Ginger ale is probably the most popular of these soft beverages. In the manufacture of ginger ale it has been a very common custom to use capsicum instead of ginger as the flavoring re-agent; or if ginger be used, only a small quantity is employed, while the capsicum gives the bite and snap which is expected. Capsicum is not objectionable from a health point of view, except when used in excess. Its use in a product labeled ** Ginger Ale" can only be regarded as fraudulent. According to the regulations under the Food and Drugs Act, if capsicum be used in a ginger ale product and the product be called "ginger ale," it should be so labeled as to show that at least a part of its spicing is due to capsicum. Since the food law has required the proper labeling of these beverages, many manufacturers have gradually come over to the making of the pure ginger ale product, that is, one in which the ginger is the dominant or perhaps the sole flavoring re-agent.

Official Definitions.1 - 1. Ginger ale is the carbonated or artificially carbonated beverage prepared with potable water, acidulated sugar (sucrose) sirup, and ginger ale flavor.

2. Ginger ale with capsicum is the carbonated or artificially carbonated beverage prepared with potable water, acidulated sugar (sucrose) sirup, and ginger ale with capsicum flavor.

3. Sarsaparilla is the carbonated or artificially carbonated beverage prepared with potable water, sugar (sucrose) sirup, and sarsaparilla flavor. It may or may not be acidulated.