Who is Dr. Pepper?
The drink was first sold in Waco (McLennan County), Texas, in 1885. It was introduced nationally in the United States at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. The exact date of Dr Pepper’s conception is unknown, but the U.S. Patent Office recognizes December 1, 1885 as the first time Dr Pepper was served. It was formulated by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas. To test his new drink, he first offered it to store owner Morrison, who also found it to his liking. After repeated sample testing by the two, Alderton was ready to offer his new drink to some of the fountain customers. They liked it as well. Other patrons at Morrison’s soda fountain soon learned of Alderton’s new drink and began ordering a “Waco.” Alderton gave the formula to Wade Morrison, the owner of the drug store. A popular belief is that the drink was named after Morrison’s former employer in Texas, but this has been disputed by the Dr Pepper company itself. They state that be