid to the rabid.
Ingredients
Just because an ingredient list is simple doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious! There are only three ingredients in this easy drink:
A few ingredient notes:
- Whiskey - You can use your favorite whiskey or bourbon with this recipe. We're fans of Bulleit.
- Ginger ale - Fever-Tree or Q Mixers are ideal for this drink because they have a more pronounced ginger flavor but you can easily swap in any grocery store brand.
- Lime wedge - Fresh lime adds just a hint of tang and acidity. Don't skip it!
Instructions
Some cocktails are sticklers for proportions. For example, I wouldn’t just toss the ingredients for a Perfect Manhattan into a glass and hope for the best.
But this Whiskey Ginger isn’t a fussy drink at all:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice. Measure desired amount of whiskey and add it to the glass. (These beakers are great for measuring liquids, especially for smaller amounts like in cocktails. Definitely one of our favorite kitchen tools!)
2. Top with ginger ale.
3. Squeeze the juice from a fresh lime wedge into the glass.
4. Stir cocktail with straw or a bar spoon.
FAQs
These two mixers look nearly identical so let’s set the record straight.
Ginger beer: Back when ginger beer was invented in 1700s England, it was an alcoholic beverage. Fast forward to today and even though it has “beer” in its name, most ginger beer you buy at the store doesn’t actually contain alcohol. It has a robust, spicy flavor with some carbonation.
Ginger ale: Likewise, there is no alcoholic “ale” in ginger ale. It’s basically soda (or pop - depending on where you live) - a sweetened carbonated beverage with ginger flavoring. Consider ginger ale a tamer version of ginger beer with a more delicate flavor, a lighter color and more carbonation.
If you love ginger beer, you can definitely use it in this recipe. Ginger beer will give you a spicier drink while ginger ale gives a sweeter, smoother flavor. I personally prefer using ginger ale in my Whiskey Gingers.
You don’t need a super expensive bottle of whiskey to make this ginger ale cocktail. Grab a reliable, mid-priced bottle and save the higher-end stuff for sipping on the rocks. A big buck bottle is not needed (though you definitely want to buy something you like the taste of).
Expert tips for making a Whiskey Ginger
✘ Swap in your favorite bourbon for the whiskey in this recipe.
✘ Ginger beer or ginger ale can be used in this cocktail. Ginger beer will give the drink a more robust flavor while the ginger ale will give it a slightly sweeter taste. Or skip the ginger entirely and use lemon lime soda instead.
✘ Use lots of ice. You want your glass filled nearly to the brim to ensure your cocktail stays well-chilled. No one likes a lukewarm drink.
✘ Adjust the amount of whiskey to suit your taste. Want less whiskey flavor? Dial down the amount. Craving more? Add a little extra.
✘ Simple enough for a DIY drink station. Place the whiskey, ginger ale and lime wedges on a table along with glasses and ice for guests to serve themselves.
More good whiskey drinks
Looking for more drink ideas? Check out some of our favorites!
We have even more whiskey and bourbon drinks in our archives.
And don’t forget the snacks! Every party needs easy appetizer recipes. These bacon appetizers disappear EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. Your friends will definitely want the recipe.
Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
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Recipe
Whiskey Ginger Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 5 ounces ginger ale
- 1 lime wedge
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Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour whiskey into glass.2 ounces whiskey
- Top with ginger ale.5 ounces ginger ale
- Squeeze and float a lime wedge in the glass.1 lime wedge
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite bourbon in place of the whiskey in this drink.
- Want a spicier, more robust cocktail? Use ginger beer instead of ginger ale. I prefer Fever-Tree or Q Mixers ginger ales in my Whiskey Gingers.
- The amount of whiskey suggested in the recipe is a starting point. New to whiskey? Add a little less. A passionate whiskey fan? Add a little more.
- Use lots of ice. You want your glass filled nearly to the brim to ensure your cocktail stays well-chilled. No one likes a lukewarm drink.
- This whiskey and ginger ale drink is perfect for a DIY drink station. Set the whiskey, ginger ale and lime wedges on a table along with glasses and ice for guests to serve themselves.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Edna says
I add ginger beer to this and it’s the bomb!
Aaron says
Couldn't you use ginger beer, which has a little more bite to it?
Anna says
Hi Aaron, as much as I love all things ginger, I've never tried this recipe with ginger beer. If you do, please report back how it plays out!