Whiskey and ginger ale is a classic combination that has been enjoyed for generations. The spicy sweetness of ginger ale perfectly complements the smooth, complex flavors of whiskey. However, not all whiskeys are created equal when it comes to mixing with ginger ale.
You want a whiskey that enhances the flavor of the ginger ale without overpowering it. To help you find the perfect whiskey for your next whiskey and ginger ale cocktail, we have compiled a list of the 12 best whiskeys to use. From bold and spicy to smooth and mellow, there is a whiskey on this list to suit every taste and occasion.
12 Whiskeys to Pair with Ginger Ale
From bourbon and Irish whiskeys to American and rye whiskeys, these are the best whiskeys to pair with ginger ale:
- Jameson Irish Whiskey
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
- 2 Gingers Whiskey
- Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
- Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Crown Royal
- Seagram’s 7
- Wild Turkey 101
- Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon
- Ragtime Rye
- Bulleit Bourbon
Jameson Irish Whiskey
Jameson Irish Whiskey is a classic choice for whiskey lovers and for mixing with ginger ale because its smooth and mellow profile pairs well with the spicy sweet ginger flavor.
Plus, Jameson Irish Whiskey is aged for four years minimum in oak casks giving the drink rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted wood. This cozy flavor profile adds depth to a ginger ale cocktail, making it more complex than your average highball.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Nutty, fruity, spicy, and creamy all perfectly describe the full-bodied Woodford Reserve Double-Oaked bourbon whiskey. This spirit gets matured in charred oak barrels not once, but twice to extract a full, sweet, oaky flavor that’s unmatched by a single-barrel process.
Fortunately, all of these flavors are exactly what ginger ale looks for in a spirit companion. The vanilla and hazelnut flavors pair well with the ginger while the honeyed apple finish makes the ginger ale’s zing sing.
2 Gingers Whiskey
When a whiskey has the word ginger in the name, that should be a dead giveaway that it is an ideal choice to pair with ginger ale, right? Maybe not always, but in the case of 2 Gingers Whiskey, absolutely.
This award-winning whiskey has a woody, caramel, and vanilla finish thanks to a four-year aging process and double distilling. It also has a nice citrus flavor that always compliments a ginger ale. Plus, 2 Ginger’s signature drink to make with their Irish whiskey is “The Big Ginger,” a highball ginger ale and whiskey cocktail.
Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
If you’re looking for a flavorful whiskey to use in many ways, you can’t go wrong with Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey. Its bold, spicy flavor profile makes it a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also pairs well with mixers like ginger ale.
The combination of the rye whiskey’s bold flavors and the sweetness of the ginger ale creates a unique and refreshing taste that is perfect for warm summer evenings or cozy winter nights.
Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey is a unique blend of malt and grain whiskeys that are triple distilled and matured in ex-bourbon barrels. This whiskey has a light golden color with a sweet, smooth flavor that is slightly spicy with a hint of citrus and vanilla that’s perfect for sipping on its own or in cocktails.
When paired with ginger ale, it creates a refreshing and flavorful drink. The sweetness of the whiskey pairs perfectly with the spicy ginger flavor, creating a smooth, balanced cocktail. The combination of the two can be enjoyed over ice or in a variety of creative cocktails.
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a classic American whiskey, renowned for its rich, smoky flavor and smooth finish. Aged in charred oak barrels, this whiskey has a full-bodied taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Buffalo Trace’s bourbon whiskey is ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also makes a great addition to ginger ale cocktails. The sweetness of the ginger ale pairs well with the smoky notes of the whiskey, creating a balanced and flavorful drink. Plus, its smooth taste never overpowers the ginger ale.
Crown Royal
Crown Royal is a premium Canadian whisky that is perfect for mixing with other beverages, but especially ginger ale. It has a smooth, mellow flavor that compliments the spicy ginger flavor of the ale without overpowering it.
The whiskey is aged in white oak barrels, giving it a unique flavor profile that is unlike any other whiskey, and it is distilled using the finest ingredients, ensuring a quality product that is sure to please.
Not to mention, Crown Royal has some flavored whiskeys that also make fun, delicious ginger ale pairings, such as apple and vanilla. The apple flavor’s citrusy taste makes a unique addition to a ginger ale cocktail while the vanilla flavor can mellow things out.
Seagrams 7
Seagrams 7 has stood the test of time since its inception in the early 1900s despite a rough patch in sales during the 70s. Of course, the masses returned to their love of the classic beverage because Seagrams 7 is a versatile whiskey that you can mix with various flavors to create unique and unforgettable cocktails.
Even though the most popular cocktail to make with Seagrams 7 is the 7 & 7, it makes an optimal match for ginger ale. Try pairing it with ginger ale for a sweet and smoky twist, or add a splash of lime juice and a dash of bitters for a tart and smooth concoction that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a casual drinker, Seagrams 7 is sure to impress with its timeless taste and endless possibilities.
Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101 is a bold and flavorful whiskey that packs a punch with its high alcohol content of 50.5% ABV. This Kentucky straight bourbon is aged for at least six years, giving it a rich amber color and complex flavor profile. With notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, this whiskey is perfect for sipping on its own or mixed into cocktails.
One classic cocktail that pairs particularly well with Wild Turkey 101 is the ginger ale highball. The spiciness of the ginger ale complements the boldness of the whiskey, creating a perfectly balanced drink. For an extra kick, try adding a splash of lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon Whiskey
Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon is a unique and flavorful whiskey that is perfect for those who love a little spice in their drinks. This bourbon is infused with natural ginger, giving it a bold and spicy flavor profile that sets it apart from other bourbons.
One of the best ways to enjoy Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon is in a classic ginger ale cocktail. Pairing this spicy bourbon with sweet and bubbly ginger ale creates a perfectly balanced drink that will leave your taste buds dancing. For an added citrus kick and to enhance the ginger profile you can add a splash of lime juice to your creation.
Ragtime Rye
Ragtime Rye from New York Distilling Company is a whiskey with character and a spicy, bold flavor profile. What sets Ragtime Rye apart from others is its versatility in cocktails.
Its bold flavor can stand up to other strong ingredients like bitters or vermouth in classic cocktails like Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
You can also use it as a base for more unique concoctions like a Spiced Apple Cider cocktail or Hot Toddy. However, it might just pair best in a classic ginger ale highball. The spiciness of the rye complements the sweetness of the ginger ale, creating a perfectly delicious drink.
Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon is a high-rye whiskey with a complex and spicy flavor and notes of nutmeg and oak, thanks to the high-quality ingredients used during the distilling process. The award-winning spirit works well in many classic cocktails, especially a Manhattan.
Plus, its sweet, satiny toffee flavor profile pairs nicely with the zing of ginger ale for a delicious cocktail that goes down smoothly. Its robust flavor and silky finish can stand up against strong flavors and shine through to elevate any cocktail. Overall, Bulleit Bourbon is a versatile and delicious whiskey that you can enjoy in many ways.
Final Thoughts
You’ll find that many whiskeys pair perfectly with ginger ale. From the classic Jameson Irish Whiskey to the powerful and flavorful Wild Turkey 101, there’s a whiskey for every taste and occasion.
Whether you prefer your whiskey neat or mixed into a cocktail, the sweetness of the ginger ale provides the perfect complement to the spicy and complex flavors of these whiskeys. So, next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing and flavorful drink, try mixing up one of these delicious combinations.
