Nectar Soda: A Cincinnati Specialty

Nectar Soda: A Cincinnati Specialty

Cincinnati is not just known for its breweries; it’s also home to a unique fizzy drink: nectar soda. This city boasts the oldest pharmaceutical college in the U.S., the Eclectic Medical Institute, and is famous for its soda fountain pharmacies, where visitors can indulge in a variety of carbonated beverages.

Nectar soda has a delightful flavor that combines sweet vanilla and bitter almond, showcased in a pastel pink color reminiscent of almond blossoms. According to Dann Woellert, a food historian in Cincinnati, this drink has been dubbed the “drink of the gods.” The blend of bitter almond and sweet vanilla creates an enticing taste experience that keeps drinkers coming back for more with every sip.

The History of Nectar Soda

Nectar soda has been a part of Cincinnati’s culture since at least the late 1870s. While its exact origins are still unclear, Woellert notes that the city popularized nectar soda even before New Orleans did. He points out, “It was served in Cincinnati nearly a decade before New Orleans caught on.”

John Mullane is believed to be the mastermind behind the nectar soda flavor, having learned the art of candy-making from a renowned artisan in Quebec City. He began serving this delightful drink at his shop in downtown Cincinnati in the late 1870s.

Why Nectar Soda in Cincinnati and New Orleans?

Woellert suspects that the combination of bitter almond and vanilla flavors was brought over by the Acadian French settlers who established themselves in both Quebec City and New Orleans. Although nectar soda is not as popular as it once was, it continues to be served at various establishments throughout Cincinnati and its surrounding areas.

Nectar soda has been a staple on the menu at Aglamesis Brothers, an ice cream and chocolate shop, since it opened its doors in 1908. According to Randy Young, the current CEO and a third-generation family member, the shop still proudly serves this classic soda to this day.

Changes in Recipe and Flavor

While it’s unclear when nectar soda first appeared at Graeter's, an ice cream shop that has been around since 1870, Chip Graeter shares that this soda was particularly popular in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. In a January 28, 1947 article in the Cincinnati Enquirer, Tom Moore, the soda fountain manager at Dow Drug Store, remarked that “nectar is one of the most popular flavors across all stores.”

Initially, nectar syrup was made from a blend of milk, water, bitter almond extract, vanilla extract, and red coloring. While Aglamesis has transitioned to a non-dairy syrup, Graeter’s recipe has remained unchanged and still requires refrigeration.

Enjoying Nectar Soda Today

Both Aglamesis and Graeter’s prepare nectar soda by mixing the nectar syrup with fresh cream, adding one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and finally topping it off with soda water and more whipped cream. Although Randy Young mentions that nectar soda is more popular among older generations, it has also found a fan base among younger people eager to try it.

“Those who grew up with nectar soda still love it today,” Graeter shares. “We still make it at all our shops, but it’s not as popular as it once was, as drinks like milkshakes and smoothies have taken the lead.”

Fun Facts About Nectar Soda

According to Young, there is now a commercial version of nectar soda available. “Commercial soda companies like Barq’s have created their own cream soda version with a vibrant pink color, inspired by nectar soda,” he explains.