ginger ale
Featured
May 1, 2025
Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage flavored with ginger. But why is it so popular on airplanes?
Ginger ale evolved from fermented ginger beer in 18th-century Yorkshire. In 1852, Belfast pharmacist Thomas Cantrell created the first commercial version as a medicinal remedy for nausea and stomach issues. Ginger's active compounds (gingerols, shogaols) truly do have anti-inflammatory effects.
John McLaughlin perfected Canada Dry ginger ale in 1907, and the drink stuck around. Medicine became beverage, but kept its healing reputation.Ginger ale retained the word ale despite losing the alcohol, a linguistic fossil of its origin.
Why do people drink it more on airplanes than they do on land? Low cabin pressure and dry, recycled air reduce the sensitivity of taste buds to sweet and salty flavors by up to 30%. Ginger ale's strong, sharp ginger flavor and high carbonation cut through this muted, “bland” environment, providing a refreshing, intense taste that other drinks lose at 30,000 feet. --All Recipes
See more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_ale and https://www.mentalfloss.com/food/beverages/ginger-ale-name-history
Ginger ale evolved from fermented ginger beer in 18th-century Yorkshire. In 1852, Belfast pharmacist Thomas Cantrell created the first commercial version as a medicinal remedy for nausea and stomach issues. Ginger's active compounds (gingerols, shogaols) truly do have anti-inflammatory effects.
John McLaughlin perfected Canada Dry ginger ale in 1907, and the drink stuck around. Medicine became beverage, but kept its healing reputation.Ginger ale retained the word ale despite losing the alcohol, a linguistic fossil of its origin.
Why do people drink it more on airplanes than they do on land? Low cabin pressure and dry, recycled air reduce the sensitivity of taste buds to sweet and salty flavors by up to 30%. Ginger ale's strong, sharp ginger flavor and high carbonation cut through this muted, “bland” environment, providing a refreshing, intense taste that other drinks lose at 30,000 feet. --All Recipes
See more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_ale and https://www.mentalfloss.com/food/beverages/ginger-ale-name-history
Rate of Appearance in English Language Print
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Data from Google Books Ngram Viewer. Licensed under CC BY 3.0.
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