Dr Pepper is a Fall Beverage

It’s that time of year again — pumpkin spice lattes dusted with cinnamon and hot apple cider abound. But what if I told you there is another great spiced drink that works for any fall occasion? The drink in question, peppery and fresh, is the superior soda: Dr Pepper.

Imagine this: a slice of pecan pie with a chilled glass of Dr Pepper to balance out the sweetness. Or, at a Friendsgiving dinner, as the soda that cuts through the richness of stuffing and gravy. Even better? A Dr Pepper float with cinnamon ice cream during a cozy movie night.

The soft drink is enjoyed year-round, but it's also the perfect drink to pair with pizza or wings during football season tailgates — and Dr Pepper is a main ingredient in some barbecue sauces. The soda’s deep maroon color fits right in with the fall aesthetic — burgundy leaves and football jerseys.

Dr Pepper was first served in 1885, before Coca-Cola was even invented. This makes it the oldest soft drink brand in the U.S., according to delish.com. The soda boasts 23 different flavors — the exact blend remains a mystery after over 100 years on the market. But some rumored ingredients are common fall spices and vibes like blackberry, orange, vanilla, almond, nutmeg, clove and caramel.

Jonah Fiedler, senior film and photography major and self-proclaimed Dr Pepper enthusiast, thinks the soda is hard to beat.

“I'm a big fan of fizzy drinks in general. I like the different colas [Coke and Pepsi] separately. They definitely have different tastes and I like them for different reasons. But Dr Pepper, it’s got a good kick to it. And it's different enough from cola that I don't get bored. It's one of my go-tos,” Fiedler said.

In the 1960s, Dr Pepper attempted to market itself as a hot beverage for the holiday season. It was advertised to be heated on the stovetop with a slice of lemon. Fiedler had strong feelings when he learned this. “I am a firm believer that soda needs to be cold. I can deal with room-temperature soda if I'm with friends having pizza. Playing [Dungeons and Dragons]  or something, but I would never choose to drink soda that’s above 50 degrees,” he said.

Obviously, that marketing ploy did not work out in the long run, but Dr Pepper has stuck around and gained popularity over the years.

The long duel between Coke and Pepsi has been around for years. Coke has had the coveted number-one spot in popularity across the country since its debut. But now Pepsi’s number two spot has been surpassed by the peppery soft drink. For the first time, Dr Pepper now reigns as the second most popular soda brand here in the U.S.

Fiedler also shared why he thinks this soda deserves the number two spot.

“When it comes to the soda wars, it's really cool to see Dr Pepper get that recognition as an independent company,” he said. “It’s definitely well deserved.”

Given its rich flavors and versatility, Dr Pepper has untapped potential for fall-themed promotions. “I used to grab a Dr Pepper and a pumpkin cookie and that's how I would unwind from the stress of high school,” Fiedler said.

As the season shifts and conversations turn to cozy drinks, it’s time to recognize Dr Pepper for what it truly is — a fall staple hiding in plain sight. Whether enjoyed alongside game-day snacks, paired with pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving or simply cracked open on a crisp autumn afternoon, Dr Pepper brings something unique to the table.

This superior soda proves it’s more than just a summer refreshment — it’s an ideal companion for the fall season.