Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale are generally the same (carbonated, sweetened singer water), but ginger beer has a much more ginger-forward flavor ("spicier") is what they call that. It's this spice that makes it so good for drinks. Ginger ale is yummy, but the flavor isn't as pronounced and it tends to be sweeter. A quick ingredient note. I like to find ginger beer made with real sugar, not corn syrup.