The Short History of Ginger Ale (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of ginger ale? ›

Originally, ginger beer came first invented in England around the 1800s with Ireland following hot on their heels developing ginger ale in the 1851. ginger beer was brewed using ginger, sugar, water. It travelled across the Atlantic, soon to become one of Canada's favourite soft drinks.

Ginger has been used as a home remedy for nausea, indigestion, and muscle pain, and as an anti-inflammatory long before it was a soft drink. "Ginger helps ease stomach upset with nervous flyers," said Grosskopf.

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.

Ginger ale is a carbonated beverage made with ginger root and a sweetener such as sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or a low calorie sweetener. Many commercial ginger ales contain little ginger and a lot of added sugar, but some traditional varieties contain real fermented ginger root.

DR PEPPER IS THE OLDEST MAJOR SOFT DRINK IN AMERICA.

Originally made in Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas, the drink's unique flavor was a hit when it was first sold in 1885.

In the case of artificially flavored ginger ale, the beverage has no more health benefits than any other soda, which, of course, are zero. But in the case of ginger ale flavored by real ginger root, the beverage has marginally more health benefits than other soft drinks.

Otherwise, when consumed in moderation, ginger ale is a low risk beverage for the average person and can fit within an overall healthy diet. Ginger ale in moderation is safe for most people. That said, artificial sweeteners in diet versions and added sugar in regular versions may have negative health effects.

Ginger ale.

While ginger in its natural form may have some cold and flu benefits, this carbonated, sugary version won't offer much relief. Soft drinks of any kind have very little of the nutrients and electrolytes you need to fight off sickness. Get your ginger in a mug of hot tea instead.

Ginger ale often contains large amounts of sugar, which may create further issues for your stomachache. In a blog post for the Cleveland Clinic, Matthew Goldman, M.D., says, “If a person has bloating, gas or indigestion, the carbonation and sugar may make it worse.

The Vernors brand was purchased by A&W Beverages in 1987, which was in turn purchased by Cadbury Schweppes. Today, Vernors is property of Keurig Dr Pepper of Burlington, Massachusetts, and Plano, Texas, and the flagship bottling plant serving Michigan is the Keurig Dr Pepper bottling plant in Holland, Michigan.

Does Pepsi own Vernors? ›

Today, Vernors is owned by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group.

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.

Grattan embossed the slogan "The Original Makers of Ginger Ale" on its bottles. Ginger ale is transparent, whereas ginger beer, a stronger tasting product, is often cloudy due to the residues of brewing. Dry ginger ale was created by Canadian John J. McLaughlin, a chemist and pharmacist.

First, keep in mind that you want to stick to the spice itself. That means processed drinks, like ginger ale and ginger beer, which contain loads of added sugar, are off-limits. These options have the opposite of the desired effect, potentially sending blood sugar levels soaring.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility ― the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Eating ginger encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn't linger as long in the gut. Nausea relief.

One of the most well-known uses of ginger is as a remedy for nausea. Ginger could help reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting due to its ability to soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation. Drinking ginger ale can be particularly helpful for those suffering from morning sickness, motion sickness, or nausea.

There is some evidence that carbonation may help with nausea relief, according to Setya, although further studies are required to understand the mechanisms at work. One theory is that ginger ale's carbonation may help stimulate the nerves in the esophagus and stomach, which might lessen nausea, Setya said.

The Civil War and a Michigan pharmacist are responsible for the accidental creation of what we now call Vernor's Ginger Ale. Vernor's has been a Michigan staple for over 150 years.