On this date in 1885, the first Dr Pepper soft drink was served in Waco, Texas.
Here are some things you may not have known about it.
Dr Pepper was created by pharmacist Charles Alderton and sold at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco. The drink was introduced nationally at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. It is said to consist of 23 flavors, but the exact recipe is a trade secret.
The name Dr Pepper is the source of considerable controversy for those who care about such things. Some say the name is in reference to pepsin, an enzyme which is said to have been an original ingredient. Others believe it may have been named after an actual doctor by the name of Pepper. Regardless, in the 1950s, the period was dropped from the abbreviation for doctor, so the official name is “Dr Pepper”.
In 1962, the company introduced Dietetic Dr Pepper, which sold poorly because of the belief that the drink was for diabetics. Sales increased after the name was changed to Sugar Free Dr Pepper in 1966. In 1987, the name was changed again to Diet Dr Pepper. Several other flavors have since been introduced.
Dr Pepper is the fifth best selling soft drink in the United States. It’s the best selling product not made by Coca-Cola or Pepsi.
Our question, which of the following ranks below Dr Pepper in sales: Sprite, Mountain Dew or Diet Coke?
Today is World AIDS Day. It’s National Day in Burma and Romania. Unofficially, it’s National Pie Day, National Eat a Red Apple Day and National Day of Giving. It’s the birthday of comedians Woody Allen, Richard Pryor and Sarah Silverman.
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