Drinks
The Mystery of the Missing Cel-Ray
The vegetable soda is a cult favorite at Jewish delis. But in late 2021, it was suddenly impossible to find.
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11 Comments
Ellen B.
April 2, 2022
I don't really eat beef anymore and I don't drink soda much either BUT I agree with everyone that Cel-Ray is PERFECT with the deli of my people. I used to love Diet Cel-Ray, and haven't seen that in maybe years, and I live in New York! I have settled for Diet Black Cherry, but it's not the same. (Cream Soda is way too sweet!) Both Cel-Ray and Black Cherry have a touch of the vegetal that make them so refreshing.
I'll be on the lookout for my fave now that I know it's around.
Thank you for the update, the memories and the reminder too.
I'll be on the lookout for my fave now that I know it's around.
Thank you for the update, the memories and the reminder too.
mlledaffodil
February 2, 2022
Not just a cel ray issue in 2021–Dr Browns Diet Black Cherry suddenly turned putrid, tasting like cream soda mixed with turpentine. Grew up with Dr Browns as our Nate N Al’s treat, switched to diet and drink daily (only vice since cutting out caffeine!)—so I know my soda. Returned several cases assuming old stock, then realized particular cannery was source. Even called Dr Browns (1 guy with a phone)— then a year or so later, bought again and it’s the good stuff again! Clearly corp is suffering some supply challenges
Terry
January 30, 2022
I've never heard of Cel-Ray but I can find Dr. Brown's sodas at the grocery store here in the South, if one looks on the right aisle. I've also made celery-flavored ice cream so I could imagine a celery soda not being as weird as it might sound.
Ms T.
January 30, 2022
Growing up in the 50s, my mother allowed me to drink cel-ray soda because she felt it was healthy. I'm not jewish, but cel-ray is certainly a New York thing. Canned cel-ray is not as good as the bottled (original). When I took an out-of-town friend to Sarge's (3rd Avenue off 36th Street), she plotzed when she washed down her corned beef sandwich with cel-ray. "Bliss!!!", she said. To me a cold cel-ray with a half&half pickle is Heaven On Earth.
Anita O.
January 30, 2022
Cel-Ray and Pastrami sandwiches are part of my childhood. One complements the other and I consider them comfort food.
The P.
January 30, 2022
I've never tried it but I'd give it a go if I can find it. It can't be any worse of an acquired taste than, say, Moxie or Chinotto.
Karen V.
January 24, 2022
I love Cel-Ray and grab a can or six pack whenever I see it! Goes great with everything, love the clean and unusual flavor!
Liz
January 23, 2022
i'm having a similar problem with coconut la croix, for whatever reason, it seems only one store in my town now carries it and they don't often have it. So odd what these shortages hit
Tamachan
January 21, 2022
So glad to read this article since it mirrors my experience(s) over the past couple of months, first at Katz's and then at the 2nd Ave Deli. You go with this expectation - a pastrami sandwich (fatty, rye, mustard) with maybe a knish or a side of kishka. Go to grab or order my soda and WTF? No Cel-Ray. Palate cleanser is exactly right and as refreshing as a crisp 7-Up. So glad to learn that is not gone forever and now wise enough to stock-up on a six-pack next time I see them.
Ellen B.
April 2, 2022
MORE refreshing than 7UP because Cel-Ray is less sweet. Pastrami + Cel-Ray=Perfection.
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