This Is the Oldest Soft Drink Brand in the United States

It may not be what you think!

Dr Pepper is the oldest soft drink major brand in the United States! It was invented by pharmacist Charles Alderton at the Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas in the 1880s.

Old Corner Drug Store. Image source: Dr Pepper Museum.

After perfecting the drink, Alderton gave the formula to Waco store owner Wade Morrison. He began to sell it at his store in 1885 and it quickly gained popularity among his customers.

It is unclear exactly where the Dr Pepper name came from. Some think that it contained the abbreviation for doctor in the title to convey the impression that the drink was healthy. Another theory is that it was named after Dr. Charles T. Pepper, who gave Wade Morrison his first job.