Vernors Ginger Ale: A Detroit Legacy Continues to Sparkle

James Vernor, a Detroit pharmacist, crafted a unique ginger ale in 1866 that would become a beloved local staple.

 

According to popular lore, Vernor left a mixture of ginger, vanilla, and spices in an oak cask before serving in the Civil War.

 

Upon his return four years later, he discovered the aging process had transformed the concoction into a zesty, sweet beverage, leading to the creation of Vernors Ginger Ale.

 

He began selling this "deliciously different" drink at his pharmacy's soda fountain, and its popularity quickly soared.

 

By 1896, Vernor shifted his focus entirely to ginger ale production, opening a dedicated plant on Woodward Avenue near the riverfront.

 

Over the decades, the company expanded, with its final Detroit plant located at 4501 Woodward Avenue, featuring a glass front that showcased the bottling process to passersby.

 

In 1966, the Vernor family sold the company, and after several ownership changes, Vernors is now part of the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group.

 

Despite production moving out of Detroit in 1985, the city's affection for Vernors endures.

 

In recent years, the former site of the Vernors plant has seen significant development.

 

The Studio One Apartments, a $34 million project completed in 2008, now occupies the space, offering modern living options in Midtown Detroit.

 

This transformation reflects the city's ongoing evolution while honoring its rich history.

 

Today, Vernors remains a symbol of Detroit's resilience and innovation, cherished by generations who appreciate its unique flavor and storied past.