An accidental discovery – Soft drinks

Soft drinks have a long and captivating history that dates back centuries. The story begins with the discovery of carbonation, the magical process that gives these beverages their effervescent charm. In the late 18th century, an English chemist, Joseph Priestley stumbled upon carbonated water while conducting experiments. He found that water infused with carbon dioxide gas became sparkling and refreshing.

This accidental discovery piqued the curiosity of many inventors and entrepreneurs. In the early 19th century, a variety of carbonated beverages started to emerge. In 1767, Englishman Joseph Hawkins patented a method for artificially producing carbonated mineral water. Soon after, a Swiss watchmaker, Johann Jacob Schweppe developed a process to manufacture carbonated water on a larger scale. His invention marked the birth of the renowned Schweppes brand.

Across the Atlantic, the United States witnessed its soft drink revolution. In 1835, the first American-made carbonated beverage, a lemon-flavored soda, was created by Dr. Thomas M. Dyer. This set the stage for the explosion of soft drink production in the years to come.

As the 20th century dawned, soft drink companies began experimenting with various flavors and formulas to capture consumers’ hearts and taste buds. Some of the most iconic brands that emerged during this time include Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, and Dr. Pepper. These brands have become household names, synonymous with refreshment and enjoyment.