Boston Cooler

Boston Cooler is a sweet and creamy non-alcoholic drink consisting of vanilla ice cream and Vernors—a type of ginger ale that originated in 1880 Detroit. The drink is made by blending the two ingredients until the mix reaches a creamy consistency similar to a milkshake.

It is not entirely clear how this Detroit specialty got its name. Many believe it was influenced by Detroit's Boston Boulevard and its proximity to Dr. Vernor's original soda fountain, but most associate it with Detroit's Boston Edison neighborhood.

It is certain that the drink has no connection with Boston. Interestingly, Boston Cooler was initially a cocktail that originated in the 1800s. It later transformed into this frothy, sweet drink, while the cocktail version—made with rum, lime, and soda water—was lost to history.