When it comes to the origins of classic treats, things can get quite spicy. Take the sundae, for instance. Many theories swim around on how this delightful ice cream dish came to be, but one thing is clear: its history is sweet and surprising.
The sundae likely traces its roots back to the late 19th century. In 1874, a pharmacist named Robert M. Green created the first ice cream soda. He swapped out sweet cream for ice cream in a fizzy drink, and it quickly gained popularity. But then came the Blue Laws, which banned soda water on Sundays in some states, making it difficult to serve ice cream sodas on that day.
This led to a pivotal moment in Twin Rivers, Wisconsin, around 1881. Local pharmacist Ed Berners created a new dessert for a customer who requested an ice cream soda on Sunday. He simply used vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, and sold it for five cents. Customers loved it and began asking for a “Sunday” treat throughout the week. This clever twist gave birth to the term “sundae.”
Another compelling tale emerges from Ithaca, New York. On April 3, 1892, Reverend John M. Scott visited a local pharmacy. The owner, Chester C. Platt, crafted a new dish for them made of vanilla ice cream, cherry syrup, and a cherry on top. They dubbed it “Cherry Sunday,” but later changed it to “sundae” to avoid offending religious folks.
Both towns claim to be the birthplace of the sundae. Twin Rivers even put up a historical marker in 1973 to assert its claim. In a dramatic turn of events, in 2006, Twin Rivers demanded that Ithaca stop using the title, leading to a playful feud between the two cities that continues to this day.
Statistics show ice cream consumption has been rising steadily. In 2021, Americans spent over $7.9 billion on ice cream and frozen desserts. This love for ice cream fuels the ongoing debate about who invented the sundae, as both towns aim to attract food lovers to their claims.
Despite the rivalry, it’s clear that the sundae has become a beloved dessert, transcending its humble beginnings. Whether you prefer chocolate, caramel, or fruit toppings, there’s a sundae for everyone. So next time you dig into a sundae, enjoy not just the flavor, but also the rich history behind it.
For more about the sundae and its fascinating tale, check out the original article on Tasting Table.
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Ice cream sundae, ice cream soda, chocolate syrup, Twin Rivers, soda water, ice cream, vanilla ice cream, soda-fountain, maraschino cherry, vanilla ice
