Green River Soda was introduced to Midwest drinkers just as Congress was passing the 18th Amendment in 1919 establishing Prohibition. Breweries tried to make non-alcoholic drinks called Near Beer or ice cream When Prohibition officially went into affect on January 16, 1920. Schoenhofen Edelweiss Brewing Company of Chicago decided to create Green River. Poured into root beer bottles Green River soda was sold to local retailers. Al Jolson even recorded a song about Green River due to its success. Prohibition finally ended in December 1933 and Green River sales were behind only Coke in the Midwest. Once the local breweries had started back up Green River saws sales decline. In 1950 the brewery responsibly for making Green River finally closed down.

Green River is one of those beverages that always comes to mind when you think of nostalgic sodas. Green River has the sweet taste of a lollipop and with its green color it is especially popular around St. Patrick's Day. "First for Thirst Since 1919" reads Green River's famous tagline.

Green River Ingredients

Ingredients: carbonated water, pure cane sugar, citric acid, natural lime oils, yellow #5, and blue #1

Nutriton Facts: Serving Size: 12 oz. (355 mL) Servings per Container: 1 Amount per serving: Calories: 173 Total Fat: 0g Sodium: 11mg Protein: 0g Total Carbohydrates: 45g Sugars: 45g