The difference lies in the way these two products are made. Ginger ale is a carbonated soda/soft drink usually made with ginger flavouring, artificial sweeteners, food acids, caramel colouring and preservatives. It's generally milder than ginger beer too. In contrast, a good non-alcoholic ginger beer is brewed/fermented using ginger root, a sweetener and water, occasionally with added spices. This produces a drink that is naturally carbonated, less sweet with a more pronounced ginger flavour.