Summer is here and the sippin' is easy with The Ginger Rogers! This refreshing cocktail, made with gin and ginger ale is just made for sultry afternoons and evenings. If you are a fan of ginger lemonade, you are going to love this light cocktail with ginger ale, ginger syrup, lemon, and mint!
I love a good Manhattan as well as a good vodka martini, but when summer rolls around I want something that's a little lighter - like this Spiced Ginger Rum Fizz.
Fizzy cocktails are always high on my summer playlist - bonus points if they don't need a lot of ingredients like this gin and ginger ale cocktail - aka The Ginger Rogers. Although this gin and ginger ale drink would work with vodka, I really like the added dimension that gin brings - highlighting the mint and ginger flavors without overpowering them.
So what goes into this Gin cocktail?
- gin - I recommend a good basic gin for this -Ford's is a favorite here.
- fresh lemon juice - bottled is easy but nothing beats the flavor of freshly squeezed juice.
- ginger syrup - only takes minutes to make and will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The extra syrup is delicious in ice tea, lemonade or drizzled over fresh fruit!
- ginger ale - I like Fever Tree
- fresh mint leaves - all the more reason to have a little mint plant!
You might be wondering why I included ginger ale vs. ginger beer. So perhaps an explanation is in order!
Ginger ale vs. ginger beer:
What is the difference?
- Ginger beer is spicier than ginger ale.
- Originally, ginger beer contained alcohol since it was fermented.
- Today, however, most commercial ginger beers are non-alcoholic!
When to Use Ginger ale vs. ginger beer in a cocktail:
In general, if you want a stronger ginger flavor, use ginger beer. For cocktails with a lighter balance of flavors use ginger ale. As this gin and ginger ale cocktail already has ginger in it (from the ginger syrup!) ginger ale works really well so the ginger flavor doesn't overwhelm the other flavors!
If all you have is ginger beer - you can use that as well - I would just reduce the ginger syrup to ½ oz. and add ¼ oz plain simple syrup.
Hope this clears up the whole ginger ale vs. ginger beer debate!
How to make this ginger syrup:
Step #1: Add the sugar and water to a saucepan and add the ginger. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes. Strain the ginger syrup into a clean glass container and refrigerate if not using immediately.
How to Make the Ginger Rogers:
Step #1: Place the mint leaves and ginger syrup to your glass and using a muddler (or even the back of a spoon) gently press on the mint leaves to release their fragrance and oils... don't mash!
Step #2: Pour in the lemon juice and gin and stir to combine and then add the ginger ale and stir once or twice.
Step #3: Enjoy!
Looking for some other gin cocktails? You might also like...
- Lavender French 75
- Pomegranate Lime Gin Fizz
- Contessa Cocktail
- Gin, Grapefruit and Elderflower Cocktail
The Ginger Rogers - a gin and ginger ale cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz. gin Fords works nicely here
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz. ginger syrup
- 2 oz. ginger ale I used Fever Tree
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 mint sprig
- 1 slice fresh lemon
Ginger Syrup
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 inch fresh ginger peeled and sliced
Instructions
Ginger Syrup
- Combine the sugar, water and ginger slices in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- When the sugar is dissolved, turn off the heat and let the ginger infuse the syrup for ½ hour.
- Strain the syrup and put into a glass container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
For the Ginger Rogers|Gin and ginger ale cocktail
- Combine the mint leaves and ginger syrup in the bottom of a glass.
- Using a muddler or a spoon, lightly crush the mint leaves to release their oils.
- Add the gin and lemon juice and stir.
- Add the ice.
- Add the ginger ale and stir.
- Garnish with lemon slices and a mint sprig if desired.
Mark says
Looks great. I can't wait to try it. And, thanks for showing how to make ginger syrup. It looks easier than I expected.
Cathy says
How gorgeously refreshing!
Lane Patten says
This is my heaven! And ginger syrup, swoon!
Nancy says
Me too Lane! Been putting the syrup in my iced tea!!
Alyssa says
This ginger syrup is incredible. A game-changer with drinks!
Nancy says
I love it for summer since I can make cocktails and non alcoholic drinks as well!
Vicky says
Can honestly say, after having tried this, I'm deffinatatly converted 😆😆.... thank you so much for sharing .....x