Expert: Paul Wagner - 12/8/2004

Question
Why is the "Boston Cooler" called that?  It is made with real vanilla ice cream and "Vernors" Ginger Ale made in "Detroit".  Just wondering the connection between Vernors and Boston?

Answer
Dear Mark:

The recipe I have doesn't specify the source of the ingredients, but it does come from Mr. Boston's recipes for cocktails.  Here it is:

2 oz rum
2 oz carbonated water
1/2 tsp powdered sugar
fill cracked ice
fill carbonated water or ginger ale
spiral of orange peel
spiral of lemon peel

In a 12 ounce Tom Collins glass combine powdered sugar and 2 oz carbonated water. Stir. Fill glass with cracked ice and add rum. Top with carbonated water or ginger ale. Insert spiral of orange or lemon (or both) and dangle end over rim of glass.


Paul Wagner