Thomas Joseph Cantrell, an Irish apothecary and surgeon, manufactured the first ginger ale in Belfast, Ireland, in the 1850s.

This was the older golden style fermented ginger ale, dark coloured, generally sweet to taste, with a strong ginger spice flavour, [clarification needed] which he marketed through local beverage manufacturer Grattan and Company.

Commercial ginger ale commonly contains carbonated water, sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial or natural ginger-flavour.

Ginger content is often listed on labels in a general "natural aroma" or "natural flavouring" statement, to preserve secrecy of the complex proprietary mix of spices, fruits and other flavours used;[citation needed] lemon, lime, and cane sugar are the most common ingredients.

Lastly, carbon dioxide is added and slightly over-pressurized to facilitate movement into storage and the filling machine.

It is sometimes used by non-drinkers or in the performing arts as a non-alcoholic substitute for champagne or beer, since the beverages resemble each other in appearance.

The fermentation of the Lactobacillus produces a cloudy appearance, stronger-tasting and spicier flavour compared to ginger ale.

American brands include Canfield's, Hansen Natural, Vernors, Buffalo Rock, Boylan Bottling Company, Polar Beverages, Ale-8-One, Blenheim, Foxon Park, Fitz's, Sprecher, Market Basket/Chelmsford, Red Rock, Reed's Ginger Brew, Chek (River of Dreams), Shasta, and in Canada; Sussex Golden Ginger Ale.

Vernors is a flavoured golden ginger ale aged for three years in oak barrels before bottling.

In Detroit, Michigan, a drink made with vanilla ice cream and Vernors ginger ale is called a Boston cooler.