Aretha Franklin Shared Her Ginger Ale Ham Glaze Recipe with Martha Stewart

The Queen of Soul's secret ingredient for the perfect holiday ham

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a glistening, caramelized ham surface, with a shimmering, amber-colored glaze reflecting the dramatic studio lighting, capturing the luxurious, high-fashion aesthetic of Irving Penn's work.Aretha Franklin's secret ingredient for the perfect holiday ham - ginger ale - adds a touch of unexpected elegance to this classic dish.Today in Detroit

In a 1990s episode of Martha Stewart's cooking show, Aretha Franklin revealed her personal ham recipe, which includes a key ingredient - ginger ale. Franklin advised Stewart to add a splash of the fizzy soda to the ham glaze, which helps balance the saltiness of the meat and promotes caramelization during baking.

Why it matters

Aretha Franklin was known for her love of classic soul food, and her ham recipe provides a unique twist on a holiday staple. The use of ginger ale as a glaze ingredient is an unexpected but effective technique that home cooks can try to elevate their own ham dishes.

The details

To prepare the glaze, Franklin combined a whole box of brown sugar, French's mustard, and a splash of Vernor's ginger ale, a Detroit-based brand. The ginger ale helps counterbalance the ham's saltiness and promotes caramelization as the meat bakes. Franklin advised applying the glaze in layers every 20 minutes for maximum flavor. She also garnished the finished ham with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries.

  • In the early 1990s, Aretha Franklin appeared as a guest on Martha Stewart's cooking show.
  • Franklin shared her personal ham recipe, which included the use of ginger ale as a key ingredient.

The players

Aretha Franklin

The legendary Queen of Soul, known for her powerful vocals and love of classic soul food.

Martha Stewart

The renowned lifestyle expert and television personality who hosted a popular cooking show.

Vernor's

A Detroit-based ginger ale brand that Franklin recommended using in her ham glaze.

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What’s next

Fans of Aretha Franklin and classic soul food can try out her ginger ale-infused ham recipe for their own holiday gatherings.

The takeaway

Aretha Franklin's unique ham recipe, which incorporates ginger ale into the glaze, demonstrates how unexpected ingredients can be used to elevate traditional dishes. The Queen of Soul's culinary expertise extended beyond her legendary music career, providing home cooks with a flavorful twist on a holiday classic.