Don't use ginger ale for this drink, use ginger BEER. They're two different things.
Change the vodka for Grand Marnier and you get a Perfect Storm.
Change the vodka for black rum and you get a Dark and Stormy.
I'm guessing that "without touching the ice" means to avoid pouring it directly on the ice cubes. Maybe something to do with causing excess fizzing that impacts how the final product tastes?