A Tribute to Woody (Homemade Ginger Ale Float)
And is suddenly five again.
A stately knob of ginger, white and light brown sugar, seltzer, vanilla ice cream (the good stuff). Not pictured: vanilla extract. We do what we want.
Somebody knows they're about 15 minutes away from a ginger ale float.
A 1/2 cup of brown sugar, resolutely packed.
We peel ginger with a spoon, like so.
Like a defeated heap of dominoes.
Begin countdown to ginger syrup.
15 minutes later, it looks murky yet inviting.
Thanks for your service, ginger.
Sticky amber syrup with a whole lot of ginger kick.
And that's how you make ginger ale! Naturally, Amanda uses her new pet SodaStream.
Such promise.
Ooh.
Ahh.
Crags of foam.
Drink up.
Epilogue: Amanda gets a taste.
Author Notes: Vernors Ginger Ale is a Michigan icon ... sweet, gingery, fizzy. It's a golden ginger ale as opposed to a "dry" one and makes the claim of being the oldest surviving ginger ale in the country. Slogans have included "Detroit's Drink", "Deliciously Different" "Barrel Aged, Bold Taste, and "It's what we drink around here". I'm not sure if it's readily available all over the country, but if it is, try it. Served cold, it's refreshing, served hot, it's good for what ails you. Make a shake or float with it ... but if you can't find it, here's a recipe for the ginger syrup and the shake or float. Oh, by the way, "Woody" is the gnome that appears on the can or bottle. - inpatskitchen - inpatskitchen
Food52 Review: In any form, ice cream floats are a delightfully lazy route to a happy summer. Here, with one extra step, you get a kicky homemade ginger syrup, lifted by seltzer and bear-hugged by slow-melting vanilla ice cream. It's a fitting ode to a proud Michigan soda pop tradition, made with a handful of ingredients you probably have socked away in your kitchen -- your hot, sticky kitchen. Best go make yourself a float. - A&M - A&M
Serves 2
For the ginger syrup
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced peeled, fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Combine all ingredients except the vanilla in a saucepan. bring to a boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes until reduced to one cup liquid.
- Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla and cool and strain.
For the float or shake
- 6 large scoops great quality vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup of the ginger syrup
- 3 cups sparkling seltzer water
- For a shake: place the ice cream, syrup and seltzer in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into 2 tall glasses and grab some straws.
- For a float: place three scoops of the ice cream in each of the 2 tall glasses. Mix the syrup with the seltzer and then pour half over each ice cream filled glass. This time grab the straws and a long spoon!
- Your Best Soda Fountain Recipe Contest Winner!




10 months ago 80jones
This was delish on a hot summer day. I'm thinking the ginger syrup would make a good general purpose mixer.
10 months ago inpatskitchen
I'm sooo glad you enjoyed this and actually a while back the Food52 people had a cocktail party and used the syrup for Moscow Mules. Their recipe is at the end of the article here:
http://www.food52.com/blog...
over 1 year ago everblessed
Just made the syrup tonight and my house smells heavenly. Can't wait to mix it tomorrow. Thank you for the recipe!!!
over 1 year ago inpatskitchen
Thank you so much everblessed...so sorry I didn't respond sooner, but I'm still not getting notifications or comments through e-mail. I hope you enjoyed!! ( I was just here to get my recipe too(LOL)
over 1 year ago inpatskitchen
Thank you so much everblessed...so sorry I didn't respond sooner, but I'm still not getting notifications or comments through e-mail. I hope you enjoyed!! ( I was just here to get my recipe too(LOL)
almost 2 years ago Sue D
Tried this recipe about a month ago and have been dreaming of making more ever since. This wonderful recipe is simple, refreshing and fantistically bright tasting. I can never again sip commercially available genger ale, this recipe ended that practice. My experience of making and enjoying this amazing beverage was a satisfying adventure!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
I'm so glad you enjoyed Sue D....it's really a hit at our house ( I'm into simple and easy!)
almost 2 years ago sboulton
I'm from Detroit and remember countless trips to the Vernor's Plant on Woodward, with its gleaming copper kettles in the window. The canned stuff they sell now in California doesn't even resemble the original. It was the best, especially when you were sick and Mom made a "Boston Cooler" . Thanks for this, it brings back those wonderful flavors.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you sboulton! The new concoction isn't as "fizzy" as it once was, I know, but the flavor is still classic!
almost 2 years ago liamoran
This was so amazing. I made it earlier in the week and will make the syrup for a non-alcolic option for my summer dinner party tomorrow! Love it. Good job and congratulations!
almost 2 years ago liamoran
I meant "non-alcoholic". I got so excited about your ginger ale I couldn't type. :)
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you so much liamoran!! It really is a great treat!
almost 2 years ago Oui, Chef
Congratulations! This looks so dang good, can't wait to try it with the kids....I'll be their hero with this recipe! - S
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you so much "Super Dad!" They will love it!
almost 2 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
Congrats! Really happy for your win!!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you ChezSuzanne!
almost 2 years ago nicci
Congratulations!! I LOVE Vernor's. They don't have it in Hawaii but they should!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you...at least now you can make something similar!
almost 2 years ago wssmom
It's on for tonight in a tribute to your win! Congrats!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks wssmom...let me know
almost 2 years ago wssmom
You know I was sooooo remiss in not letting you know how AWESOME it was! We did the float thing, and everyone raved.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Oh Thank you wssmom...I'm so glad everyone enjoyed!
almost 2 years ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
Congrats on a well deserved win! If I weren't on the road, I would be making one of these for myself tonight!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks fiveandspice! I might make one myself!
almost 2 years ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
Oh you definitely should! Gotta celebrate!
almost 2 years ago gingerroot
Cheers and congrats!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you so much gingerroot!!
almost 2 years ago lapadia
Congratulations, and Cheers to Woody!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks lapadia...I'll send him your regards!!
almost 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
Congratulations on your beautiful concoction!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you boulangere.... I may make this tonight in celebration!
almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Congratulations on the win, this is really a delicious drink.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks...it really is!!
almost 2 years ago nogaga
Congratulations! This sounds like such a winning summer drink!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Summer AND Winter!! Thanks so much..
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
Congratulations!! HAVE to try this out..
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks Panfusine...please let me know what you think..
almost 2 years ago GiGi26
Congratulations!!!!! It's good to be from Detroit!! Thanks Woody for inspiring her!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you ma'am....guess what's for dessert next time you visit?
almost 2 years ago Lizthechef
Congratulations! We drank Vernors when I was a student at Kalamazoo College - great for hangovers. Love your recipe!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you...I never thought of the hangover thing...I'll have to try it!!
almost 2 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
congrats!! so glad for your win!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks mrslarkin...love your burger on the Whole Foods site!
almost 2 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Oh thank you!!! Hope some people will head over there and vote for me!! My burger and your float would make a fine Father's Day meal!!
almost 2 years ago gingerroot
Now that is a great idea, mrslarkin!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
I agree!
almost 2 years ago LC Rebbe
I love this recipe because it is inspired, yet "old fashioned." A real winner in my book!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you so much !
almost 2 years ago WinnieAb
Yum...I love ginger and this sounds delicious.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks WinnieAb....it really is!
almost 2 years ago gingerroot
This sounds really amazing! Congrats on being a finalist - I can't wait to try this!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you gingerroot...please let me know how you like it if you try
almost 2 years ago Pat in SoCal
My grandfather in Detroit used to make this for us when we were little...but he called them "Boston Coolers". Does anyone else know that name ?
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
You're right Pat.. they are known as Boston Coolers around here too...but I've read that a Boston Cooler refers to other floats and shakes around the country also and didn't want to confuse anyone
almost 2 years ago sfmiller
Fun recipe that evoked major food memories. Growing up in central Michigan, I put away dozens of Vernor's floats as a kid.
What we called a Boston Cooler was Vernor's and vanilla ice cream blended like a milk shake--which is darn good too.
almost 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
I've got 2 cans of Vernor's hidden away in my fridge at work . . . . oh lucky me! Congratulations on your finals and thank you!
almost 2 years ago Meatballs&Milkshakes
This looks great! I made some ginger simple syrup to sweeten some iced tea, but I'll use the leftovers to do this later! Congrats!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
I guess the glitch in the replies still isn't fixed, so thanks again all for your kind words!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you so much boulangere! This was fun to make!
almost 2 years ago SouffleBombay
I LOVE ginger, and have never attempted to make a ginger syrup - lovely idea! Good luck!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks lapadia..when Vernors was sold some years back Woody the Gnome was removed from the bottle/can, but I can assure yu he's back now!
almost 2 years ago lapadia
Congrats and luck to you, ipk! BTW - Amazon.com link to Vernors, which I have seen without the gnome, however if you scroll down on Amazon's page you will see reference him: http://www.amazon.com/Vernors...
almost 2 years ago cheese1227
What a fabulously impressive combination!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks!
almost 2 years ago ENunn
Bravo.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you so much ENunn!
almost 2 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
I'm not familiar with Vernor's - not sure they make it west to California, but now I want to try it. So I'll definitely be making your recipe. I love floats with ginger ale - takes me right back to my childhood! Many congrats and good luck!!
almost 2 years ago Pat in SoCal
Oh yes...we have it in SoCal. It's the best. The bubbles really go up your nose.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
You're never too old for a ginger ale float...thank you ...let me know how you like it
almost 2 years ago Peter
While Peter no longer works for Food52 he still thinks up ways to make the website better.
Sorry all, I don't have anything insightful to say -- I just need to test something in the recipe comments. That said, congrats on making the finals -- looks delish!
almost 2 years ago lorigoldsby
Congrats on your EP...good luck. We also like Vernor's. You described the different taste quite accurately!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you lorigoldsby ( and I'm thrilled that you and your Mom liked the Red Pepper aioli)
almost 2 years ago Bevi
This is great! I can think of lots of other uses for that ginger syrup aw well.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
The syrup is great just over ice cream too!
almost 2 years ago ingrid.goodman1
I just ordered 18 bottles from Michigan. The shipping cost more than soda. Can not find in Manhattan. So excited to try ginger syrup recipe. Attended James Vernor elementary school in Detroit.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
I'm always happy when people say they love Vernors..Can you ask your grocer to get some for you?
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you very much Pam!
almost 2 years ago midnitechef
Being a Canadian, Canada Dry is the only "real" pop I can find in the South, unless I come across Coke/Pepsi made in Mexico, where they still use real cane sugar, not corn syrup.
This recipe may well be a great replacement for those times Canada Dry can't be found.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
You may like this better than Canada Dry...sweeter, more ginger
almost 2 years ago Hilarybee
Michigan take over =) I'm going to try take this to a dinner party tonight. Too hot to bake anything, so this will be lovely. Vernor's is my favorite and I can't stand to see the shelves stocked with Canada Dry. What is that?!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
I know...Canada Dry has nothing on Vernors!
almost 2 years ago mariaraynal
Michigan gal reporting for duty! Vernors is a legend here, and I'm so happy to see this great recipe as a finalist. A few years ago, my friends and I glammed it up a bit by mixing vodka, Vernors and a big squeeze of lime. Great summer cocktail. Congratulations inpatskitchen!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Boy does that sound great!!.Will try it soon!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks so much!! I'm thrilled!
almost 2 years ago MrsWheelbarrow
Cathy is a trusted source on Pickling/Preserving.
PS Where's Rivka? She brought Vernors to DC for her wedding!!
almost 2 years ago MrsWheelbarrow
Cathy is a trusted source on Pickling/Preserving.
Vernors! OMG Love that stuff. When we drive back to MI (my husband's home, I'm from NW Ohio, so still Vernors territory) we bring back CASES!
I am so making this.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks...a lot cheaper than the drive back
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks everyone!! There must be a glitch in the system because my personal thanks are showing up all over the place. I'll keep trying but in the meantime I'm surprised, excited and so flattered!!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
must have been a glitch in the system..so you get extra thanks above!
almost 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
There's that spoon again!
almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Congratulations, I ca't wait to try it.
almost 2 years ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
Congratulations! I so, so want this right now! It's stinkin' hot out there and perfect weather for ice cream drinks. And I will flip over anything that has ginger syrup in it. I can't wait to give it a try!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you....you must make a trip home and have a coney and a float!!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks...take a trip back and grab a coney and a float!
almost 2 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Yummmm!! congratulations!!
almost 2 years ago ChefJune
This sounds great. Must try it!
almost 2 years ago GiGi26
Congratulations!!!
almost 2 years ago elizabeth c
Oh what a great idea! We have some Vernor's in the fridge right now!
almost 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
Love this! Congratulations to you.
almost 2 years ago wssmom
Yay, you're a finalist!!
almost 2 years ago EmilyC
Congratulations -- this looks great!
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
Yay! Congrats on being a finalist!
almost 2 years ago lastnightsdinner
Vernor's! Ah, you're making me homesick :) Congrats - this sounds great!
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
My Dad loved the original Vernor's! Thanks for the facsimile. I'll make a batch when he visits later this summer.
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks hardlikearmour..Hope your Dad enjoys!
almost 2 years ago wssmom
This is amazing! I have never been to Michigan by the Spouse swears by it! Thanks for posting!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
If you can't find Vernors try this.. I know I don't have the 19 ingredients that Vernors swears by, but it really is a reasonable facsimile...is your husband from Michigan?
almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Fantastic!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thank you sdebrango........as my Dad always says.."Try it, you'll like it"
almost 2 years ago Sagegreen
Love ginger. This sounds great!
almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen
Thanks Sagegreen...I think the other half drank his in a minute flat!!