Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda, a blend of celery seed extract and other flavors, was initially considered a health tonic. Today, it is manufactured by Canada Dry and contains high fructose corn syrup. It is an acquired taste and is popular in Jewish delicatessens as an accompaniment to savory meats like pastrami.
Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda has its admirers and detractors. Much speculation surrounds the invention of this soda, which in its infancy was a blend of sugar, carbonated water, celery seed extract, and a few other flavors. Today the drink has taken the way of most sodas by adding inferior high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar and caramel coloring. It’s still a drink admired by many who grew up with it, particularly those who would order it in Kosher or Jewish delicatessens. In fact Cel-Ray Soda has been dubbed the Jewish champagne, as many considered it the perfect accompaniment to savory meats like pastrami.
Today, Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda is manufactured by Canada Dry. The drink was initially developed in the late 1860s, and may have been sold as a celery tonic instead of Cel-Ray soda. The world questions the existence of a Dr. Brown who allegedly invented the drink. It is suggested that a real Dr. Brown may have been a doctor in Brooklyn who invented the drink and who had a friend in the bottling business. No matter who the inventor was, Cel-Ray soda soon became popular, especially in delicatessens as a nice, light beverage, rather than a health tonic.
Unlike most soft drinks, Cel-Ray soda has more bitterness, and you’ll probably want to be a fan of celery before trying it. Most early soft drinks were considered healthy, but that’s dubious, especially today, given the high fructose corn syrup in the drink. It is certainly not a healthy tonic, but rather a light accompaniment, with a greenish taste, to be combined with salty, salty or very spicy foods. People praise it as a great drink on hot days when serving sandwiches.
Many suggest the drink is an acquired taste, and others say they may never acquire a liking for it. Advocates are generally used to and enjoy the Cel-Ray soda since childhood. Detractors tend to experience it as adults and find it utterly miserable. Some can’t get over the noticeable smell of celery when a bottle or can is opened. If you’re a traditionalist who likes your soda soda, you might want to try a few other Dr. Brown sodas. Cream soda is considered to be one of the best on the market, although it diverges from its original recipe by being made with high fructose corn syrup.
On the other hand, if you’re out eating a big pastrami sandwich, you might want to grab a can of Cel-Ray and give it a try. Many people swear by the fantastic flavor that makes up for salty meats. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in a Jewish delicatessen, you’ll likely find the drink available.
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