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In the early 20th century, Charles Lazier, a Missouri-based beverage concentrate salesman, conceived the idea for a new soft drink that would later become known as Sun Drop.
The origins of this iconic beverage can be traced back to a serendipitous moment when Lazier hastily jotted down the recipe on a scrap of paper and entrusted it to his son, Charles Jr., to bring the concept to fruition.
His big idea.
Sun Drop's distinctive flavor profile.
Attributed to the use of sugar as a sweetener in the glass-bottled version of the drink and caffeine content, setting it apart from its corn syrup-based counterparts.
On April 15, 1930 the Sun Drop formula was officially patented.
In its early days, Sun Drop was introduced to consumers in various Southern states under a variety of monikers, such as "Sundrop Golden Cola" and "Golden Girl Cola."
These regional marketing strategies allowed the brand to establish a foothold in local markets and build a loyal customer base.
The use of "Golden" in the names likely referred to the drink's distinctive yellowish-green color, which set it apart from other colas on the market and hinted at the unique citrus flavor that would become Sun Drop's signature characteristic.
In 1970, Crush International, a major player in the soft drink industry, acquired the Sun Drop brand and began the process of standardizing its production and distribution.
This acquisition marked a significant milestone in Sun Drop's history, as it transitioned from a regional favorite to a nationally recognized brand under the guidance of a larger corporation.
Procter & Gamble (P&G) purchased Crush International in 1980, bringing Sun Drop under the umbrella of one of the world's largest consumer goods companies.
However, P&G's tenure as Sun Drop's parent company was relatively short-lived, as they sold their soft drink holdings, including Sun Drop, to Cadbury Schweppes plc in 1989.
Following Cadbury Schweppes' demerger in 2008, the beverage unit became Keurig Dr Pepper, which currently owns and produces the Sun Drop brand.
In 1985, P&G made a significant move to expand the product line by introducing several new flavors.
Among these new offerings was a reformulated Diet Sun Drop, which replaced saccharin with aspartame as its primary sweetener.
This change was likely in response to growing consumer concerns about the potential health risks associated with saccharin and the increasing popularity of aspartame as an alternative sweetener.
Additionally, P&G launched Cherry-Lemon Sun Drop, a bold new flavor that combined the citrus notes of the original Sun Drop with the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of cherry.
During the 1970s and continuing through the early 1990s, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt played a crucial role in promoting Sun Drop throughout the American South.
As one of the most popular and successful drivers in NASCAR history, Earnhardt's endorsement of the brand helped to increase its visibility and appeal among racing enthusiasts and the general public alike.
By leveraging Earnhardt's star power and the loyalty of his fans, Sun Drop was able to strengthen its position as a beloved regional soft drink and tap into the strong connection between NASCAR and Southern culture.
This partnership between Sun Drop and Dale Earnhardt not only boosted the brand's sales and market share.
Through the years, Sun Drop has also found a place as a popular mixer for alcoholic beverages.
The drink's unique citrus flavor profile and high caffeine content make it an appealing choice for those looking to add a distinctive twist to their favorite spirits.
In particular, Sun Drop's combination of sweetness and tanginess has been known to complement the flavors of various hard liquors, such as vodka, rum, and whiskey, creating refreshing and energizing cocktails that have gained a following among both casual drinkers and mixology enthusiasts.
In response to growing consumer demand, Sun Drop made a significant addition to its product line in February 2002 with the introduction of Caffeine-Free Sun Drop.
This move came after the brand received numerous requests from loyal customers who loved the signature citrus flavor of Sun Drop but preferred a caffeine-free alternative.
Gastonia, North Carolina, served as the headquarters for bottling Sun Drop for more than half a century, from the brand's early days until 2016.
This long-standing relationship between Sun Drop and Gastonia played a significant role in the drink's regional identity and its status as a beloved Southern beverage.
The Gastonia bottling plant was not only responsible for producing and distributing Sun Drop but also served as a symbol of the brand's commitment to its roots and its connection to the local community.
However, in 2016, the Gastonia plant closed its doors, marking the end of an era and signaling a shift in the brand's production and distribution strategies under the ownership of Keurig Dr Pepper.
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