Dr Pepper - a Texas Tradition
Did you know that the oldest major soft drink comes from Waco, Texas?
Dr Pepper was invented by Charles Alderton in 1885. While working at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store, he experimented making new drinks for the soda fountain customers. By blending the 23 available flavors, he came up with a unique soft drink formula. Dr Pepper quickly became a bit hit.
In 1904 Dr Pepper was featured at the World’s Fair Exposition in St. Louis. It has been promoted with many slogans through the years from “King of Beverages” to the “wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper too” commercials.
No one knows for sure but legend has it that Dr Pepper was named for the father of a girl he had once loved. Another legend is that it contains prune juice - this is not true.
The oldest Dr Pepper bottling plant is in Dublin, Texas. In 1891 S.H. Prim bought the franchise rights and began bottling Dr Pepper. About fifty cases a day came from the plant in the beginning. You can still get the original formula there made with pure Imperial Cane Sugar. (the flavor is different and in my opinion, better) Other bottling plants changed to corn syrup in the 1960’s.
Dublin Dr Pepper Bottling - northwest of Waco
Visit Old Doc’s Soda Shop, tour the plant and museum. You can purchase the original formula there and also find neat goodies in the gift shop.
Dublin will be celebrating its 116th year anniversary on the 7th of June. There will be many activities and festivities, so be sure to visit!
