Vernors Revives a Michigan Classic for a Limited-Time Summer Treat

Not every brand in the Keurig Dr Pepper family is a national celebrity—some are local legends. In Michigan, few brands hold that status quite like Vernors. Born nearly 160 years ago in a Detroit pharmacy, Vernors has grown into the state’s no. 1 ginger ale in retail dollar sales.  

This summer, Vernors is channeling that legacy into a nostalgic new release: the limited-edition Vernors Boston Cooler. This unique seasonal beverage blends Vernors’ signature sweet and slightly zesty ginger flavor with smooth vanilla creaminess to capture the essence of Michigan’s iconic Boston Cooler float. It’s a refreshing nod to the past, crafted for today’s fans across the region. 

History of the Boston Cooler 

A true Michigan classic, the Boston Cooler has delighted locals for generations. Dating back to the 1800s, this time-honored tradition pairs cool, creamy vanilla ice cream with bubbly Vernors Ginger Ale, creating an irresistible float that has become a symbol of summertime in the Great Lakes State. Why is it called a Boston Cooler when it’s a Detroit staple? No one knows for sure, but theories swirl—from a nod to Boston Boulevard in Detroit to a marketing belief that “Boston” sounded more exotic than “Detroit.” Others say it was once a catch-all name for any soda-and-ice-cream blend, no matter the flavor. Regardless of its true beginnings, by 1967, Vernors trademarked “Boston Cooler” for its ginger ale ice cream bar, and by the 1970s, the name became synonymous with the creamy, fizzy Detroit classic locals love today.  

About the Vernors Boston Cooler Limited Time Offering 

Look for the limited-edition Vernors Boston Cooler wherever Vernors is sold in retailers throughout Michigan and the Toledo, Ohio region starting later this July. It will be available in 12 packs of 12 oz cans, 20 oz bottles and 2L bottles.