7-Eleven Concocts Vernors Ginger Ale Slurpee

DETROIT -- Combining Michigan residents' love of Vernors Ginger Ale with their love of Slurpees, 7-Eleven Inc. is offering its first-ever regional Slurpee flavor: the Vernors Slurpee.

Now available at more than 200 7-Eleven stores in Michigan, the new Slurpee flavor will be promoted via area billboards and television spots this month, according to a news release.  

Vernors, the oldest surviving ginger ale brand, was created in 1866 by James Vernor in a downtown Detroit pharmacy on Woodward Avenue. Today, the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group produces the brand.

Legend has it that Vernor was trying to replicate an Irish ginger-flavored ale when he was called away to serve in the Civil War. He left his creation behind in an oak barrel and upon his return, sampled the aged beverage and pronounced its bold flavor “deliciously different.”

Based on early sales, the Vernors Slurpee looks to be a hit with 7-Eleven customers in the area. Local residents have taken to social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram to spread the word that Michigan Vernors fans can now enjoy their favorite local soft drink as a Slurpee frozen beverage.

7-Eleven moved back to Detroit in April, opening its first store there since the retailer last operated in the Motor City in 2003.

The Dallas-based chain operates, franchises or licenses more than 10,300 7-Eleven stores in North America.