The Schuss-Boomer: A Retro Cocktail with Hot Dr Pepper
While soda is typically associated with being a classic summer drink, cool and refreshing on a warm day, did you know that it can also be enjoyed heated up? Enter the Schuss-Boomer, a retro cocktail with hot Dr Pepper as the base. Yes, you read that right, hot Dr Pepper. And what’s more, this winter warmer is making a comeback. So, grab your slow cooker, pull up a chair, and let’s delve into the fascinating history of the Schuss-Boomer.
What Is a Schuss-Boomer?
According to the Dr Pepper Museum, the Schuss-Boomer was invented in September 1958. The story goes that Wesby R. Parker, the then-president of the Dr Pepper Company, was visiting a bottling facility in the middle of a blizzard. While there, a salesman made a joke about needing a hot drink to sell during such weather conditions, which sparked Parker’s interest in experimenting with ways to serve warm Dr Pepper.
Before long, Parker had crafted the perfect concoction—a blend of warmed Dr Pepper and fresh lemon slices, resulting in a spiced, soothing drink that could be marketed to the masses.
Initially met with hesitation from staff, who were accustomed to marketing Dr Pepper as crisp and cool, Parker’s idea eventually took off. Advertisements began circulating, urging consumers to try the hot Dr Pepper drink, often using taglines like “Devilishly Different” or “Winter Warmer.”
The warm Dr Pepper and lemon combination gained popularity and became a favorite mixer for rum, earning the name Schuss-Boomer (a 1950s term for a skier who schusses quickly down the slopes). Although the Schuss-Boomer’s popularity seemed to wane after the ’60s, hot Dr Pepper is now experiencing a resurgence, especially on social media.
What does a Schuss-Boomer taste like, you ask? The warm spice notes in Dr Pepper’s signature 23 flavors become more pronounced when heated, the lemon brightens things up, and the rum adds a cozy touch. Think of the Schuss-Boomer as a lazy man’s Hot Toddy.
How to Make a Schuss-Boomer
If you want to recreate the beloved Schuss-Boomer at home, you only need three simple ingredients:
– A can of Dr Pepper
– Fresh lemon slices
– Your favorite rum (optional)
Simply place a lemon slice and a shot of rum (if desired) in a mug. Heat the Dr Pepper in a small pot until warm but not boiling. Carefully pour the warm Dr Pepper into the mug, allowing the lemon to steep for a minute or two. Enjoy immediately.
For a larger batch, you can scale up the recipe and serve it in a slow cooker to keep it warm. It’s the perfect party drink that is sure to get people talking. Cheers to the Schuss-Boomer, a delightful blend of nostalgia and warmth in a single cup.
