National Beverage Day
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
From fizzy water to a $170 billion industry. The scientific foundation was laid in 1767, when English chemist Joseph Priestley discovered that water could be infused with carbon dioxide by suspending it above a beer vat. Johann Jacob Schweppe commercialized the process in 1783. By the late 19th century, pharmacist-inventors were adding flavored syrups to carbonated water â Coca-Cola in 1886, Pepsi-Cola in 1893.Prohibition (1920-1933) transformed the non-alcoholic beverage industry. With alcohol banned, Americans turned to soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Coca-Cola's market position strengthened dramatically during this period, and the habit of reaching for a carbonated drink instead of a beer outlasted the 18th Amendment
History
From fizzy water to a $170 billion industry. The scientific foundation was laid in 1767, when English chemist Joseph Priestley discovered that water could be infused with carbon dioxide by suspending it above a beer vat. Johann Jacob Schweppe commercialized the process in 1783. By the late 19th century, pharmacist-inventors were adding flavored syrups to carbonated water â Coca-Cola in 1886, Pepsi-Cola in 1893.Prohibition (1920-1933) transformed the non-alcoholic beverage industry. With alcohol banned, Americans turned to soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Coca-Cola's market position strengthened dramatically during this period, and the habit of reaching for a carbonated drink instead of a beer outlasted the 18th Amendment
How It's Celebrated
National Beverage Day is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.