Father's Day

A Tribute to Woody (Homemade Ginger Ale Float)

May 31, 2011
4
5 Ratings
  • Serves 2
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

Test Kitchen Notes

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 —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 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 cups water
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 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
Directions
  1. For the ginger syrup
  2. 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.
  3. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla and cool and strain.
  1. For the float or shake
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Stephanie
    Stephanie
  • Misty Terrell Green
    Misty Terrell Green
  • frog
    frog
  • Lizthechef
    Lizthechef
  • Joanna Bober
    Joanna Bober
inpatskitchen

Recipe by: inpatskitchen

I think I get my love for food and cooking from my mom, who was an amazing cook. She would start baking and freezing a month before Christmas in order to host our huge open house on Christmas afternoon. I watched and I learned...to this day I try not to procrastinate when it comes to entertaining. My cooking style is pretty much all over the place, although I'm definitely partial to Greek and Italian cuisine. Oh yes, throw a little Cajun in there too!

127 Reviews

Catrina B. October 15, 2019
Quite delicious! My kids and I had floats for dessert and they said it was the best! The taste was well-balanced, and just gingery enough. If I was going to make it for “adult beverages”, I might take the ginger up a notch. Very tasty though, reminded me of my childhood, and it was awesome sharing it with my little foodies.
 
inpatskitchen October 16, 2019
Thank you!!
 
tommy G. September 4, 2014
Does anyone remember Vernor's ice cream bars? I used to buy them in the showroom of the bottling plant on Woodward Avenue back in the early '70s. They were available in a vending machine for ten cents and, to my knowledge, nowhere else. As I recall, the bar was Vernor's-flavored ice cream with a butterscotch coating. Delicious.
 
Stephanie April 19, 2014
I had a late dinner tonight so I decided to make this for a later night snack. It taste really good. I don't like things that are too sweet so this is good for me. I used 1/4 raw sugar instead of white sugar. Paired it with SoDelicious Frozen Coconut Milk and a few banana slices...yummy! Oh, I forget the seltzer water but I don't think it made a big difference.
 
inpatskitchen April 19, 2014
Stephanie..So happy you enjoyed your version...thanks so much!
 
Misty T. March 1, 2014
I have lived in Indiana my whole life & for some reason, we always had Vernor's Ginger Ale. Michigan relatives maybe. I love, love, love that stuff. Def. can still get it here.
 
inpatskitchen March 2, 2014
So glad that you can make the float anytime you want! And welcome to Food52!
 
frog January 12, 2014
Verner's is currently owned by Dr Pepper Snapple and the recipe has changed. It now has high fructose corn syrup and artificial ginger flavoring. reed's Ginger Beer would be closer, though not as sweet, to the original Verner's Ginger Ale.
 
Jim B. September 25, 2014
I like the Canada Dry Ginger Ale.
 
sboulton October 15, 2019
I agree it's not the same Vernors that I remember growing up in Detroit. But, I still drink it. In the summer, my mom would make us floats, and in the winter when we got sick she would make us a "Boston Cooler" which was warm milk with Vernors. It went down easy, but I have no idea why it's called a Boston Cooler.
 
susielou January 12, 2014
I grew up in Detroit and went to James Vernor Elementary School; every Christmas and Easter there were huge kegs of Vernors, and all kids were given a glass. The best tour ever was of the Vernor plant, and watching all the bottles go by. At the end of the tour we were given Vernor's ice cream floats. Wonderful!

By the way, another drink from childhood is the brown cow: chocolate ice cream and root beer.
 
inpatskitchen January 12, 2014
So happy that this brought back wonderful memories for you! I too, remember touring the Vernor's plant as a kid. And Vernors is in the shopping cart almost every week!
 
sboulton October 15, 2019
me too, every year. I went to MacDowell.

 
Lizthechef July 19, 2013
I remember this recipe very well. I'm a ginger ale freak and this rocks.
 
inpatskitchen July 19, 2013
Thanks Liz! I must agree...it does "rock"!!
 
Joanna B. June 17, 2013
I've tried SO many recipes for ginger ale. This is by far the BEST! It was quick and easy, and the end result was nothing short of delicious.
 
inpatskitchen June 18, 2013
Thanks so much Joanna! It really is easy and I'm so happy you enjoyed!
 
sofia J. May 21, 2013
Ginger ale from scratch?? Guess it's possible but I still stand by my favorite VERNERS!!!
 
inpatskitchen May 21, 2013
Oh me too sofia. But there are many who can't get Vernors where they live and this is a pretty good "clone"!
 
80jones July 22, 2012
This was delish on a hot summer day. I'm thinking the ginger syrup would make a good general purpose mixer.
 
inpatskitchen July 22, 2012
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/2969_a_food52_cocktail_party
 
everblessed October 19, 2011
Just made the syrup tonight and my house smells heavenly. Can't wait to mix it tomorrow. Thank you for the recipe!!!
 
inpatskitchen November 4, 2011
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)
 
inpatskitchen November 4, 2011
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)
 
Sue D. July 16, 2011
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!
 
inpatskitchen July 16, 2011
I'm so glad you enjoyed Sue D....it's really a hit at our house ( I'm into simple and easy!)
 
sboulton June 19, 2011
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.
 
inpatskitchen June 20, 2011
Thank you sboulton! The new concoction isn't as "fizzy" as it once was, I know, but the flavor is still classic!
 
liamoran June 17, 2011
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!
 
liamoran June 17, 2011
I meant "non-alcoholic". I got so excited about your ginger ale I couldn't type. :)
 
inpatskitchen June 18, 2011
Thank you so much liamoran!! It really is a great treat!
 
Oui, C. June 16, 2011
Congratulations! This looks so dang good, can't wait to try it with the kids....I'll be their hero with this recipe! - S
 
inpatskitchen June 16, 2011
Thank you so much "Super Dad!" They will love it!
 
TheWimpyVegetarian June 15, 2011
Congrats! Really happy for your win!!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thank you ChezSuzanne!
 
nicci June 15, 2011
Congratulations!! I LOVE Vernor's. They don't have it in Hawaii but they should!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thank you...at least now you can make something similar!
 
wssmom June 15, 2011
It's on for tonight in a tribute to your win! Congrats!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thanks wssmom...let me know
 
wssmom July 7, 2011
You know I was sooooo remiss in not letting you know how AWESOME it was! We did the float thing, and everyone raved.
 
inpatskitchen July 7, 2011
Oh Thank you wssmom...I'm so glad everyone enjoyed!
 
fiveandspice June 15, 2011
Congrats on a well deserved win! If I weren't on the road, I would be making one of these for myself tonight!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thanks fiveandspice! I might make one myself!
 
fiveandspice June 15, 2011
Oh you definitely should! Gotta celebrate!
 
gingerroot June 15, 2011
Cheers and congrats!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thank you so much gingerroot!!
 
lapadia June 15, 2011
Congratulations, and Cheers to Woody!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thanks lapadia...I'll send him your regards!!
 
boulangere June 15, 2011
Congratulations on your beautiful concoction!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thank you boulangere.... I may make this tonight in celebration!
 
nogaga June 15, 2011
Congratulations! This sounds like such a winning summer drink!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Summer AND Winter!! Thanks so much..
 
Panfusine June 15, 2011
Congratulations!! HAVE to try this out..
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thanks Panfusine...please let me know what you think..
 
GiGi26 June 15, 2011
Congratulations!!!!! It's good to be from Detroit!! Thanks Woody for inspiring her!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thank you ma'am....guess what's for dessert next time you visit?
 
Lizthechef June 15, 2011
Congratulations! We drank Vernors when I was a student at Kalamazoo College - great for hangovers. Love your recipe!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thank you...I never thought of the hangover thing...I'll have to try it!!
 
mrslarkin June 15, 2011
congrats!! so glad for your win!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
Thanks mrslarkin...love your burger on the Whole Foods site!
 
mrslarkin June 15, 2011
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!!
 
gingerroot June 15, 2011
Now that is a great idea, mrslarkin!
 
inpatskitchen June 15, 2011
I agree!
 
LC R. June 12, 2011
I love this recipe because it is inspired, yet "old fashioned." A real winner in my book!
 
inpatskitchen June 12, 2011
Thank you so much !
 
WinnieAb June 11, 2011
Yum...I love ginger and this sounds delicious.
 
inpatskitchen June 11, 2011
Thanks WinnieAb....it really is!
 
gingerroot June 10, 2011
This sounds really amazing! Congrats on being a finalist - I can't wait to try this!
 
inpatskitchen June 11, 2011
Thank you gingerroot...please let me know how you like it if you try
 
Pat E. June 10, 2011
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 ?
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
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
 
sfmiller June 12, 2011
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.
 
boulangere June 13, 2011
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!
 
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!
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
Thanks!
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
I guess the glitch in the replies still isn't fixed, so thanks again all for your kind words!
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
Thank you so much boulangere! This was fun to make!
 
SouffleBombay June 10, 2011
I LOVE ginger, and have never attempted to make a ginger syrup - lovely idea! Good luck!
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
Thank you!
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
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!
 
lapadia June 10, 2011
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-Ginger-Ale-4-6pks/dp/B0016861BM
 
cheese1227 June 9, 2011
What a fabulously impressive combination!
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
Thanks!
 
EmilyNunn June 9, 2011
Bravo.
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
Thank you so much ENunn!
 
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!!
 
Pat E. June 10, 2011
Oh yes...we have it in SoCal. It's the best. The bubbles really go up your nose.
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
You're never too old for a ginger ale float...thank you ...let me know how you like it
 
Peter June 9, 2011
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!
 
lorigoldsby June 9, 2011
Congrats on your EP...good luck. We also like Vernor's. You described the different taste quite accurately!
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
Thank you lorigoldsby ( and I'm thrilled that you and your Mom liked the Red Pepper aioli)
 
Bevi June 9, 2011
This is great! I can think of lots of other uses for that ginger syrup aw well.
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
The syrup is great just over ice cream too!
 
ingrid.goodman1 June 9, 2011
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.
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
I'm always happy when people say they love Vernors..Can you ask your grocer to get some for you?
 
inpatskitchen June 9, 2011
Thank you very much Pam!
 
midnitechef June 9, 2011
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.
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
You may like this better than Canada Dry...sweeter, more ginger
 
Hilarybee June 9, 2011
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?!
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
I know...Canada Dry has nothing on Vernors!
 
mariaraynal June 9, 2011
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!
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
Boy does that sound great!!.Will try it soon!
 
inpatskitchen June 9, 2011
Thanks so much!! I'm thrilled!
 
MrsWheelbarrow June 9, 2011
PS Where's Rivka? She brought Vernors to DC for her wedding!!
 
MrsWheelbarrow June 9, 2011
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.
 
inpatskitchen June 10, 2011
Thanks...a lot cheaper than the drive back
 
inpatskitchen June 9, 2011
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!!
 
inpatskitchen June 9, 2011
must have been a glitch in the system..so you get extra thanks above!
 
boulangere June 9, 2011
There's that spoon again!
 
fiveandspice June 9, 2011
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!
 
inpatskitchen June 9, 2011
Thank you....you must make a trip home and have a coney and a float!!
 
inpatskitchen June 9, 2011
Thanks...take a trip back and grab a coney and a float!
 
mrslarkin June 9, 2011
Yummmm!! congratulations!!
 
ChefJune June 9, 2011
This sounds great. Must try it!
 
GiGi26 June 9, 2011
Congratulations!!!
 
elizabeth C. June 9, 2011
Oh what a great idea! We have some Vernor's in the fridge right now!
 
boulangere June 9, 2011
Love this! Congratulations to you.
 
wssmom June 9, 2011
Yay, you're a finalist!!
 
EmilyC June 9, 2011
Congratulations -- this looks great!
 
hardlikearmour June 9, 2011
Yay! Congrats on being a finalist!
 
lastnightsdinner June 9, 2011
Vernor's! Ah, you're making me homesick :) Congrats - this sounds great!
 
hardlikearmour June 5, 2011
My Dad loved the original Vernor's! Thanks for the facsimile. I'll make a batch when he visits later this summer.
 
inpatskitchen June 5, 2011
Thanks hardlikearmour..Hope your Dad enjoys!
 
wssmom May 31, 2011
This is amazing! I have never been to Michigan by the Spouse swears by it! Thanks for posting!
 
inpatskitchen May 31, 2011
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?
 
Sagegreen May 31, 2011
Love ginger. This sounds great!
 
inpatskitchen May 31, 2011
Thanks Sagegreen...I think the other half drank his in a minute flat!!