On a hot summer day there is nothing more refreshing than an Ice Cream Soda. Simple treat, just pour some soda (or pop or Coke or whatever your region of the US calls it) over a scoop or two of ice cream in a glass. The soda blends slightly with the ice cream and bubbles up to a luscious web of bubbles. Sip some off and repeat until ice cream and soda are depleted (refills permitted). There are endless variations but I have a strong favorite.

Though a Boston Cooler is actually blended it features my favorite soda – Vernors Ginger Ale. Vernors is a tangy, tasty, assertive flavored soda that makes other Ginger Ales taste like insipid water. It is an acquired taste that I learned to love at an early age. I credit my mom with introducing Vernors into my life as it was founded in Detroit where she grew up. It was birthed at the drugstore owned by James Vernor on Woodward Avenue and Clifford Street in 1866. Though my mom is old, I don’t think she was there at the founding. 🙂

There are many theories as to why it is called a Boston Cooler (including it being based on nearby Boston Avenue – likely not correct as that street wasn’t yet there when the drink was created) it is definitely a Detroit centered drink. Note the McDonalds promotion for a Detroit celebration. I would hate a drink topped with whatever that substance Mickey D calls soft serve but I would love a restaurant with Vernors on tap. Though available widely in Michigan and selectively in the midwest, it is hard to find around these parts.

For me to enjoy it today I would have to order it from Amazon, make sure it is the diet version of Vernors and get some low glycemic vanilla ice cream. But even that sounds delicious and refreshing right about now. Whatever is your favored ice cream and your desired soda, make a tall one today to celebrate this very refreshing National Day. And if you have the chance, give Vernors a chance. It is “Deliciously Different.”

As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes

#ATOBTTR update – Ah my dear Cincinnati Reds. Remember the pep talk I gave you a few days ago? I said that you should sweep the Astros to make a statement. And doggone it if you didn’t go out and do that! That Senzel/Winker one-two punch did the trick in yesterday’s game and once again I got to hear Marty intone “And This One Belongs To The Reds!” It was glorious.

No, I don’t expect you to sweep every team, just win each series and you’ll be in contention in no time. You can do it, I have faith in you. This is your season and you can come from behind to take a playoff season and the World Series. You have the talent, you have the momentum, and you have the will. Go get them. Next up those pesky Brewers. You can take this! Go Reds!