What is Ginger Ale – And Are There Any Health Benefits?

Dry Ginger ale: a carbonated, golden elixir lurking somewhere between “retro party mixer” and “sick day saviour.” But what actually is it? Dry Ginger Ale is a carbonated drink flavoured with ginger root. When perusing the aisles for a ginger drink, there are two main types: the classic, pale, sugary mass-market kind and the more robust, spicy “dry” versions made with real ginger, complimented with exotic spices and less sugar.

But - is it healthy? If you're pouring sugar-laden 99 cent supermarket ginger ale on your Corn Flakes every morning like a good little pre-diabetic child, definitely not. Alternatively, real or more premium versions of ginger ale—like the kind StrangeLove makes with premium ginger extracts and less sugar—can offer mild digestive benefits associated with the use of raw Ginger. Not exactly a miracle health drink, yet can be a satisfying sip when milking a sick day with a mild (mostly performative) stomach ache.

When made with quality ingredients and less sugar, Dry Ginger Ale is a refreshingly adult option with a side of “maybe this will calm my guts a little." Just don’t confuse it with a health drink. It will not help you scale Mt. Everist. Or cure your inability to concentrate longer than 12 seconds. Enjoy it for what it is: flavourful, nuanced, and marginally delicious.

What Is Ginger Ale, Really?

At its core, Ginger Ale is a carbonated drink flavoured with ginger extracts, juices or oils —simple, spicy, and classic. But not all ginger ales are created equal. There are three main types: dry ginger ale, ginger beer, and your standard soft drink-style ginger ale. Dry ginger ale is the crisp, subtle version typically used as a mixer—it’s less sweet, lightly spiced, and of higher quality. Commercial soft drink-style ginger ales, on the other hand, are usually sweetened, cloying, and flavoured artificially with barely a whisper of real ginger. Then there’s ginger beer: the rogue, fiery one who shows up uninvited and insists on being brewed with real ginger, often with a cloudy appearance and a serious kick.

So, when you’re asking, “What is ginger ale?” the answer depends on what glass you’re holding. It could be in the backseat, as a layered spiced mixer accompanying your whisky like Dry Ginger Ale by StrangeLove. Or a stand alone double fire-powered brew like StrangeLove Double Ginger Beer that punches well above its weight. 

Health Benefits of Ginger Ale – Fact or Fiction?

Ginger, in its natural form, is a time-tested remedy for nausea, bloating, and general digestive dramas. It’s loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol, which can help soothe a stomach-ache, reduce muscle pain, and even offer mild immune support. Basically, grandma was right—ginger can do wonders.

The real question is - should you be chugging bucketloads of Ginger Ale as a health remedy? No. Most commercial ginger ales on supermarket shelves contain little (if any) actual ginger. Instead, you’ll often find “natural flavours”, artificial sweeteners or loads of hidden sugar. A whole lot of bubbles with none of the benefits. So while old wives tales may suggest ginger ale as a go-to stomach remedy when the ghosts of last night's kebab start to gurgle up, but many mainstream options are closer to soft drinks than natural tonics or health remedies.

If you're reaching for ginger ale to settle your stomach, choose one made with real ginger extract and lower sugar content. Brands like StrangeLove offer dry-style ginger ale and ginger beer crafted with actual ginger and fewer unnecessary nasties. Or, for a citrus-forward twist, try StrangeLove’s Lemon Squash Lo-Cal Soda —a sharp, zesty classic that’s refreshingly adult, for those who prefer zest best.

So, is ginger ale good for you? It can be—if what’s in the bottle lives up to the label. 

StrangeLove’s Take on Ginger Ale

StrangeLove Dry Ginger Ale isn’t your average mixer —it’s a naturally spiced, lower-in-sugar premium mixer crafted with real ginger extract, applewood smoked water, allspice and burnt sugar. 

While most commercial options hide behind artificial flavours and eye-wateringly high sugar contents, we’ve gone the other way: bold flavour, clean ingredients, and just under 5g of sugar per 100ml. It’s dry, nuanced, and unapologetically adult—ideal for sipping solo or mixing with your favourite top-shelf dark spirit.

Crafted in Australia and bottled in custom stippled glass, StrangeLove's Dry Ginger Ale contains no preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, and nothing you need a chemistry degree to pronounce. It’s vegan, gluten-free, lower in sugar and actually tastes like a layered, nuaunced, frenzy of flavour.

So if you’re wondering what ginger ale should be, StrangeLove’s take delivers flavour, quality ingredients, and refreshment. Consider it the ginger ale that grew up, cleaned up, and came back with better taste and world-class packaging.

FAQs About Ginger Ale

Is ginger ale good for an upset stomach?

 Yes — especially those containing real ginger like StrangeLove’s Ginger Beer. Ginger can aid digestion and reduce nausea. 

What’s the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer?

Ginger beer is typically stronger and spicier, while ginger ale is milder and more often used as a mixer.

Does your ginger soda contain real ginger?

Yes, StrangeLove’s Double Ginger Beer and Dry Ginger Ale are both made with natural ginger extracts.

Is your ginger ale low in sugar?

Yes, less than 5g sugar per 100ml and no artificial sweeteners.

Is StrangeLove’s ginger ale available in glass bottles?

All StrangeLove products are packaged in either Australian sourced glass or aluminium. StrangeLove Dry Ginger Ale comes in Premium glass packaging ensuring quality carbonation and a premium aesthetic.

The Final Sip: Choose a Healthier Ginger Soda

In a world drowning in sugary, artificial sodas moonlighting as “magical health potions,” StrangeLove’s Dry Ginger Ale stands out as authentic, transparent and crafted with real flavour. Made with real ginger extract, naturally lower in sugar, and completely free from preservatives or artificial sweeteners, what you see is what you get. If you're looking to sip something that actually respects your tastebuds, this is it.

Feeling curious? Explore other StrangeLove flavours like the tart and sophisticated Lemon Squash Lo-Cal Soda or the crisp, clean Yuzu Sparkling Water. Real ingredients, adult flavours, and absolutely no wellness theatre—just great drinks made like great drinks should be.