The History of Pepsi

Caleb Davis Bradham, the proprietor of Bradham’s Drug Store in New Bern, North Carolina, created “Brad’s Drink,” in 1893. It contained a mixture of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, nutmeg, and other natural additives and quickly became popular. In August 1898, Bradham renamed the drink “Pepsi-Cola.” The new name was inspired by the word dyspepsia, because Bradham believed the drink aided digestion. The Pepsi-Cola Company was formed in 1902 to meet the rising demand for Pepsi-Cola Syrup; Caleb Bradham served as the company’s president. Soon after, the company began offering bottled Pepsi-Cola rather than just the syrup. In 1909, pioneering race car driver Barney Oldfield endorsed Pepsi. Rationing during World War I and the ballooning price of sugar after it ended led to Pepsi-Cola going bankrupt, but the company’s assets were sold to Craven Holding Corporation. The soda lived on, but Bradham himself passed away in 1934. In 1939, Pepsi created the first radio advertising jingle ever broadcast from coast to coast, “Nickel, Nickel.” In 1950, the soda was advertised on TV for the first time. In the 1960s, Diet Pepsi made its debut. In 1977, Pepsi became the most popular soft drink in American supermarkets. While it may not be quite as popular as it once was, Pepsi remains a fan favorite in the U.S. and abroad today.