Hot Dr Pepper

Hot Dr Pepper with a slice of lemon

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City/Region: United States of America

Time Period: 1960s

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After noticing that Dr Pepper sales dipped in the winter months, the company launched a campaign to popularize hot Dr Pepper (which is just what it sounds like). There were ads, Dick Clark was a spokesman in commercials, and you could send in for special hot Dr Pepper mugs. The popularity only lasted for a little while, and I can see why.

This is basically just hot, flat Dr Pepper. Some people swear that adding the lemon is key, but it didn’t do much for me. I like Dr Pepper, so I didn’t dislike it, but I wouldn’t choose this over other wintry beverages. If you try this out, you can use Diet Dr Pepper if that’s your preference. They had Diet Dr Pepper back then, so it’d still be true to the original recipe.

“Just heat Dr Pepper in a saucepan till it steams. Then pour over a thin slice of lemon. That’s a hot idea. Yes, Dr Pepper is delicious cold or hot.”

— Dick Clark in a Dr Pepper commercial, 1968

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Ingredients:

• Dr Pepper
• Lemon, sliced

Instructions:

1. Pour the Dr Pepper into a saucepan. Set it over medium heat until it reaches 180°F (85°C).
2. Place a lemon slice in a mug. Pour the hot Dr Pepper over it, then serve it forth.

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