If you grew up in North Jersey between the 60s and early 80s, you might remember Brookdale Soda—it may have even been your preferred soft drink. Not Coca-Cola, not Pepsi or Royal Crown, but Brookdale Soda—right out of Clifton and Bloomfield, NJ.
The 28-ounce glass bottles were oblong, with an iconic combination of script and bold fonts that were reminiscent of the time. No matter the flavor (and there were over 30 of them), the label read the same: “The pride of The Garden State.” And that was pretty much true.
Superfans in a blog dedicated to Brookdale Soda, talk about their experiences with the soft drink growing up in Jersey. New Jerseyans loved Brookdale Soda and when they traveled out of state and couldn’t find it, they were devastated.
Like the milkman, Brookdale Soda would make deliveries to your doorstep. Wooden cases of 12 glass bottles dropped off at your feet for you and your family’s enjoyment. Maybe you’re devout to one flavor, or maybe you get 12 different ones each time. One thing was always for certain: Brookdale Soda was one of a kind. It was a unique product for a unique area and that’s why it was so beloved.
I, of course, am too young to have ever tasted the nectar of New Jersey, but my father often tells me of his childhood drinking the stuff. His friend had a constant delivery of Brookdale to his home. Whenever my father went over (which was often), they’d crack a cold, fizzy Brookdale. “It was like none other,” he tells me and who am I to disagree? Brookdale fans speak of the soda so highly that even I, born a decade after its disappearance, feel like I’ve tasted it. Seriously, ask someone in their 50s or 60s from North Jersey and chances are they’ll recall detailed accounts of the many flavors, the sound of cracking one open, and even the structure of the bubbles.
As far as flavors go, Brookdale had something for everyone. Cola, birch beer, celery, kola (yes, it’s different), cherry pit, grape, and even one called Tom Collins Mixer—which was probably aimed at the parents. They were constantly innovating and coming up with new flavors too. In a 2009 blog post, a fan recounts memories of trying new flavors made by her father and grandfather
Brookdale was more than just something to enjoy—it was a local company empowering blue-collar workers in North Jersey. It was a universally loved business that blossomed hyper-locally. Along with the joy it brought its customers, Brookdale brought work and opportunity to thousands of people in New Jersey.
Brookdale Soda is emblematic of a different time. Quite frankly, a time that is long gone. A local soda company providing beverages to the area right alongside the massive conglomerates. Imagine that? In the days when blue-collar work shined bright and the beverage monopolies were in their infancy, local brands were still able to thrive. Brookdale Soda was sold to new owners in 1987. By 1988, the pride of the Garden State was gone and Brookdale Soda dissolved. Its legend lives on through those who grew up on it and with any luck, maybe we will see it again.
Do you remember Brookdale Soda? What was your favorite flavor? Let us know in the comments below!
