The effervescent charm of a chilled soda has been captivating taste buds for centuries. Some of the fizzy beverages we enjoy today have been around far longer than anyone might expect, with histories as rich and colorful as their flavors. In this article, we will embark on a bubbly journey through time to discover the top 10 oldest sodas that have been quenching thirsts across generations. From the first carbonated concoctions of the 18th century to iconic brands that have stood the test of time, these sodas tell a story of invention, innovation, and sometimes, pure serendipity. Let’s pop the top on history and start our countdown with number ten.
#10 Moxie (1884)
One of America’s oldest carbonated beverages, Moxie, is recognized for its distinctive flavor derived from gentian root extract. Developed by Dr. Augustin Thompson in 1884, it was originally marketed as a nerve food before being sold as a soft drink. Moxie is famous for its bold, bitter taste, contrasting with the sweet profiles of most modern sodas. It’s a testament to the diverse palates of the past and how they have evolved today. The brand has maintained a cult following and is part of the unique heritage of New England.
#9 Dr Pepper (1885)
Dr Pepper, with its 23 flavors and mysterious taste profile, has been tickling palates since 1885. Created by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco, Texas, Dr Pepper was first served at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store. Unlike many sodas of its time, Dr Pepper was never intended to be a medicinal product. With its unique blend of flavors, the drink quickly gained popularity, and its recipe remains a closely guarded secret, adding to the soda’s allure.
#8 Coca-Cola (1886)
No list of vintage sodas would be complete without Coca-Cola, the titan of the soda world. Invented by John S. Pemberton, Coca-Cola was initially marketed as a patent medicine for the temperance movement, with the cocainized version famous in the early years. The beverage quickly took off in popularity and has become one of the most recognized and widely distributed brands globally. Today, Coca-Cola is synonymous with American culture but loved by millions worldwide for its classic, unmistakable taste.
#7 Pepsi-Cola (1893)
Originally dubbed “Brad’s Drink” by creator Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist from New Bern, North Carolina, Pepsi-Cola was introduced in 1893. Bradham aimed to produce a fountain drink that aided digestion and boosted energy, hence the name Pepsi, from the enzyme pepsin. Though less ubiquitous than its red-labeled rival, Pepsi has carved out its niche in the soda market, promoting itself as the choice of younger generations with catchy marketing campaigns over the years.
#6 Royal Crown Cola aka RC Cola (1905)
RC Cola, created in 1905 by Claude A. Hatcher, a young pharmacist in Georgia, is another crowning achievement in the soda industry. What started as an experiment in a family grocery store led to the creation of this lesser-known but historically rich brand. RC Cola was the first to introduce a 16-ounce bottle and to come out with a diet cola, showing its innovation within the beverage industry. Even though it’s not as prominent as other brands, RC Cola remains a nostalgic favorite for many.
#5 Vernors (1866)
Vernors, with its fiery kick and vanilla overtones, lays claim to being the oldest surviving ginger ale brand in the United States. It was invented by James Vernor, a Detroit pharmacist, who concocted the drink accidentally, by storing the ginger-infused syrup in an oak cask for four years when he was called away to civil war. Upon his return, he discovered the aging process had transformed the flavor. The result is a distinctly robust ginger ale that has withstood over a century of competition.
#4 Hires Root Beer (1876)
Concocted by Charles E. Hires, a Philadelphia pharmacist, Hires Root Beer might be the oldest branded root beer in America. Introduced to the masses at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, Hires marketed his beverage as “The Great Health Drink.” This soda gained popularity due to its rooty, earthy flavor and supposed health benefits. Even though root beer is predominantly a North American favorite, Hires laid the foundation for a unique genre of soft drinks.
#3 Schweppes (1783)
Schweppes holds the title for the world’s first soft drink maker, with its heritage tracing back to 1783. Jacob Schweppe, a Swiss jeweler and amateur scientist, developed a method to carbonate water and was a pioneer in the effervescent world. Starting with Schweppes Tonic Water, the brand has expanded considerably and is now known for a variety of carbonated drinks, including ginger ale and bitter lemon, bringing a touch of sophistication to the soda industry.
#2 Appolinaris (1852)
Nicknamed “The Queen of Table Waters,” Appolinaris is a naturally carbonated mineral water brand that has quenched thirsts since 1852. Sourced from a spring in the German Eifel mountains, it quickly became a sought-after drink across Europe. Even though Apollinaris is not flavored like conventional sodas, its prestigious reputation and bubbly texture secure its spot near the top of our list for its longevity and influence on the carbonated drink market.
#1 Sarsaparilla (17th Century)
Dipping into the mysterious origins of sodas, we have sarsaparilla, which isn’t a brand but a type of soft drink made from the sarsaparilla vine or other plants like sassafras. This drink has a legacy that goes back to the 17th century. Sarsaparilla was traditionally consumed for its medicinal properties and became a popular soda fountain drink by the 19th century. It is the precursor to root beer and was once more popular than its descendant. While not as pervasive in today’s market, sarsaparilla holds the esteemed position as one of the very first sodas.
While these effervescent elixirs have evolved, they continue to spark joy with their fizzy sensations and blend of flavors. Each soda on our list has weathered the passage of time, adapting to changing tastes and trends while remaining a nostalgic nod to their eras. Whether you are sipping on a can of Moxie, enjoying the complex taste of Dr Pepper, or relishing the historical roots of sarsaparilla, these oldest sodas stand as carbonated chronicles to our collective history and a testament to the timeless human love for a refreshing beverage.