Bludwine

Bludwine is a sweet, cherry-flavored soft drink that was first produced in the United States in the early 20th century. It was originally marketed as a health tonic and was later rebranded as Budwine.

History

Bludwine was first produced in 1906 by the Bludwine Company, based in Athens, Georgia. The company was founded by Henry C. Anderson, a pharmacist who believed that the drink had health benefits due to its original formulation, which included extracts from the wine grape. The name "Bludwine" was chosen to reflect these supposed health benefits, with "blud" being a phonetic spelling of "blood" and "wine" referring to the grape extracts used in the drink's formulation.

In the 1920s, the Bludwine Company was acquired by the Budwine Company, which changed the drink's name to Budwine. The new owners also altered the drink's formulation, removing the grape extracts and focusing on the cherry flavor that had become popular with consumers.

Popularity and Decline

During the early 20th century, Bludwine was a popular soft drink in the southern United States. It was sold in drugstores and soda fountains, and was often used as a mixer in cocktails. However, the drink's popularity began to decline in the 1930s, and by the 1950s it was no longer widely available.

Despite its decline, Bludwine has remained a part of American cultural history. It is often mentioned in literature and music from the early 20th century, and vintage Bludwine bottles and advertising materials are sought after by collectors.

Legacy

Today, the Budwine Company continues to produce a cherry-flavored soft drink under the Budwine name. However, this drink is not widely distributed and is primarily available in the Athens, Georgia area.

See also

• List of defunct consumer brands
• History of soft drinks