Introduced in 1985, Cherry Coke was one of Coca-Cola’s first successful flavor variations, though cherry-flavored Coca-Cola had existed in soda fountains for decades before. Its nostalgic appeal was heightened when it became a cultural icon in the 1980s, famously appearing in Back to the Future. Today, Cherry Coke continues to be a favorite among those who enjoy a sweeter, fruitier twist on the original.

Launched in 1982, Diet Coke became an instant hit, appealing to calorie-conscious consumers without compromising on taste. It was notably one of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s favorite drinks, often seen on his desk. The brand’s sleek marketing campaigns, featuring celebrities like Karl Lagerfeld and Taylor Swift, helped establish Diet Coke as a stylish, lifestyle-driven alternative to regular soda.

A sugar-free alternative to Pepsi, Pepsi Max was introduced in 1993 and became a direct competitor to Diet Coke. With a bolder taste than regular Diet Pepsi, it has built a strong fanbase, especially in Europe and Australia.

Fanta was developed in Nazi Germany in 1941 due to a trade embargo that prevented the import of Coca-Cola syrup. Using available ingredients like whey and apple fiber, a new fruit-flavored soda was born. After the war, Fanta evolved into the vibrant, citrus-flavored drink known today, with its bright orange hue and bold taste making it a favorite in over 180 countries.

Launched in 1961 as Coca-Cola’s answer to 7UP, Sprite has remained a global favorite for its crisp, lemon-lime taste. It became a hip-hop culture staple in the 1990s, with rappers like Nas and Drake featuring in its ad campaigns.

Tropicana revolutionized the orange juice industry by pioneering flash pasteurization, allowing for fresh juice to be distributed without freezing. In 1970, it became the first brand to deliver fresh orange juice to all 50 U.S. states via a dedicated train known as the Tropicana Juice Train. Its iconic Pure Premium line remains a household favorite, embodying the ideal of fresh, natural fruit juice. 

Originally created in 1893 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham as "Brad’s Drink," Pepsi was renamed in 1898, inspired by the word dyspepsia (indicating its supposed digestive benefits). It gained national fame by positioning itself as a sweeter, youthful alternative to Coca-Cola, particularly during the Pepsi Challenge marketing campaign of the 1970s. Pepsi has been heavily linked to pop culture, with Michael Jackson’s 1984 Pepsi commercial becoming one of the most famous ads of all time. 

Invented in 1886 by pharmacist John Stith Pemberton, Coca-Cola began as a medicinal tonic before becoming the most recognized soft drink in the world. Its secret formula, known as "Merchandise 7X," remains one of the most closely guarded trade secrets in history. Coca-Cola has been linked to major cultural moments, from its role in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus to being the first soft drink consumed in space in 1985.

Introduced in 1964 as one of the first major sugar-free colas, Diet Pepsi gained a loyal following as a lighter alternative to traditional sodas. It was famously promoted by pop icon Michael Jackson in the 1980s, with his Pepsi commercial becoming one of the most famous advertisements of all time. Despite fierce competition with Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi remains a global favorite.

A traditional British soft drink with roots dating back to the Middle Ages, Dandelion & Burdock was originally a fermented herbal beer before evolving into a carbonated soft drink. Made from dandelion root and burdock, it was once believed to have medicinal properties. It remains a nostalgic favorite in the UK, often enjoyed as an alternative to mainstream sodas, with brands like Fentimans keeping the tradition alive with artisanal versions.

Created in 1885, Dr Pepper is the oldest major soft drink brand in America, predating Coca-Cola by one year. Known for its unique blend of 23 flavors, it has been the subject of fan speculation for decades, with guesses ranging from cherry and vanilla to prune juice (a widely debunked myth). Its distinct taste has led to creative variations, including Dr Pepper Cherry and Dr Pepper & Cream Soda.

Stronger and spicier than ginger ale, ginger beer was originally a fermented alcoholic beverage in the 18th century before evolving into a non-alcoholic soft drink. The British Navy used it as a mixer with rum, leading to the creation of the Dark 'n' Stormy cocktail. Today, brands like Fever-Tree and Fentimans have revived ginger beer’s artisanal appeal.

La Croix became a cult favorite in the 2010s, particularly among millennials seeking a sugar-free, naturally flavored sparkling water. Originally launched in the 1980s, it saw a resurgence thanks to social media and its colorful, Instagram-friendly cans. Its popularity soared in the U.S., where it became the unofficial drink of wellness-conscious consumers.

An elegant, floral take on traditional lemonade, rose lemonade blends the citrusy tang of lemons with delicate rose essence. Fentimans’ version, made with steam-distilled rose oil, has gained a reputation as a sophisticated soft drink, often used as a mixer in gin-based cocktails.

Scotland’s beloved bright orange soft drink, Irn-Bru, has been dubbed "Scotland’s other national drink" (after whisky). Created in 1901, its exact formula remains a secret, with its unique taste balancing fruity and slightly metallic notes. It is famously known as a hangover cure in Scotland, and its patriotic branding has kept it a fierce competitor to Coca-Cola in the region.

First created in 1927 as "Glucozade," this British drink was originally sold in pharmacies to aid recovery from illness. It gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s through sports sponsorships, becoming the UK’s go-to energy drink. The famous advertising slogan, "Lucozade Aids Recovery," was once prominently displayed on hospital vending machines.

Originally created in 1929, 7UP was first marketed as a "lithiated lemon-lime soda," containing lithium citrate, which was believed to have mood-boosting properties before its removal in the 1940s. The crisp, citrusy flavor made it a staple in American households, particularly as a mixer for cocktails and mocktails. It has been widely used in culinary applications too, with 7UP cake—where the soda replaces traditional leavening agents—becoming a beloved Southern dessert.

Originating in Thailand as Krating Daeng, Red Bull was rebranded and launched internationally in 1987, becoming the world’s most famous energy drink. It pioneered extreme sports sponsorships, with its "Red Bull gives you wings" slogan becoming one of the most recognizable advertising campaigns.

A sparkling apple juice first created in South Africa in 1966, Appletiser is loved for its natural, refreshing taste without added sugar or preservatives. Originally crafted by Edmond Lombardi, the drink quickly gained international popularity and was even granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II, cementing its status as a premium non-alcoholic alternative to wine or champagne.

Revolutionizing home-brewed coffee, Nespresso’s capsule system, launched in the 1980s, brought barista-quality espresso to consumers. George Clooney’s long-standing association with the brand elevated its luxury appeal, making it the go-to choice for high-end coffee lovers.

Invented in 1965 by researchers at the University of Florida to help hydrate athletes, Gatorade revolutionized the sports drink industry. Named after the Florida Gators football team, it quickly gained mainstream popularity and became synonymous with professional sports. The iconic tradition of coaches being doused with Gatorade after big wins started in the 1980s, further cementing its place in sports culture.

A household name in instant coffee, Nescafé was created by Nestlé in 1938 as a solution to surplus coffee bean stock. It became a staple during World War II, with soldiers relying on it for a quick caffeine fix. Today, Nescafé continues to be a global leader in instant coffee.

A global leader in iced tea, Lipton was founded in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Lipton, who revolutionized the tea trade by making it more accessible to the masses. Its bottled iced teas, introduced in the 1990s, became popular as a refreshing alternative to carbonated soft drinks.

A pioneer in the fruit juice industry, Minute Maid was the first company to introduce frozen orange juice concentrate in the 1940s. It was later acquired by Coca-Cola and remains one of the world’s leading juice brands, known for its commitment to real fruit content.

Originally developed in the 1940s as a mixer for whiskey, Mountain Dew’s citrusy, high-caffeine formula found its own fanbase, especially among extreme sports enthusiasts. Its branding, heavily associated with action sports and gaming culture, has made it a favorite among younger consumers.