When and who invented Ginger Ale in Ireland in the 1850s

December 19, 2007 1:47 PM

Ginger Ale ( the soda, not the beer) was supposedly invented in Ireland in the 1850s. However, I can't find anything more specific. Do you know of any history links that have concrete information about the invention of Ginger Ale in Ireland around the 1850s? If it could be pinpointed to a certain person or town or custom, that would be great.
posted by Brandon Blatcher to food & drink (8 comments total)

Googling Ginger Ale History Ireland turns up this, which seems like a good place to begin.
posted by 4ster at 2:02 PM on December 19, 2007

and here all this time I thought it was invented in Canada.
posted by caddis at 2:38 PM on December 19, 2007

Well, despite the name, I got nothing.

[NOT EPONYSTERICAL]
posted by gingerbeer at 3:02 PM on December 19, 2007

Cantrell and Cochrane/C&C say they're the first in the world to have "produced" it. They're an Irish company. I have emailed them to find out if they can provide more info and will report back!
posted by jamesonandwater at 4:15 PM on December 19, 2007

This Word document [download] from the Beverage Council of Ireland says: "Dr Thomas Cantrell opened a shop in Belfast in 1852 where his business included the manufacture of aerated waters and sweet beverages. In 1868, he went into partnership with Alderman Cochrane (later Sir Henry and Lord Mayor of Dublin), and they opened their Dublin factory in the following year. Cantrell & Cochrane are best known for perfecting the manufacture of ginger ale and their “Club” range of products which was originally commissioned for the Kildare Street Club in Dublin."
posted by tellurian at 4:41 PM on December 19, 2007

>Googling Ginger Ale History Ireland turns up this, which seems like a good place to begin:

Ginger ale was the No. 1 soft drink in America for over seventy years, beginning its vast popularity around 1860.

Point of information-- 70 years after 1860 infringes on the times that Moxie and Coca Cola were the number one beverage in America (Moxie after the Civil War and Coke after 1900).
posted by Mayor Curley at 6:29 PM on December 19, 2007

Hmmm, C&C seems to be a good lead, jamesonandwater, post back what you find please!

Mayor Curley, you got a link for Coca Cola and Moxie stats?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:25 AM on December 20, 2007

I thought it was invented in Michigan. Huh.
posted by the dief at 8:23 AM on December 20, 2007