Which cherry-flavored soda turned 100 years old in 2017?

Cheerwine was the cherry-flavored soda that turned 100 years old in 2017.

Cheerwine was created in 1917 by L.D. Peeler in Salisbury, North Carolina. The drink emerged during a sugar shortage, when Peeler looked for a way to launch a soft drink that could use less sugar while still offering a distinctive flavor. Its deep red color, cherry taste, and carbonated profile helped it develop a loyal following in the American South.

The 2017 anniversary marked a century since Cheerwine’s creation. The brand celebrated with the “100 Years of Cheer” campaign, emphasizing its unusually long history as a family-owned soft-drink company. Cheerwine is produced by the Carolina Beverage Group, and descendants of its founder have remained involved in the business.

Cheerwine is sometimes mistaken for a generic cherry cola, but the brand treats its formula and identity as distinct from standard cola drinks. It has also become a regional cultural symbol, appearing in Southern recipes, restaurant menus, festivals, and specialty desserts. Its strongest traditional market remains the Carolinas and surrounding parts of the South.