History of Soft Drinks Research Papers

People started using mineral water because they strongly believed in its healing effects. Thus, mineral water is considered to be the first soft drink. Roman historians recorded the history of naturally carbonated mineral springs for curative purposes in Europe as far back as 77 A.D. The natural mineral springs and their bubbling waters were believed to have wonderful, mystical qualities and incredible healing powers. People didn’t understand how the water could contain bubbles, and it was only in the middle of eighteenth century when scientists discovered this mystery. In 1767, artificially carbonated water was made by Joseph Priestly, and artificial soda and water started to be produced. The equipment for manufacturing artificial mineral water was invented in 1770 by Torbern Bergman, a Swedish chemist. However, both scientists failed to produce large enough quantities of carbonated water in an effective way that enabled resale. In 1783 Jacob Schweppe in partnership with an engineer and scientist succeeded in enhancing of the process of making artificial mineral water and launched a business for its selling. The business was reincorporated in London in 1792 and as a result, the name Schweppe is still well-known today as a brand name for tonic and soda waters. In 1810, the first patent for an equipment that could artificially produce mineral water was given in the U.S. John Matthews, who created an apparatus for making carbonated water in 1832, was the person who managed to increase the popularity of carbonated drinks that were drank cold and unflavored.