Why Dr. Pepper Was Once Marketed As A Hot Beverage

When it comes to soft drinks, the number of flavors seems to be endless. While Coca-Cola Classic may be the most popular and consumed soda in the world, with 1.9 billion servings of the drink served and consumed in over 200 countries every day, it shouldn't have to overshadow the other amazing sodas out there (via Cola-Cola). 

Although a direct competitor to Coca-Cola with it being under the Pepsi brand, Dr. Pepper is also a long-time favorite. As the oldest major soft drink manufacturer in the United States (since 1885), Dr. Pepper has stood up against the test of time as one of the world's most popular soft drinks (via Thrillist). And let's not think too narrowly here. Dr. Pepper has gone on to not only be a sugary fizzy drink, but its 23 secret ingredient recipe has been turned into Jelly Belly beans, baked beans, cotton candy, BBQ sauce, meat marinade, and more. Because of its success in various consumption methods, it's actually no surprise to hear that Dr. Pepper was once marketed as a hot beverage for customers to try.

When you drink a soda, you probably prefer it over ice or at least chilled fresh out of the fridge. Once the temperature outside starts to dip though, you might skip out on wanting to drink a cold can of soda as frequently, opting instead for a hot coffee, tea, cocoa, or cider. 

In the case of Dr. Pepper, marketers for the soda brand in the 1960s tried to offset the decreased sales of the soda during the wintertime by promoting Hot Dr. Pepper (via Serious Eats). Black and white commercials were even aired on television sets throughout the 1960s promoting the hot soda during the holiday season as the "hot holiday idea," showing people how to simply heat up the soda in a pot or pan until it starts to steam, pour over a slice of lemon, and serve hot to family and friends (via YouTube). 

When the soda is heated up, it turns into a thick hot concoction similar to cider or cocoa. Of course, it keeps its sugary syrup consistency still with all of its caffeine content, 41 milligrams to be exact (via Math Utah).

If you're used to drinking your Dr. Pepper iced cold, perhaps now that the weather is cooling down it's time to experiment with the soda. In fact, as the commercial states, it's easy to whip up a hot Dr. Pepper in the comfort of your home. Simply take your preferred flavor of Dr. Pepper, like original, diet, cherry vanilla, or the one blended with cream soda, and place over medium heat in a deep set pan or pot until it's steaming. For the best flavor, pour over fresh slices of lemon. Who knows, you might find a fun new holiday drink to share with your friends and family!

Are you an adult who wants to take Dr. Pepper to the next level? Next time you find yourself at a fancy cocktail bar, consider ordering a "Flaming Dr. Pepper." Made with amaretto, 151 rum, lit on fire, and then dropped in beer, it's not quite the traditional hot Dr. Pepper from the mid-1900s but it does put a fun new "hot" spin on it (via Thrillist).