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The timeline of soda started when Joseph Priestley invented carbonated water in 1767 by infusing water with carbon dioxide, marking the start of modern soft drinks.
In 1783, Johann Jacob Schweppe refined Priestley's carbonation process and built a machine to manufacture carbonated water at scale.
His company, Schweppes, became the first major commercial producer of soda water.
This later led to pharmacists in America who began mixing carbonated water with medicinal ingredients and flavors, creating early versions of modern soft drinks.
The term "soda water" first appeared in New York print in 1807.
The soda industry experienced dramatic growth and innovation during the 1830s.
In the 1850s, Thomas Joseph Cantrell crafted the first ginger ale in Belfast, Ireland.
Soda fountains emerged across American cities in the late 1800s.
These shops served carbonated drinks mixed with flavored syrups, from bitter herbal tonics to sweet fruit concoctions.
John Matthews, who immigrated from England, opened a popular fountain in New York City.
His patented carbonation machine made soda a real industry.
In 1886, Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton mixed coca leaves and kola nuts into a syrup, added carbonated water, and created Coca-Cola.
The drink, first marketed as a "brain tonic," would one day become the most consumed cola and soda on the planet.
Charles Hires launched root beer in Philadelphia in 1875.
He first sold it as "Hires' Herb Tea" but renamed it "Root Beer" to attract Pennsylvania miners who preferred beer over tea.
The root beer float would later emerge in the 1890s.
Charles Alderton created Dr Pepper in Waco, Texas in 1885, blending 23 distinct flavors into the first major soft drink to compete with Coca-Cola.
As a pharmacist, he mixed the formula at the Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store.
Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist, created "Brad's Drink" in 1893.
He renamed it Pepsi-Cola in 1898, launching a century-long rivalry with Coca-Cola.
The soda industry transformed in the 1900s as Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola competed for market dominance.
Their rivalry, dubbed the "Cola Wars," centered on advertising rather than direct conflict.
Scotland's favorite soda, Irn-Bru, launched in 1901.
It's originally called "Iron Brew".
Nehi soda launches in 1924 by Chero-Cola/Union Bottle Works.
The southern cherry flavored favorite, Cheerwine, is launched.
The sparkling water giant Shasta launches its first soft drink in 1931, Shasta Ginger Ale.
In 1940, Tennessee bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman created Mountain Dew, a bright citrus soda.
Its sharp flavor and neon color drew customers immediately.
Meanwhile, across America, soda fountains evolved beyond their drugstore origins into social hubs where people gathered to drink, socialize, and dance.
In the 1950s, new manufacturing techniques transformed how companies made and distributed soft drinks.
The aluminum can revolutionized soda distribution in the 1960s, enabling efficient mass production at lower costs.
Mexican soft drink company Jarritos is founded in 1950.
Diet Coke launched in 1982, while Diet Pepsi hit shelves in 1964.
Both sodas captured a growing market of diet sodas where Americans watched their sugar intake.
In 1985, Coca-Cola replaced its original formula with "New Coke."
The change sparked immediate public backlash.
After 79 days of protests and plummeting sales, the company restored the original formula as "Coca-Cola Classic."
The soda industry grew and transformed as 1990 approached.
Sprite, 7UP, and Fanta dominated store shelves by 1970.
Soda makers switched to recyclable cans and biodegradable packaging to reduce waste.
However, their aluminum cans and plastic bottles drew criticism for harming ecosystems.
The hip Jones Soda was launched in the 1990s.
The 21st century has seen the rise of energy drinks, as well as an increased focus on natural and organic sodas.
However, other niche brands like Jolt Cola are discontinued.
Independent soda makers have established local operations nationwide, crafting distinct flavors through small-batch production.
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