Vernor's makes a credible claim to the crown of oldest soft drink in America. Originally served in 1866, Vernor's was invented by a pharmacist - Dr. James Vernor in Detroit, MI. As the legend has it, Dr. Vernor left a concoction of vanilla, spices and ginger in an oak barrel when he went to serve in the Civil War and on his return found the oak aged beverage irresistible. The public agreed. To this day, all Vernors spends some amount of time in oak barrels although the length of time is the subject of much debate.