Nectar Soda - A Sweet Specialty of Cincinnati

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Nectar Soda - A Sweet Specialty of Cincinnati

When you think of Cincinnati, the first image that might come to mind is its famous breweries. However, there’s another delightful beverage that deserves your attention: nectar soda. This city is also home to the Eclectic Medical Institute, the oldest pharmacy school west of the Alleghenies, which operated from 1845 to 1952. Cincinnati was once a hub for the pharmaceutical industry, with many pharmacies featuring soda fountains and candy shops serving up unique fizzy drinks.

The Unique Flavor of Nectar Soda

Nectar soda boasts a sweet taste, blending vanilla and bitter almond flavors, resulting in a pastel pink hue reminiscent of almond blossoms. According to Cincinnati food historian Dann Woellert, nectar soda is dubbed “the drink of the gods”; the bitter almond flavor beautifully balances the sweetness of the vanilla, creating a signature taste that’s hard to resist.

The Journey of Nectar Soda

Nectar soda has been part of Cincinnati’s landscape since at least the late 1870s, though its exact origins remain somewhat of a mystery. Much like many other beloved dishes and drinks, the story of nectar soda has multiple versions, each attributing its creation to different pharmacists or confectioners. However, Woellert suggests that John Mullane was the true innovator behind this flavor, having learned from a famous candy maker in Quebec City.

A Special Market for Nectar Soda

Cincinnati is believed to have created this soda even before New Orleans; according to Woellert, “Nectar soda was in Cincinnati nearly a decade before New Orleans adopted it.” While New Orleans quickly forgot about this drink by the mid-20th century, Cincinnati has preserved and developed this tradition to this day.

Where to Find Nectar Soda

Although it may not be as popular as it was in the early 20th century, nectar soda can still be found in several shops across Cincinnati, including Aglamesis Brothers, which has been serving nectar soda since it opened in 1908. Randy Young, the director and CEO of Aglamesis, notes that while the exact time nectar soda was added to Graeter’s menu is unclear, it was certainly a favorite in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.

The Influence of Younger Generations

Today, nectar soda is becoming increasingly special to younger generations. Chip Graeter, the retail operations director at Graeter’s, mentions that while nectar soda may not be as trendy as it once was, older folks still have a soft spot for it. “Those who grew up with it still love it today,” he says.

Ingredients of Nectar Soda

The original recipe for nectar soda used a syrup mixed from milk with water, bitter almond extract, vanilla extract, and red dye. Aglamesis has shifted to using a non-dairy syrup, while Graeter’s recipe remains unchanged, requiring refrigeration.

How to Make Nectar Soda at Home

Both Aglamesis and Graeter’s craft nectar soda by mixing nectar syrup with a bit of whipped cream, adding one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and finally topping it off with soda water and more whipped cream. This combination is what makes nectar soda unique and unmistakable from other beverages.

A New Generation Embraces Nectar Soda

According to Young, there is now a commercial version of nectar soda available on the market. Many beverage companies, such as Barqs, have launched cream sodas—a vibrant pink soda—infused with the flavors of nectar soda. These drinks have also carved out their own niche among consumers.

Nectar Soda - A Flavorful Memory

No one can deny the charm of nectar soda. It’s not just a drink; it’s a cultural memory intertwined with the childhood and sweet recollections of Cincinnati residents. If you find yourself in this city, make sure to try this unique flavor!

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