HowTo: DIY Ginger Ale - But Does It Beat Vernors?

Ginger ale is an American classic, particularly beloved by native Michiganders, home of the popular Vernors Ginger Ale. 

Recently, my family stocked the pantry top to bottom with the soda for my father's birthday. Growing up in Detroit, Vernors is without fail, always his drink of choice.

So, I'm curious. How does fresh, homemade ginger ale stand up to good old Vernors? Inevitably the taste won't be similar. One uses fresh ingredients, one is processed.

Test. Report back, please.

Recipe and images via Crumpets and Cake,

Ginger Ale, the Instant Gratification Version

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  
  
• 1 cup sugar
  
  
• 2 cups water
  
  
• club soda
  
  
• juice of one or two limes, juice from half lemon
  
  
• mint for garnish

Directions:

"Combine ginger, sugar and water in a saucepan. Simmer slowly for 10 minutes, until sugar is dissolved and ginger is softened.

Strain warm syrup and allow to cool. Fill a tall glass with ice, add 1 part (used 2oz shot glass) of ginger syrup and 3 parts of club soda.

Squeeze lime and lemon wedge into glass. Use more syrup if desired. Garnish with mint."