The oldest soda pop in America belongs to Vernor's (2024)

Created in 1866, Vernon’s Ginger Ale is the oldest soda pop in America. Vernor’s is located in Michigan and was created by James Vernor.

The unique flavor was actually created on accident by leaving the soda pop encased in wood while he went off to war.

Vernor’s boasts the oldest soda in America, but not the world. That belongs to Schweppe’s, who created a carbonated mineral water in 1783.

Other old sodas include Hires Root Beer (1876), Moxie 1876, Dr. Pepper (1885) Coca-Cola (1886) and Pepsi (1893.

The oldest soda pop in America belongs to Vernor's (2024)

FAQs

The oldest soda pop in America belongs to Vernor's? ›

One of the nation's oldest soft drinks, Vernor's Ginger Ale was first served to the public in 1866. The drink was created by Detroiter James Vernor, a well-respected pharmacist with a reputation for meticulous care with his prescriptions.

What is the oldest soda pop in the United States? ›

Created in 1866, Vernon's Ginger Ale is the oldest soda pop in America. Vernor's is located in Michigan and was created by James Vernor. The unique flavor was actually created on accident by leaving the soda pop encased in wood while he went off to war.

Who owns Vernor? ›

In 1959, the ginger ale's name lost its apostrophe and became simply “Vernors.” The Vernor family sold the company to an investment group in 1966; it was later owned by American Consumer Products, United Brands, A&W Beverages and Cadbury Schwepps. Today, Vernors is owned by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group.

What is the history of Vernors? ›

Vernors Ginger Soda, formerly Vernor's Ginger Ale, is a “deliciously different” soft drink found mainly in the Midwest. Invented in Michigan at some point between 1866 and 1880, it has been touted as having a cult following of primarily Michiganders and Midwesterners.

Is Vernors only sold in Michigan? ›

The drink is still bottled in Michigan, in Holland, and other cities nationwide. But while Vernors is distributed in several states, by far, its most loyal — and passionate — customers are in Michigan.

Who is older, Pepsi or co*ke? ›

co*ke was the first soda ever created back in 1886. Then, in 1898, a rivalry that would span decades was born as soon as Pepsi hit the market. Today, each brand has a strong and distinct presence thanks to individual marketing strategies that make them obviously different from one another.

What is America's oldest drink, Coca-Cola or Dr Pepper? ›

Dr Pepper is the oldest soft drink in America. Older than Coca-Cola, in fact, by a full year. It was created in 1885 by a pharmacist, Charles Alderton, in Waco, Texas. And its original name was Waco – it was served there at the soda fountain in the drugstore.

Is Vernors owned by co*ke or Pepsi? ›

Vernors is an American brand of ginger ale owned by Keurig Dr Pepper that was first served in 1866 by James Vernor, a pharmacist from Detroit.

Is Vernors made by 7up? ›

Purchased by Cadbury-Schweppes in 1993, today Vernors is part of Dr. Pepper Snapple, one of the nation's largest beverage producers.

How many states is Vernors in? ›

Per Awesome Mitten, Vernors ginger ale is sold in 33 states, although this drink is most beloved in its home state of Michigan. There, Vernors is prized as a cure-all, where its popularity stems from a mix of nostalgia and one-of-a-kind flavor.

Is Vernors still made with real ginger? ›

The official ingredients do not mention ginger. Instead, the label denotes the pop is comprised of carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium benzoate (preservative), caramel color and “natural and artificial flavors.”

Why do people drink Vernors? ›

Sure, many people grew up getting ginger ale dosed out by their mother when their tummies hurt or they were feeling nauseated. But in Michigan, our mothers took it to a whole other level. Stomach ache? Vernors.

What flavor is Vernors? ›

When he returned in 1865 and tasted the product, he found that not only was his syrup still palatable, but it had in fact improved with the aging, mellowing its flavors. Thus was Vernors golden ginger ale born, a unique ginger soda with a sweet, vanilla scent and rich caramel color, just as it has today.

What is Vernors and ice cream called? ›

Boston Cooler Recipe

To make your own Boston Cooler you only need two ingredients: Vernors and vanilla ice cream. They say the proper ratio of ice cream and ginger ale is 3:1. Once you add the two ingredients blend it up to a milkshake-like consistency.

What is the Vernors mascot? ›

The jolly, winking gnome has been the official mascot of Vernors since the company's early days, but for many years he lacked a name. So in the early '70s, the company embarked on a “Gname the Gnome” campaign, offering a trip to Disney World for whoever came up with the best name. The winning name: Jerome the Gnome.

Is Vernors still aged in Barrels? ›

one certain part of the story is the aging in oak barrels over four years. Somehow,Vernor discovered that this developed the flavors he wanted, and the company still uses this method today.

What was the first Cola ever made? ›

Back on May 8, 1886, the world's first Coca-Cola was served at Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the creation of Dr. John Pemberton as a tonic for common ailments. He likely had no idea what was in store for his product, the company, and an industry that would grow into the giant it is today.

How old is Mountain Dew? ›

Mountain Dew, stylized as Mtn Dew in some countries, is a carbonated soft drink brand, produced and owned by PepsiCo. The original formula was invented in 1940 by Tennessee beverage bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman. A revised formula was created by Bill Bridgforth in 1958.

What's the most famous soda ever? ›

Coca-Cola. It's no surprise that Coca-Cola, often referred to as simply “co*ke”, is the most popular soft drink in the world. Created in 1886 by American pharmacist John Pemberton, it has become a household name and can be found in almost every country.

How old is Dr Pepper soda? ›

It was created in the 1880s by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco, Texas, and first served around 1885. Dr Pepper was first nationally marketed in the United States in 1904. It is now also sold in Europe, Asia, North and South America. In Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, Dr Pepper is sold as an imported good.

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