A Crisp And Refreshing Ginger Ale Is America's Oldest Soda

America's oldest commercially marketed soda is Vernors, a ginger ale soft drink that originated in Michigan in 1866. It was invented by pharmacist James Vernor.

Vernor reportedly came up with a ginger syrup formula while trying to replicate an Irish soft drink. When called to serve in the Civil War, he stored the syrup in an oak barrel.

Upon his return in 1865, Vernor found that the aging process had improved the syrup's flavor and began making and selling his ginger ale at his pharmacy in 1866.

While Vernon ginger ale is still around today, it never gained major traction outside of the Michigan market due to competitors like Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper.