ginger ale vs ginger

ginger ale and ginger both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
ginger ale	Yes	No	No	No
ginger	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

ginger ale (noun)	ginger (noun)
ginger-flavored carbonated drink	liveliness and energy
	dried ground gingerroot
	pungent rhizome of the common ginger plant; used fresh as a seasoning especially in Asian cookery
	perennial plants having thick branching aromatic rhizomes and leafy reedlike stems

ginger ale (adjective)	ginger (adjective)
	(used especially of hair or fur) having a bright orange-brown color

ginger ale (verb)	ginger (verb)
	add ginger to in order to add flavor