Big Red (drink)

Big Red is a popular soft drink primarily available in the United States. It was created in 1937 by Grover C. Thomsen and R.H. Roark in Waco, Texas, and originally known as Sun Tang Red Cream Soda.

History

The drink was renamed Big Red in 1959 by Harold Jansing, then president of the San Antonio bottling plant, after hearing a golf caddy refer to the soda by that name. The name change also came with a shift in flavor from a mix of lemon and orange oils to a bubble-gum flavor. Big Red was marketed exclusively in Central and South Texas and around Louisville, Kentucky, including parts of Southern Indiana, for many years before expanding to a wider distribution.

Flavor and Ingredients

Big Red is known for its unique bubble gum flavor, though the company has never revealed the exact formula. The drink's unique taste, though often linked to bubble gum, is created by mixing orange and lemon oils with the traditional vanilla used in other cream sodas.

Varieties

Over the years, Big Red has introduced various flavors including Big Red Vanilla Float, Big Blue, and Big Peach. Each variant offers a unique twist on the original Big Red flavor but maintains the same core taste.

In Popular Culture

Big Red has a significant cultural impact in the regions where it is most popular. It is a staple at many social events and is often associated with celebrations and holidays. The drink is also frequently referenced in media and has a strong presence in local traditions.

See Also

• List of regional beverages of the United States
• Cream soda
• Soft drink