Ginger beer is fermented for up to 2 or 3 weeks using a “ginger bug,” where ginger ale is more of a ginger flavored soda. While there are ginger ale beverages made with real ginger, most ginger ales are simply carbonated water with ginger flavor and sugar.
Storage. Once the ginger beer has achieved the desired level of carbonation, store the bottles in the refrigerator. The cool temperatures of the fridge slow the fermentation process. You can serve the ginger beer immediately, or keep stored in the refrigerator.