Ginger is a root that contains lactic acid, bacteria and yeast. The first ginger beer initiated in England in the 1800s. Gradually, it spread its popularity in Britain, the United States, Ireland, and Canada. The original ginger beer is a fermented mixture made with ginger, sugar, water, and a bacterium called ginger beer plant. Like ginger ale, it is also served as a non-alcoholic beverage since it has very less percentage of alcohol (less than 0.5%). Crabbie's ginger beer is one such popular example of old-style ginger beer that contains 4.8% alcohol. Ginger beer and ginger ale are both gluten-free drinks made from ginger roots. Ginger ale is a carbonated, non-alcoholic refreshing drink, popularly used as an addition to cocktails. It was introduced in the USA. After about 100 years, the term ginger ale was changed to Canada Dry. Ginger ale is a combination of sugar, carbonated water, and ginger. Lemon and lime are commonly added to it. Ginger ale does not contain caffeine and hence is generally preferred over other sodas. Ginger ale may also contain yeast if it is carbonated by the process of natural fermentation. Because of the similarity in the making of these two drinks depending upon individual preferences, there is a lot of confusion between the two. Some prefer fermenting ginger ale with yeast, that would make it a ginger beer, while others like to add carbonated water while making ginger beer with minimal use of yeast or no yeast at all. Besides, the ginger beer that is commercially available is free of alcohol and carbonated, with very few alcoholic options. So how do you tell a beer from an ale? Let's take a look. Beer made with ginger root or dried ginger comprises a high quantity of antioxidants. However, it is important to take ginger beer in moderate amounts because sugar-containing ginger beers are high in calories that can lead to weight gain.