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?
