Yes, Dr. Pepper Was Really a Doctor—But He Shouldn’t Get Credit for the Famous Soda

Here’s the legend behind the spicy soda’s origin.

Even in the early eruption of the soda industry, few drinks have been as uniquely satisfying as Dr Pepper. Its signature blend of sweet and peppery flavors puts the “King of Beverages” in the top rankings of all sodas consumed today.

But, unlike the brand name for Coca-Cola, which was derived from the two main ingredients, or Mountain Dew, which was old-timey slang for moonshine, Dr Pepper was named after a real person. In fact, he was even a real doctor. Here’s the story. 

In 1885 (one year before the invention of Coca-Cola), a young and eager pharmacist started working in a drugstore called Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in the small town of Waco, Texas. He spent most of his days experimenting with various herbs and spices, trying to create the perfect tonic to cure all ailments. 

One day, while mixing together a variety of ingredients in his soda fountain, Alderton accidentally spilled a drop of fruit syrup into the concoction. To his surprise, it was actually delicious—a uniquely refreshing blend of sweet and spicy flavors. He spent the next few weeks perfecting his new recipe, eventually landing on a secret blend of flavors (23, to be exact), including cherry, vanilla, and caramel.

After perfecting his soft drink formula, Alderton offered a sample to Wade Morrison, the owner of the drugstore. Morrison absolutely loved the drink. Soon after, customers caught wind of Alderton’s breakthrough and began ordering a “Waco.” So, why don’t we go around ordering a “Waco” today?

Legend has it, Morrison had fallen in love with a young girl from Virginia—the daughter of Dr. Charles T. Pepper (now you’re catching on). Dr. Pepper was a physician and surgeon during the American Civil War. To win the approval of her father, Morrison named the small town-famous drink after the doctor, although he had nothing to do with the drink's conception. 

Another version of the story is that Morrison worked at Dr. Pepper’s drugstore in Rural Retreat, Virginia before venturing off to Texas to start his own pharmacy, and the naming of the soda was simply a nod of gratitude to his former employer. 

By the way, the period in “Dr.” was dropped sometime in the 1950’s.

From 1885 to 1891, the drink was only available at soda fountains or drugstores, where syrup and carbonated water were combined to make each individual drink. But, in response to the high demand, Morrison and business partner Robert S. Lazenby went on to start the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Co., making the original soda available to the masses.

While Dr. Pepper was, in fact, a real doctor, and the drink itself was crafted in a pharmacy, the carbonated beverage has no medicinal background or benefits (no matter what early advertisements might tell you about “aiding in digestion” and “restoring vitality”). 

Nope, it’s simply a spicy and sweet delight that has grown to be of the most beloved soft drinks in the world. The Texas-native soda is still near and dear to its Waco family, and Alderton remains an honored figure in the community.