Hires Root Beer holds the distinction of being the first soft drink produced and distributed to the public in the United States. This iconic beverage, developed by Charles Hires, has a rich history that intertwines with the evolution of root beer from its origins as a "small" beer to the beloved non-alcoholic drink we know today.
In the 1870s, Charles Hires, a pharmacist, stumbled upon an herbal tea during his honeymoon. Intrigued by its flavor, he returned home and began experimenting with his own recipe. The result was a dry mixture of herbs, roots, and berries, which he marketed as a medicinal tea claiming to purify the blood. This concoction laid the foundation for what would become Hires Root Beer.
Hires introduced his root beer to the public at the 1876 U.S. Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. At this event, he offered free samples of his beverage, which quickly gained popularity. The exposition also featured other groundbreaking inventions, such as Alexander Graham Bell's telephone, the Remington typewriter, and Heinz ketchup.
Charles Hires was a pioneer in advertising. He believed that "doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark: you know what you are doing, but nobody else does." His aggressive marketing strategies paid off, and Hires Root Beer became a household name. Families could purchase Hires Root Beer kits to brew the beverage at home, adding yeast, water, and sugar to the powdered extract. The cost to brew one gallon was only 5 cents.
In 1884, Hires realized that he could expand his market by offering a ready-to-drink version of his root beer. He developed a liquid concentrate and soda fountain syrup, as well as bottled root beer. By 1893, Hires was using the Crystal Bottling Company to distribute his product to local retailers.
Charles Hires was adamant about using high-quality ingredients, even if it meant higher costs. This commitment to quality set Hires Root Beer apart from its competitors and contributed to its enduring popularity.
Charles Hires involved his three sons in the business, and they took over when he retired in 1925. Hires passed away in 1937 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and quality.
In 1989, Hires Root Beer was acquired by Cadbury Schweppes. Today, it is owned by the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., based in Plano, Texas.
Hires Root Beer is more than just a beverage; it's a piece of American history. From its humble beginnings as an herbal tea to its status as a beloved soft drink, Hires Root Beer has stood the test of time. Charles Hires' commitment to quality and innovative marketing strategies ensured that his creation would become a staple in American households for generations to come.
For more information on the history of root beer, you can visit Britannica and Dr Pepper Snapple Group.
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