this post was submitted on 09 Oct 2024
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Showerthoughts

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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.

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[–] WolvenSpectre@lemmy.ca 29 points 1 month ago (3 children)

Yes, That is why it is also called Ginger Beer and Root Beer is also called Wintergreen Ale

[–] Dabundis@lemmy.world 40 points 1 month ago (2 children)

To be clear, the drinks labeled ginger beer in every store i've been to is VERY different from the one labeled ginger ale

[–] Kolanaki@yiffit.net 18 points 1 month ago (1 children)

IIRC, ginger beer is actually brewed like a beer with the carbonation coming from fermenting something. Ginger ale is just a ginger flavored soda, where the carbonation is added artificially.

[–] Letstakealook@lemm.ee 9 points 1 month ago (3 children)

That's not the case. "Ale" is a type of beer. In any case, carbonated ginger beverages, regardless of name, were traditionally carbonated by fermentation, but modern mass market sodas are often artificially carbonated and flavored.

[–] Kolanaki@yiffit.net 15 points 1 month ago

Traditionally yes. But that hasn't been the case since, like, the 40's or 50's when soda fountains became huge. Even most modern root beer like A&W, Mug, and Barqs aren't technically root beer, in the traditional sense. It might be different regionally, but here where I am if you go to a store and see ginger ale and ginger beer both being sold, they aren't the same thing.

[–] captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Yeah both root beer and ginger ale were historically made via a brewing process, often brewed to rather low ABV because the flavor of the spices was mostly the point, and with the invention of the soda fountain it became typical to make them by adding soda water to flavored syrup.

You will get different things if you ask a bartender for a "ginger beer" or a "ginger ale."

[–] Dabundis@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago

This is really at the core of what I was trying to say. If i asked for a drink with gi ger beer in it and received one with ginger ale in the place of the ginger bee, I'd consider that incorrect, regardless of either beverage's history

[–] princessnorah@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 1 month ago

At least in Australia, Bundaberg Ginger Beer is brewed traditionally still. Tastes way better than artificial carbonation. Also works better for tummy woes.

[–] WolvenSpectre@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 month ago

But is it more different than many types of beers and ales that are alcoholic?

[–] Cadeillac@lemmy.world 13 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Interesting. This goes deeper than I thought. I need to get to the root of this conspiracy

[–] Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Supposedly if you close your eyes you can't differentiate the flavor of root beer from mint.

[–] Cadeillac@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

I might have to test this. I'm glad I decided to post this stupid shit lol, I'm learning so much

[–] cyborganism@lemmy.ca 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Oooooohhhhhhh!!!!

THAT'S why so many people say that root beer tastes like toothpaste!

[–] Mango@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (2 children)

People say that? Also wtf, I never knew there was some kind of mint involved!

[–] cyborganism@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 month ago

Yes, and this is especially true from people coming from outside of North America.

[–] Cadeillac@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

I've not heard it personally before now. I had no idea either. This has been quite the educational thread