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Not to be confused with ginger beer, ginger ale is a classic element for a whiskey mixed drink. Ginger ale is commonly sweeter and more subtle than ginger beer, although it retains that noticeable ginger kick we appreciate. Creating mixed drinks is straightforward – you only combine the spirit and mixer. But with just these two elements, the quality of what you use is important. A lot of bars, particularly dive bars, will opt for ginger ale as the drink mixer when you request a whiskey ginger but note that cocktail bars often produce their own ginger mixer on-premises, which contains a stronger, spicier flavor profile. It’s always a good idea to ask your bartender what they utilize.

Ginger ale’s robust flavor can easily mask a low-grade whiskey, which is why well whiskey is a favored choice in bars. However, if you’re creating a drink at home or aiming to indulge in something slightly superior, you should consider which facet of the whiskey ginger you enjoy the most. If you prefer the strong spice and sharp ginger bite, opt for a rye whiskey. Conversely, if you’re not a fan of powerful flavors and appreciate when the ginger zest remains subtle, it would be wise to accentuate the softer notes of the drink with a bourbon. This advice comes from an experienced bartender who’s tasted numerous whiskey gingers and assisted countless bar-goers to discover their ideal blend.

Before we discuss specific whiskey brands, it’s necessary to clarify that a low to mid-range whiskey will suffice for a whiskey ginger. It’s your finances, and you can spend them as you wish, but if you’re investing in an expensive, high-quality whiskey only to mix it with ginger ale, you may not be making the best use of your resources. For those seeking to fully harness the intricate flavors of a whiskey ginger, a rye whiskey is an excellent choice — but don’t just settle for any rye whiskey.

Two rye whiskeys instantly spring to mind. High West Double Rye! is a beautiful creation hailing from Park City, Utah. It masterfully strikes a balance of strong spice without the sensation of pouring a pepper grinder onto your palate. Redemption Rye serves as a tribute to the pre-Prohibition era before bourbon became the reigning whiskey type in America. It shines distinctly yet is tempered enough that it blends extremely well in cocktails.

Bourbon enthusiasts, your choice should not make you feel as if you’re consuming syrup, but it should hold its own charm. Four Roses Straight Bourbon offers a complex finish that introduces notes of toffee and vanilla for a satisfying balance. A notch above is Michter’s Bourbon, revealing a slightly nutty flavor while maintaining the vanilla undertone. With either choice, you are veering away from the assertiveness of ginger and rye into a concoction that smoothly caresses the taste buds.

Check out the original article on Tasting Table.