Department of State redirects here. For the term as used in Ireland, see Department of State (Ireland). The United States Department of State (DOS), often referred to as the State Department, is the United States federal executive department that advises the President and leads the country in foreign policy issues.
The Difference Between Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer. Ginger beer was originally an alcoholic brew made from fermenting ginger, sugar, and water, although most commercial ginger beers nowadays are non-alcoholic. Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic, sweetened, ginger-flavored soft drink. Ginger beer is stronger-tasting and spicier than ginger ale, but less carbonated.
Traditional Ginger Beer. Ginger beer is a drink originating from England, where sugar, ginger, water, and sometimes lemon were fermented and brewed with a starter culture called the ginger beer plant, resulting in a brew with about 11 percent alcohol. This also explains how the word beer is part of the name.