It's interesting how certain regional foods or drinks get a following.
Several years ago, while visiting Florida, I went into a Publix (regional supermarket chain). My spouse and I like to go into supermarkets where we are staying because we usually find something interesting.
This time, it was Vernors Ginger Ale. We decided to buy a two liter bottle and try it out.
I grew up in New York City, and have lived in New York, Florida, Iowa (briefly), Kansas, Arkansas and Texas. So, I've learned to embrace certain regional specialties. I had heard of Vernor's but had never tasted it. In New York City, we have embraced another brand of ginger ale, Canada Dry.
Anyway....one taste of Vernors and I was hooked. Ginger Ale, for those living outside the United States, is not an ale - it's a nonalcoholic soda. It can be consumed on its own, as part of mixed alcoholic drinks, or as a treatment for stomach upset. I never realized, until today, its history - and its importance to Michigan.
James Vernor, who invented this soda for stomach upset, was a pharmacist and Civil War veteran. The soda was invented in 1866. It is now a part of the Dr. Pepper portfolio.
The last three years, we've gone to Florida for a couple of weeks in January, and have brought back a bottle of diet Vernors on the Auto Train. I usually wait for a special occasion to break into it. You can't hoard soda in these bottles - they eventually lose carbonation and/or flavor. I wonder if the reason you can find it in Florida is because of all the Michigan natives who retired there.
The occasion to use it came today. Feeling a bit under the weather because of a med I had to take for something not serious but annoying, I broke into the Vernors.
It hasn't resolved the issue, but it sure tasted good. I can't describe the taste. Vernors has a creaminess - almost like a ginger flavored cream soda. At one time, it was actually aged in oak barrels, and the Vernors label shows that heritage.
So, I found a couple of places online where I can buy soda, including one specializing in Detroit food and drink products, but shipping costs are prohibitive for soda because of the special packing they require, and the weight of the liquid.
So, for now, I'll just hope I can get back to Florida. It won't be this year. In the meantime, Vernors is joining Cheerwine on my list of "one day I'll buy this local food or drink again".
Do you have favorite regional foods or drinks?
I still remember the Vernor's plant in Detroit. My cousin's husband worked for them and that is all we drank at her house as kids. I have fond memories of Vernor's sodas at the local soda shop. You've brought back some great memories for me.
ReplyDeletePleased to have brought back those memories. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteWe had some friends from Michigan that swore by Vernor's. Mary likes it occasionally.
ReplyDeleteWe had Canfield's beverages in the Chicago area. They were bought out a few years ago, but I think someone is still making 50/50, a grapefruit and lime drink that's more grapefruity than Fresca but not quite as grapefruity as Squirt. They had a couple of other flavors, Mickey Melon, a watermelon-flavored drink that had a picture of Mickey Rooney on the can, and Diet Chocolate Fudge Soda. We also had a drink called a Green River that was lime flavored, but sweet. The only way I ever had it was at a soda fountain, but they sold it in bottles, too.
I had never heard of Green River so I read the story online and I would like to try that one day. I read that there was a song written about Green River. I am going to post it on your blog and not my blog because of - well, you'll see. There are other Green River songs but I think this is the one about the beverage. Thank you so much; I really enjoyed researching this.
Delete...I remember it in Rochester, NY.
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing how good Vernors are. But I never tried it. Our stores cares Vernors and Canada Dry
ReplyDeleteMy teenagers loved Vernor's. I do too, but it is expensive.
ReplyDeleteRegional food I miss: deep fried catfish. We grew up along the Mississippi and bought catfish from some guy who lived in a stilted house along the river. We weren't allowed to go inside. But the fish was so fresh.
You'll get back to Florida eventually. I don't know of any regional delicacies I'm into, but then again, I don't get out of town much, so there's probably something regional here that I'm not aware is regional.
ReplyDeleteHi Alana - interesting history ... I enjoy ginger ale - not as sickly as some of the other fizzy drinks around. I hope you feel easier soon - all the best - Hilary
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