Ginger ale was first development in Ireland as an alcoholic drink.  Recently in London, I asked for ginger ale in a pub and got a dark ginger beer served to me. 

In the late 1890's John J, McLaughlin, a Toronto pharmacist,  began a quest to develop a non-alcoholic soda-based ginger drink which he could bottle so that customers could take it home to enjoy.  (In that time soda drinks could only be bought and consumed at drug stores.)

He used as his base recipe Belfast-style ginger ale.  But following a champagne-tasting trip to France he became convinced that a lightly coloured and clear ginger ale would be his ticket to riches.

He was right.  Canada Dry Ginger Ale, now a product of Cadbury Schweppes, plc, has grown to become one of the most recognized brands in the world.

It is interesting to note that North America is about the only place, in my experience, that ginger ale is drunk as a beverage.  In most places, especially in the Asian countries, ginger ale is only used as a mix.  If you want to get a funny look, order ginger ale as a beverage in Hong Kong or Tokyo!

"Yours 'til the US drinks Canada Dry!"