Late 1989 saw the birth of Hi-C Ecto Cooler, capitalizing on the popularity of both the cartoon and the live-action sequel “Ghostbusters II.” The drink, though marketed as “Slimer’s drink,” featured the iconic green slime character and “Ghostbusters” iconography.
Ecto Cooler, the iconic green beverage synonymous with childhood and the “Ghostbusters” franchise, has a surprisingly long and complex history. Here’s the gist:
Origins
- Ecto Cooler’s base actually predates the “Ghostbusters” connection.exclamation It originated as Hi-C Citrus Cooler, a popular orange-tangerine flavored drink launched in the 1960s.expand_more
- In 1987, Hi-C struck a deal with the creators of the animated series “The Real Ghostbusters” to create a promotional tie-in drink.
Unexpected Success
Unlike many short-lived promotional drinks, Ecto Cooler proved surprisingly successful.expand_more It remained in production until at least 1997, even during a period with minimal “Ghostbusters” activity.
Beyond Ecto Cooler
After its initial run, Ecto Cooler was rebranded several times under different names like Shoutin’ Orange Tangergreen and Crazy Citrus Cooler, maintaining the same basic orange-tangerine flavor.
The Ecto Cooler Legacy
Today, Ecto Cooler, with its vibrant green color and connection to the beloved franchise, remains a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up in the late 80s and early 90s. There have even been occasional limited-edition releases in recent years, keeping the Ecto Cooler spirit alive.