Which soft drink was first introduced in 1885 and is the oldest major soft drink in the U.S.? Dr Pepper is the answer.
The drink was created by pharmacist Charles Alderton at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas. Customers initially ordered the new soda as a “Waco,” before store owner Wade Morrison gave it the name Dr Pepper. Its commercial name was first used in 1885, one year before Coca-Cola appeared.
Dr Pepper reached a national audience at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. Although it resembles cola, it is not classified as a cola; its distinctive taste comes from a proprietary blend traditionally described as 23 flavors. A common mix-up is the persistent claim that it contains prune juice, but the beverage’s makers deny that ingredient.