Ironport: The Mysterious Western Soda with a Name That Sparks Legends
In the world of regional sodas, few carry the mystique and loyal following of Ironport. If you’ve ever traveled through Utah or parts of Idaho and stopped at an old-fashioned soda fountain or modern “dirty soda” shop, you may have encountered this sweet, spiced drink that seems to bridge the gap between root beer and cola, with a hint of cherry or cinnamon.
But where did Ironport come from? And is it really named after the legendary Mormon frontiersman and bodyguard, Orrin Porter Rockwell? Let’s pour into the fizzy facts.
A Drink Rooted in the Intermountain West
Ironport soda traces its popularity to the early 1900s in the Intermountain West, particularly northern Utah, southeastern Idaho, and western Wyoming. It was the heyday of soda fountains, and local bottlers competed to create distinct, non-alcoholic beverages that would keep people coming back.
While the exact origin of the drink is debated, some of the earliest known mentions of Ironport come from Utah-based bottling companies such as Logan Bottling Works in the 1910s and 1920s. Ads from that period list Ironport as a fountain favorite alongside other regional flavors.
The flavor profile is difficult to describe. Some call it a spicy root beer. Others taste cherry cola with a punch. Many shops served it “with cherry,” turning it into an unofficial forerunner of the modern soda mix-ins so popular in Utah today.
The Ironport Name: A Misunderstood Legend?
Given its regional roots and historical connections, it’s easy to wonder: was Ironport named after Porter Rockwell?
A soda dispenser sold at auction in 2022. Image courtesy Morphy Auctions
Rockwell was a colorful and controversial figure in LDS history—a bodyguard to Joseph Smith, a U.S. Marshal, and a man said to be divinely protected from harm. With a name like Porter, the idea that Ironport could be a sly nod to the “iron-willed” lawman is an undeniably fun theory.
However, there’s no concrete evidence to support this claim. There is also no concrete evidence to refute the claim 🙂
The more likely explanation is that Ironport was named after Ironport, Utah, a now-defunct ghost town in Box Elder County. Though little remains of the town today, the industrial-sounding name fit well with early 20th-century soda branding. “Iron” suggested strength, “port” suggested sophistication or access. These were marketable qualities in an era of industrial optimism.
That said, in a region steeped in Mormon lore, it’s not hard to imagine someone along the line associating the drink with Rockwell, either in jest or admiration. So while it’s probably not named after him, the possibility is fun to entertain.
Make Your Own Ironport Soda
Want to try Ironport at home? It’s surprisingly simple. You just need the original Ironport syrup, which is still made and sold today.
Homemade Ironport Recipe:
- 1 part Ironport Syrup
- 5 parts carbonated water (club soda or sparkling water)
Mix gently over ice and enjoy! Some people like to add a splash of cherry syrup to recreate the old-fashioned soda fountain version.
You can buy the syrup online here: 👉 Ironport Drink Base Syrup – 1 Gallon at Gygi