 While employed at Higby and Sterns' Drug Store in Detroit, Vernor began experimenting with ginger ale.After the start of the American Civil War, he enlisted and served with the 4th Michigan Cavalry from 1862–1865, becoming a Second Lieutenant before being discharged.When he returned from the war, Vernor opened a drug store on Woodward Avenue at the corner of Clifford Street, and sold his ginger ale at its soda fountain advertising it as Vernor's Ginger Ale.