Ginger ale
Ginger Ale
Ginger ale (/ˈdʒɪndʒər eɪl/) is a type of carbonated soft drink flavored primarily with ginger, a root native to Southeast Asia.
Etymology
The term "ginger ale" is derived from the English words "ginger", referring to the plant Zingiber officinale used as the primary flavoring, and "ale", a term historically used to describe a variety of fermented beverages.
History
Ginger ale was first patented in the United States by a doctor named Thomas Cantrell in 1851. He was an Irish apothecary and surgeon who emigrated to the United States and started a soda water company in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The drink was originally intended as a medicinal tonic.
Types
There are two main types of ginger ale: golden and dry. Golden ginger ale, dark colored and strong in flavor, was the earliest style of ginger ale, while dry ginger ale, pale in color and mild in flavor, was created by Canadian John J. McLaughlin in the early 20th century.
Medical Uses
Ginger ale is often used as a home remedy for indigestion and motion sickness. It is also commonly recommended for patients suffering from nausea due to its soothing properties. However, it should be noted that the effectiveness of ginger ale in treating these conditions is largely anecdotal, and scientific evidence is limited.
Related Terms
- Ginger beer: A beverage similar to ginger ale, but brewed and fermented, giving it a stronger flavor and a slight alcoholic content.
- Root beer: Another type of carbonated soft drink, flavored primarily with the root of the sassafras tree or the sarsaparilla vine.
- Soda water: Carbonated water, the base ingredient in many soft drinks including ginger ale.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ginger ale
- Wikipedia's article - Ginger ale
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