I remember reading that the late Ray Kroc, who sold milkshake machines to soda fountains that once flourished throughout the biggest cities in America, realized that the popularity of soda fountains was fading.

The demise of soda fountains is what led Kroc into a different occupation when, at the age of 52, he started up what was to became arguably, the most recognized and famous franchise of them all, McDonald’s.  Ray Kroc went on to become an American business legend while the soda fountain franchises became nearly extinct.

With the explosive growth of fast food franchises, a casualty of the expiring soda fountain businesses was my old-fashioned, forgotten treat.

The first ingredient of this treat I rediscovered just a few weeks ago was my favorite childhood soda pop – Vernor’s Ginger Ale.  The absolute best ginger ale in the world!

image by wikipedia 

The famous recipe originated when Detroiter James Vernor inadvertently left the ginger ale he made in a wooden barrel that aged it longer than he anticipated.  He was a little busy at the time, off fighting in the American Civil War for four years.  When he came back and tried it, he couldn’t believe how much tastier the flavor of the soda had became due to aging wood.

That unexpected event would be the beginning of his refining the Vernor’s recipe into the unique beverage that it has been for years.  Thus, a local Detroit favorite grew into a national beverage.  And for me, it was always there, but overlooked, as if had been somewhat hidden.

One of the best parts of rediscovering Vernor’s is that, not being a fan of any diet sodas, I found their diet ginger ale to be just a good as the original.  And, of course, without any calories!

image by wikipedia 

After going through a few cases of diet Vernor’s, I had one in my hand a few days ago and was rummaging for something to snack on in the kitchen when I realized that I hadn’t had any ice cream for weeks. 

So I was scooping some into a bowl and glanced over to the Vernor’s in my glass over on the counter.  It suddenly dawned on me what to do.  Drop a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream into the Vernor’s and presto; I created a Vernor’s Cooler.  How simple.  And, it was fantastic!  For a few minutes, I was a kid again.

Now you may be seeing this as just another fattening, guilty pleasure but it doesn’t have to be.  It’s diet pop, meaning zero calories.  If you wanted to add low fat ice cream to cut down on those calories, it can be just as pleasurable.

And, don’t forget, root beer soda is a good alternative, which is probably the original ingredient of what I remember being called a Root Beer Float.  But, don’t forget to try a Vernor’s Cooler, if you can get that soda in your local area.  It could make you feel like a kid, again, too.

Oh, I almost forgot one last important detail when experiencing this thin slice of heaven – bring a tablespoon.  Enjoy!