Unless you’ve worked as a bartender, it can be really hard to keep track of all the names associated with gin and ginger ale cocktails.
That’s where we come in. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what your guests want, whether they ask for a Gin Buck, Ginger Rogers or maybe something you never ever knew existed.
First, we’ll start with this table for easy reference.
Table Reference: Gin & Ginger Ale Drink Names
Cocktail Name | Gin PLUS |
---|---|
Gin & Ginger | Ginger Ale |
Gin Buck | Lemon Juice + Ginger Ale |
Foghorn | Lime Juice + Ginger Ale |
London Mule | Lime Juice + Ginger Beer |
Ginger Rogers | Lemon Juice, Ginger Syrup, Mint, Ginger Ale |
Now let’s get into how to make these drinks using the right proportions, glass style and garnish.
Let’s start with the most basic of all…
Gin + Ginger Ale is Called: Gin and Ginger
The only thing you need for this classic is all of the above and some ice. Serve it in an old fashioned glass or highball. Keep the garnish classic lime wheel or lime wedge and guests will remain happy.
Recipe Proportions
- 2 oz. gin
- 6 oz. ginger ale (1/2 can)
Adjust to taste by adding more or less ginger ale.
This is what makes a gin and ginger ale so special. Unlike other caffeine-free, clear sodas, such as sprite or 7-up, ginger ale can hold it’s own when mixed with gin…and nothing else, especially when you choose the best gin flavor for ginger ale brands.
Gin + Lemon Juice + Ginger Ale is Named: Gin Buck
Lot’s of people add bitters or use alternates such as lime juice or ginger beer. But most people will be expecting their Gin Buck to come with gin, lemon juice, ginger ale.
Today, many refer to a “buck” as any citrus cocktail that gets topped with ginger ale. And as drinks evolve, it can cause confusion.
Serve Gin Bucks in a taller glass, filled with ice and garnish with lemon wheel or lemon wedge.
Gin Buck Proportions
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
- Top with Ginger Ale
Gin + Lime Juice + Ginger Ale is Named: Foghorn
Instead of lime juice, a Foghorn can also be Gin, with a lime cordial and ginger ale. The cordial Foghorn is definitely sweeter than the Foghorn with lime juice. But they can both be considered a Foghorn.
Serve Foghorns over ice in a rocks glass or you can try a stemless wine glass. Garnish with lime wheel or wedge, or twist of lime
Foghorn Proportions
- 2 oz. gin
- 1/2 oz. lime juice or lime cordial
- 4 oz. ginger ale
Adjust to taste by adding more or less ginger ale
Gin + Lime Juice + Ginger BEER is Named: London Mule
Vodka is to Russia as Gin is to England. That means the London Mule is simply a Moscow Mule made with gin instead of vodka.
Notice we’ve moved from ginger ale to ginger BEER. But don’t let that bother you. Today, lots of makers are creating ginger ales that pack a punch. Brands like Q go deep into ginger land.
Serve London Mules in copper mugs with crushed ice. If you don’t have mule mugs, reach for a mason jar to keep it quirky.
Garnish with lime wheel or wedge.
London Mule Proportions
- 2 oz. gin
- 1/2 oz. lime juice or lime cordial
- 3 oz. ginger beer
Gin + Lemon Juice + Ginger Syrup + Mint + Ginger Ale is Called: Ginger Rogers
Ginger Rogers is absolutely delicious, and especially refreshing on summer days when mint is plentiful. It’s important not to skip the ginger syrup because without it, you’ve just got a minty Gin Buck.
You can buy ginger syrup (link to syrup) or quickly make it with fresh ginger, water, and sugar.
Ginger Rogers Proportions
- 2 oz. gin
- 5 or so muddled mint leaves
- 1/2 oz. ginger syrup
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
- 2-3 oz. ginger ale
Quick Ginger Syrup Tip
I know, lots of people don’t keep fresh ginger root in the fridge. If that’s you, here is an easy way you always be 1 minute away from ginger syrup, with a shelf-stable ginger candy.
Buy a small pack of quality ginger chews (link to chews) to keep in your pantry.
When you need ginger syrup, unwrap 2 or 3 chews, put them in a coffee mug and pour about 1/4 cup of boiling water over the chews. Stir the chews in the boiling water until they dissolve.
You now have a tasty ginger syrup for your tasty Ginger Rogers.
Wrap Up
There you have it. You have just learned the most common cocktail names that are made with gin and ginger ale.
The differences are slight, but each drink offers a completely unique taste and experience.
Have fun making these famous named cocktails and see you back at our homepage where you can learn more about gin.