Ginger beer and ginger ale? I have found several drink recipes that
call for ginger beer, but I'm only familiar with ginger ale. I'm
wondering if I could use ginger ale instead?

Here's one of the recipes that have me wondering

Southside
http://drinkingmadeeasy.com/recipes/southside/

Mint
Simple Syrup
Gin
Lemon Juice
Ginger Beer

First crush some ice. Then put mint and simple syrup into a pint
glass. Lightly muddle but not enough to “pulverize it”. Then pour in
your gin (fill to a little less than half the glass). Then add some
lemon juice and your crushed ice. Top off with some ginger beer.
Garnish with a lemon wheel.

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Food is an important part of a balanced diet.