GREEN RIVER (SOFT DRINK)

'Green River' is a bright green, lime-flavored soft drink originating in Chicago. The soda pop was named after the "Green River" that can be seen once a year on St. Patrick's Day, when the Chicago River is dyed green.

Contents

History

In pop culture

References

History

The drink was developed in 1919 by the Schoenhofen Brewery of Chicago as a non-alcoholic product for the Prohibition era. It was popular for decades as a soda fountain syrup, trailing only Coca Cola in popularity[1]. However, after Prohibition ended in 1933 the Schoenhofen Brewery made Green River a second priority to alcoholic drinks. The Brewery then closed in 1950. [2]. It was a fountain drink during the 60's in some drugstore fountains.
The drink is now produced by the Clover Club Bottling Corp. of Chicago [3]. It is frequently marketed as a nostalgia item and can be found in some 1950s-themed restaurants, or more generally in supermarkets during the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day.
The ingredients of the drink are: Carbonated water, high fructose corn sweetener, citric acid, natural lime oils, yellow #5, and blue #1. There is also a diet version, without sugar.

In pop culture

★ Early 20th Century entertainer Eddie Cantor, while with the Ziegfeld Follies of 1918, penned a jingle for the soft drink entitled "Green River." The ditty was performed by Cantor and the singing duo, Van and Schenck. ^[1]
:The refrain was:
:"For a drink that's fine without a kick,
:Try Green River,
:It's the only soft drink you should pick,
:Try Green River."

★ The name for the Creedence Clearwater Revival album ''Green River'' was inspired by the drink according to Tom Fogerty [4].

References

1. "My Life Is In Your Hands," Eddie Cantor's 1928 autobiography, written with David Freedman.