Vernors is still popular in Detroit today
The late 19th century marked a significant period of growth for the soft drink industry in the United States. While Vernors is often cited as the oldest soda brand in the country, it emerged around the same time as notable competitors like Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper. In fact, Dr Pepper's website claims it to be "the oldest major soft drink in America," having first been sold in 1885, and it has maintained the secrecy of its 23-flavor recipe for all these years.
This might explain why, despite Vernors' continued presence today, it never achieved widespread popularity beyond Michigan. After all, James Vernor did not create ginger ale, which is arguably the most popular soda enjoyed during flights. The classic beverage was originally produced in Ireland in the 1850s and was later famously redefined as dry-style ginger ale by Canadian pharmacist John McLaughlin, the founder of Canada Dry, in 1907.
Nevertheless, Vernors has cultivated a dedicated following thanks to its uniquely sweet, barrel-aged vanilla flavor and remains a beloved choice among Detroit residents. The brand even features its own ice cream float, specifically associated with the Motor City, though it is ironically named the Boston Cooler—a title that The Vernors Company trademarked in 1967, according to the Detroit Historical Society. Today, the Vernors brand is part of the beverage conglomerate Keurig Dr Pepper, and anyone interested in trying it can order the nation's "Original Ginger Soda" online.
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