Cranberry ginger ale is a popular carbonated soft drink that combines the tart flavor of cranberries with the spicy bite of ginger. It is often consumed around the holidays or enjoyed as a festive beverage. But what exactly goes into making this bubbly red drink? Here, we will explore the key ingredients that give cranberry ginger ale its signature taste.
Cranberries
As the name suggests, cranberries are the main ingredient in cranberry ginger ale. Cranberries have a naturally tart, acidic taste that comes from the high levels of quinic and citric acid in the berries. When cranberries are processed into a juice concentrate, that bright, slightly sour quality is infused into the soda.
Cranberries contain beneficial compounds called proanthocyanidins that give them their vibrant red hue. The anthocyanins that provide the crimson color are pH-sensitive, meaning the cranberries change color based on acidity levels. When used in cranberry ginger ale, they turn the soda a festive shade of ruby red.
In addition to tanginess and color, cranberries provide a dose of antioxidants. Research suggests compounds in cranberries possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. So while sugary sodas are often considered nutritionally void, the cranberry juice concentrate used in cranberry ginger ales provides some protective plant compounds.
Ginger
Ginger is the second ingredient that makes cranberry ginger ale taste and smell distinctive. Fresh ginger root lends a spicy, gingery bite that complement the berries. Along with flavor, ginger adds its own health benefits to the mix.
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols, which are responsible for its pungent taste. Studies show ginger has positive effects on reducing nausea, easing sore muscles, and supporting cardiovascular and brain health. The ginger used in ginger ale provides a spicy contrast to the sweet, tart cranberry.
Sweeteners
What transforms concentrated cranberry juice and ginger root into a bubbly soda is the addition of sweetener. Most commercial cranberry ginger ales use high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar to sweeten the drink.
Added sugars make up the majority of calories and carbohydrates in cranberry ginger ale. A 12-ounce serving may contain around 40 grams of added sugar, accounting for most of the 140 calories. While sugars provide a sweet, pleasant taste, they lack beneficial nutrients.
People concerned about added sugars may want to check labels and select cranberry ginger ales made with less processed sweeteners, such as fruit juice concentrates. Or, the soda can be diluted with seltzer water to cut down on the sweetness. Stevia or other calorie-free sweeteners are also an option for lightening the sugar load.
Carbonated Water
What gives cranberry ginger ale its bubbly, effervescent quality is dissolved carbon dioxide in the form of carbonated water. Manufacturers inject pressurized carbon dioxide gas into purified water to create the signature soda fizz.
Carbonation not only provides texture, but also enhances the perception of flavors. Studies show carbonation increases the tongue’s sensitivity to sugars and acids. So the bubbles in cranberry ginger ale highlight the sweet-tart tastes.
However, some people find very bubbly sodas cause gassiness or indigestion. Many brands offer less carbonated versions that cut down on the fizzy factor while still providing flavor.
Preservatives
To ensure safety, shelf-stability and maintain the color of cranberry ginger ale, preservatives are often added during processing. Common preservatives used include:
- Sodium benzoate
- Potassium sorbate
- Calcium disodium EDTA
In small amounts, these preservatives are considered safe by food regulatory agencies. But some individuals wish to limit preservative exposure as much as possible.
Making homemade cranberry ginger ale is one way to control adding preservatives. Or, brands like Zevia offer cranberry ginger ales made without preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
To enhance the predominant tastes of ginger and cranberries, additional natural and artificial flavors are often mixed into cranberry ginger ale. Common choices include:
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
These warm spices complement the berry and ginger notes. Artificial flavors that mimic cranberry and ginger may be used as well. Companies are not required to disclose specific flavor combinations and formulas.
People wishing to avoid artificial flavors and colors may want to choose naturally flavored cranberry ginger ales. Reading labels to look for phrases like “no artificial flavors” or “made with natural flavors” can help identify products made without artificial additives.
Vitamins and Minerals
Some cranberry ginger ale brands fortify their sodas with added vitamins and minerals. Popular choices include:
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins
- Zinc
- Potassium
Added nutrients help set fortified cranberry ginger ales apart from traditional varieties. While sodas should not replace whole foods, fortification can provide a serving of vitamins and minerals.
Tea Extracts
For a different twist, some cranberry ginger ales incorporate tea extracts like black tea, white tea, or green tea. Tea add an extra dimension of flavor.
Green tea, in particular, provides plant compounds called catechins that act as antioxidants in the body. Research suggests the catechins in tea may help reduce risk factors for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. So ginger ales made with added tea extracts provide an extra nutrition boost.
Juice Concentrates
In addition to concentrated cranberry juice, other fruit juice concentrates are often added to cranberry ginger ales. Popular options include:
- Apple juice concentrate
- Grape juice concentrate
- Pineapple juice concentrate
Juice concentrates provide flavor diversity as well as additional nutrients, like vitamin C. They allow manufacturers to create more complex taste profiles blending sweet, tart, spicy, and fruity flavors.
Water
Purified water is the base of any soda, including cranberry ginger ales. Water provides the bulk of the liquid volume. High quality sodas start with optimally purified water to avoid off tastes and ensure safety.
In addition to purified regular water, seltzer or carbonated water is added to create bubbles. Seltzer is simply water injected with carbon dioxide gas under pressure.
Conclusion
Cranberry ginger ale gets its distinctly festive taste from a blend of key ingredients. Real cranberry and ginger provide tangy and spicy notes, while added sugars and flavors create a sweet/tart profile. Bubbles are achieved by dissolving carbon dioxide in purified water. Various juice concentrates, tea extracts, vitamins, and minerals can also be incorporated for flavor complexity and nutrition.
People aim for more natural sodas may want to check labels and select products made without artificial colors, flavors, sugars, and preservatives. But even regular cranberry ginger ales provide antioxidants from the cranberries and real ginger spice.
Moderating intake of added sugars is advised, but overall, cranberry ginger ale can be an enjoyable, flavorful beverage choice any time of year.
| Ingredient | Provides |
|---|---|
| Cranberry juice concentrate | Tart, fruity flavor and red color from anthocyanins. Antioxidant compounds. |
| Ginger | Spicy, gingery bite and flavor. Anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. |
| Sweeteners (corn syrup, cane sugar, etc.) | Sweetness to balance tart cranberries. Major source of added calories/carbs. |
| Carbonated water | Bubbly, effervescent texture. Enhances flavor perception. |
| Preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate) | Maintain safety and prevent spoilage. |
| Natural and artificial flavors | Enhance and complement cranberry, ginger, and spice notes. |
| Vitamin/mineral fortification | Added nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, zinc. |
| Juice concentrates | Extra flavors and nutrients. Antioxidants. |
| Purified water | Provides bulk of liquid volume. Ensures quality and safety. |
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