TexaCola isn't the first soda. But it does have a cool history.
Ah, soda. For as long as you can remember, soda has been there for you. Thirsty on a hot summer day? Have some lone vanilla ice cream that could really use some oomph? Enjoying a delicious meal and need something to wash it down? You already know you're reaching for a bubbly ice-cold soda. But have you ever wondered what had to go down to get that bottle to your table? Buckle up for this ride.
Our story begins in 1767 when a European man named Joseph Priestly figured out how to infuse water with carbon dioxide, creating the first carbonated beverage. Back then people believed carbonated water cured illnesses so "soda" was sold in pharmacies. Pharmacists would mix prescriptions into soda to make it easier for the patients to take.
It wasn't until the creation of root beer in 1876 that soda began to evolve into a drink option. Cola flavored soda entered the market shortly after in 1881. Dr Pepper was created in 1885 and believed to be the first soda as we know it today followed by Coca-Cola one year later.
The story doesn't end there; there have been many modifications to the way soda has been enjoyed between its invention and today. In 1892, Baltimore shop owner William Painter created the crown cork bottle seal to keep carbon dioxide bubbles from escaping the bottle. In 1902, the first vending machines were set up in U.S. providing an easy way for Americans to have access to soda. The state of the soda market dramatically shifted in the 1950s with the creation of the easy-to-open soda can.
The love of soda is still very much alive today seeing that America spends approximately $65 billion in soda a year. So whether you're drinking it from the bottle, mixing it in your whiskey, pouring it over your ice cream, or using it to get rust off your engine, we can all appreciate the contributions made throughout the years to get it into our hands.
FAQs
Like Cola was a cola soft drink, introduced by the 7 Up company (then under the ownership of Philip Morris), that appeared in the American market in 1982. Its slogan was "Made From The Cola Nut." Like Cola was one of the first attempts at a low-caffeine cola, containing 1% caffeine.
What is the oldest soda still sold today? ›
Schweppes (1783)
The oldest soda brand still on the market today is none other than Schweppes. Schweppes was founded initially in 1783 when Jacob Schweppes created carbonated mineral water (via Coca-Cola). The product's notoriety grew, and Schweppes began selling in Geneva and England.
What is the story behind soda? ›
In 1767, the first drinkable, man made glass of carbonated water was created by Englishmen, Dr. Joseph Priestley. Three years later, the Swedish chemist, Torbern Bergman, invented a generating apparatus that made carbonated water from chalk by the use of sulfuric acid.
What is the oldest soda in America? ›
Vernor's boasts the oldest soda in America, but not the world. That belongs to Schweppe's, who created a carbonated mineral water in 1783. Other old sodas include Hires Root Beer (1876), Moxie 1876, Dr. Pepper (1885) Coca-Cola (1886) and Pepsi (1893.
What is the most loved soda in the world? ›
Coca-Cola is the most popular soda brand in the world with a 43.3% market share. Pepsi follows with a 22.1% market share globally. Diet co*ke is third in line with a market share of 9.4%.
What is the oldest soda flavor? ›
Detroit, Michigan
Debuting in 1866, Vernors ginger soda is one of the oldest soft drinks in the United States. Though it never earned nationwide popularity, Vernors has garnered generations of loyal fans in its native Detroit.
What soda is no longer made? ›
That means that in addition to Mango and Cherry, Fruit Punch, Green Apple, and Red Apple have been quietly discontinued. Coca-Cola could bring these flavors back — discontinued is relative in the soda world — but, for now, those flavors are no longer sold in the United States.
Does Nehi soda still exist? ›
The "Nehi Corporation" name was adopted in 1928 after the Nehi fruit-flavored sodas became popular. In 1955, the company changed its name to Royal Crown Company, after the success of its RC Cola brand. In April 2008, Nehi became a brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (now known as Keurig Dr Pepper) in the United States.
Which came first co*ke or Pepsi? ›
co*ke came before Pepsi, although only by a few years. Dr. John S. Pemberton created Coca Cola in 1886 while Pepsi did not come about until 1893.
Who drank soda for 16 years? ›
A 31-year old woman's heart problems and fainting might have had something to do with the fact that she drank only soda for about half her life, according to a report of her case. The woman, who lives in Monaco, a small country near southern France, was brought to a hospital after she fainted.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the term "fizzy drink" is common. "Pop" and "fizzy pop" are used in Northern England, South Wales, and the Midlands while "mineral" is used in Ireland. In Scotland, "fizzy juice" or even simply "juice" is colloquially encountered, as is "ginger".
What soda was a medicine? ›
Originally, Coca-Cola was advertised as a health tonic for pain and was created with caffeine from kola nut. But Coca-Cola's classic taste quickly caught on and consumers sipped for enjoyment and not just for its proposed health benefits.
What is the secret ingredient in Dr Pepper? ›
The recipe of 23 ingredients is a closely guarded secret, but there have been plenty of rumours speculating on what it could contain, including prune juice. However, the company's own website plainly states: 'Dr Pepper is a unique blend of natural and artificial flavors; it does not contain prune juice. '
Why do they call it Dr Pepper? ›
Originally made in Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas, the drink's unique flavor was a hit when it was first sold in 1885. Wade Morrison, the drug store owner, named it "Dr. Pepper" after Dr. Charles Pepper, a Virginia doctor who was the father of a girl Morrison was once in love with.
Why is it called 7 Up? ›
The origin of the revised name is unclear. Britvic claims that the name comes from the seven main ingredients in the drink, while others have claimed that the number was a coded reference to the lithium contained in the original recipe, which has an atomic mass of 7.
When was Cola invented? ›
The Origin of Coca‑Cola
On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton brought his perfected syrup to Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta where the first glass of Coca‑Cola was poured.
What is the oldest soda drink in the world? ›
Schweppes according to Coca-Cola is the oldest soda drink which was established in 1783 by Jacob Schweppes under the Schweppes Company. In 1969, Schweppes merged with Cadbury to become Cadbury Schweppes.
Is like cola still available? ›
Like Cola is a former brand of caffeine free Cola.
What is the least famous soda? ›
And based on all that, the most unpopular soda in the country is Diet co*ke. The rest of the top five least popular are: Sierra Mist . . . Sunkist . . . 7-Up . . . and Barq's Root Beer. The most popular is regular co*ke, which isn't much of a surprise.
