Michigan Loves Ginger Ale
Michigan Loves Ginger Ale
If you dare to hear the jokes and suggestions about how to use Vernors in ways most would never think of, I dare you to bring it up at your next ski trip up north. Ginger Ale is special to anyone from Michigan. Even more so when it's Vernors. This might come off as quite particular without a proper history lesson, so here is that— plus quite a bit extra!
Michigan Made
Vernors is a Michigan classic, but did you know it was founded in the heart of Detroit? A Detroit pharmacist, James Vernor, branded Vernors in 1866 and sold it primarily through the local soda fountain (talk about a blast from the past). The soda began to grow in popularity and quite quickly was the next product in line for bottling via local franchises. 1896 was the turning point; the Michigan pharmacist closed his drugstore and opened his own soda fountain closer to the city's center.
Though the founder passed in the fall of 1927, the legacy continued. James Vernor Jr. took over the business and kept it flourishing for a few decades after his father's passing. In 1966 the company sold out to a group purchase. Though it passed through various ownerships since then, the name has remained. Vernors brand is currently owned by a firm known as Keurig Dr. Pepper and is bottled primarily by their bottling plant in Holland, Michigan.
What was idealized and then crafted in our state is still being bottled and distributed from our state today. Michigan has loved Vernors for over 100 years, and from where I am standing, that isn't changing. What makes our special Ginger Ale recipe so unique? Well, obviously where it's from is the main thing, but there are a few other characteristics that stand out too.
Vernors Signature Flavor
The flavor of ginger ale is very similar to that of ginger beer, but notably without alcohol. Ginger ale gained momentum right before the Prohibition as a mixer, but Vernors remained in stock even after Prohibition began.
The previous production fashion required the ginger ale to age in barrels for four years, though now it has been reduced to three. Alongside that, the recipe for the drink has changed quite a few times in history. Ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup have been added to the mix. Known for being highly carbonated and strong in the flavor of ginger, the drink has been said to be beneficial to stomach aches when warmed up. Unfortunately, this very well could be debated with all the changes in the recipe. I doubt there is very much actual ginger in the drink anymore.
In the beginning, Vernors was crafted by accident. Having left a syrup base in a barrel while away in the war, James Vernor returned to discover an aging had occurred. Ginger, vanilla, and various other flavors had settled and shifted into something "deliciously different." This motto was taken on as the drink's signature statement later in time— and still remains today!
Despite all the changes from the original recipe and process, Vernors is still a primary product on the market of ginger ale. The formula used in the beginning may have been altered since its early days at the drugstore, but something about it has remained consistent enough to keep customers returning for more for over a century. Since entering the commercial market in 1880, Vernors has dominated with no hesitation or adjustment to tactic. The simple fact is that Michigan people love the flavor. Something about the mellow notes of ginger, followed by the gentle aftertaste, keeps us with a grip on our can until the last drop is gone every time.
Vernors Culture
Vernors has made its way into American history, at least in Michigan. There have been many slogans, various styles applied to the name, and so many other variations that we see today as Vernors is not the Vernors our grandparents enjoyed. Nevertheless, we enjoy it the same and appreciate its legacy in the history of American start-ups.
One of the more entertaining eras of Vernor's run in history was when Ronald Bialecki performed live-action appearances as the Vernors gnome (a mascot during the late 1900s, sometimes known as Woody). In the 1970s, he became an official employee for the Doner Company, almost instantly receiving the task of being the mascot "actor." What may seem redundant to someone else was nothing short of pure excitement for Ronald.
He and his wife crafted genuine gnome suits for his role and eventually even created a "gnome mobile." These efforts intoxicated the public with their glee over their ale and created genuinely memorable experiences around the product. Ronald's efforts skyrocketed sales.
In 2016 Vernors celebrated their 150th anniversary, and the thriving culture around the product is a massive reason that is possible. During that year, various iconic pieces of the brand were featured at the Detroit Historical Museum. This included but was not limited to vintage signage and memorabilia; items now considered "artifacts."
Michigan's creativity and love regarding Vernors always shocks me, as someone who personally doesn't drink pop without some underlying reason to. Because of this fact, though, I will admit that I have tried many unique recipes that involve the drink, and they tend to surprise me. Michigan holds pride in using Vernors as a "secret ingredient" for cooking. Some Detroit restaurants are known to use it in sweet and spicy dishes and for marinades. The best concoction I've found was a glazed salmon whose base ingredient was the local obsession- Vernors!
More Local Ginger Ale
Today there are various other forms of ginger ale supplied by local "soda" start-ups. These may not be the signature Vernors drink, but they are almost more authentic, having not been altered by the larger industry and its higher demand of production. Brands such as Northwoods Soda and Summit City Soda are both popular, local, and transparent. Northwoods Wild Ginger flavor is strong and satisfying. Summit City Soda's ginger ale has a flavor similar to that of Vernors with a little less carbonation and higher notes of vanilla.
I challenge you to look in your local grocery stores and gas stations to find other Michigan-made ginger ales! It is one of the longest-living "pops" in Michigan culture, so it tends to be one of the first line-ups for start-up soda companies.
Local Recipe, Local Legacy
Vernors has been a part of so many Michigan families' histories; grandma's secret recipe, mom's remedy for a bellyache, always an iconic drink mixer. The local recipe may have been changed a few times, but the legacy lives on.
If you consider yourself a fan of Vernor's, don't skip a beat when considering Northern Nail Polishes latest and greatest release; “Ginger Ale.” This shimmering peach sparkle may not be as carbonated as a can of Vernors, but it definitely gives off the bubbly vibe. Go light and use it as a flashy shimmer to a deeper pink, toss on over a dark color as a topper and create a chromatic feel, or go simple and just apply the color on its own in one coat.
Whatever you decide to do, though, Northern Nail Polish has exactly what you are looking for. While Vernors may be the iconic choice, their Spring 2021 Collection has numerous other colors just as fun and Michigan-focused! Non-toxic, chip-resistant, and vegan, Northern Nail Polish provides products that are irresistible and safe. Take the local legacy of Vernors with you no matter where you go, and feel confident that you are doing good by yourself, those around you, and for the planet— all the while, with stunning nails and a great conversation piece!