Vernor’s Ginger Soda
America’s original Soda Pop
I’m originally from Detroit. Whenever I was sick and home from School, Dr. Allison used to come over and give me a shot, telling me that he would be back the next day if I hadn’t cured myself by then. (Remember house visits?)
To prove that he wasn’t totally evil, he would tell my mother that I could have all the Vernor’s I wanted. As a teenager I learned to lace it with gin or vodka.
Vernor’s is still sold in Michigan and a few adjoining states. Fortunately for the rest of us, it can be ordered on the net. I know of two sources:
For a history of Vernor’s and its city, Detroit, try the Detroit News archives at http://www.detnews.com/history/ , a wonderful collection of Michigana. In addition, the following sites also contain brief histories of Vernors:
http://www.dpsu.com/brands_vernors.html
http://www.sodamuseum.bigstep.com/generic.jhtml?pid=7
Lastly, I am trying to establish a link to a fine article by Keith Wundedich. In the meantime, you can contact him directly at kwSowat@moa.net.
A final word. Although Vernor’s is sold in cans and plastic bottles, be sure to order it only in glass bottles if you can find it. The flavor and ginger snap are dramatically dissipated in the can and plastic containers.
There are a few other great ginger ales. Blenheim from South Carolina certainly comes to mind. This is real spicy stuff, even in the “mild” version. As for the hot version, be forwarned.