Big Red soda was born in Waco in 1937, created by Grover Thomsen and R.H. Roark. Originally called “Sun Tang Red Cream Soda,” it gained its current name in 1969. Despite its strong association with Texas, Kentucky was actually the first state to sell it.
You’ll recognize its distinctive vanilla-citrus flavor and vibrant red color anywhere. This Texan icon rose to become America’s sixth-highest-selling soft drink in the early 2000s. The fizzy story continues.
The Birth of a Texan Icon: How Big Red Came to Be in 1937
The pair partnered with the Waco Bottling Company to distribute their creation throughout Central Texas. What started as a local refreshment quickly captured the hearts and taste buds of Texans with its distinctive vanilla-citrus flavor profile.
Just like Scholz Garten’s legacy, Big Red survived through significant cultural and social changes to become a lasting Texas tradition. Though it wouldn’t adopt the name “Big Red” until 1969, the foundation was laid for what would become Texas’s beloved signature soda—a crimson companion to barbecues and family gatherings for generations to come.
From Sun Tang to Big Red: The Evolution of a Brand Name
While Thomsen and Roark had created a memorable formula in 1937, their soft drink carried the rather unwieldy name “Sun Tang Red Cream Soda” during its first two decades on the market. You might recognize this early moniker if you’re a true beverage historian, but it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue.
In 1959, the company adjusted to “Sun Tang Big Red Cream Soda” before Harold Jansing made the pivotal decision to simplify in 1969. The inspiration? A young golf caddy who casually called it “Big Red.”
This name change proved brilliant, making the soft drink more marketable and memorable across the South. The rebranding strategy paid off enormously, helping position Big Red as the sixth-highest-selling soft drink in America between 2002 and 2004.
This successful rebranding mirrors how Blue Bell Creameries established their Homemade Vanilla flavor as a signature product, demonstrating how iconic naming can cement a brand’s place in consumer culture.
The Secret Behind the Vibrant Red Color and Unique Flavor
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Beyond its catchy name, Big Red captivates fans with its instantly recognizable appearance and distinct taste profile. While originally marketed as “Sun Tang Red Cream Soda” and sometimes inaccurately described as “Red flavored beer,” its vibrant crimson color comes from Red 40 food coloring.
Don’t let your taste buds fool you—although many consumers swear Big Red tastes like bubblegum, the flavor is actually a refined blend of citrus and vanilla. The soda combines lemon and orange oils with vanilla extract, creating a hybrid between cream soda and a fruit-forward refresher.
This unique taste, paired with carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, and caffeine, delivers a drinking experience unlike traditional colas or root beers. Like Dr Pepper’s 23-flavor formula created in Waco, Big Red’s recipe reflects Texas’s rich soft drink heritage.
Kentucky’s Surprising Role in Big Red’s Early Distribution
Despite common assumptions that Texas was the launchpad for Big Red, Kentucky actually played a key role in its early success. Credit goes to R.H. Roark, co-creator of the soda and owner of Louisville’s R.C. Bottling Company, for bringing the drink to the Bluegrass State first.
Kentucky—not Texas—was the first state where Big Red was sold, thanks to Roark’s established bottling operations. His Louisville plant provided the infrastructure that allowed Big Red to gain its initial momentum before sweeping across the South.
This early distribution in Kentucky created a surprising foundation for the soda’s Southern popularity.
How Big Red Became Barbecue’s Perfect Companion
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When smoke rises from Texas barbecue pits, you’ll likely find bottles of Big Red nearby, their crimson hue shining beside plates of brisket. This pairing isn’t random—it’s a tradition since the 1960s, when serving Big Red alongside smoked meats became a symbol of prosperity.
Today, barbecue joints use Big Red creatively in sauces, glazes, and desserts like tres leches cakes and milkshakes. Restaurants such as LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue and Sunbird Barbecue showcase the soda’s versatility.
The San Antonio Barbacoa & Big Red Festival honors this flavorful union, reinforcing Big Red’s status as the unofficial soda of Texas barbecue.
Big Red’s Corporate Journey: From Waco to Austin
The company’s identity underwent a major change in 2007 when Gary Smith acquired Big Red Ltd., backed by Citigroup Venture Capital and Goldman Sachs.
A year later, Keurig Dr Pepper acquired a minority stake in the company.
In 2009, Big Red moved its corporate headquarters from Waco to Austin, a shift that aligned with the city’s booming business climate. This transition helped Big Red maintain its Texas identity while accessing Austin’s entrepreneurial energy.
Keurig Dr Pepper’s distribution now accounts for 80% of Big Red’s total volume, solidifying its position in the national beverage arena.
Beyond the Original: Big Red’s Family of Flavored Sodas
While preserving its classic flavor, Big Red has diversified its lineup to attract new fans. Options include Big Red Zero, Retro Big Red, and Big Red Vanilla Float, along with fruity offshoots like Big Peach and Big Manzana.
This growing portfolio meets modern consumer demand:
- Enjoy nostalgia with Retro Big Red
- Sip guilt-free with Big Red Zero
- Cool off with Big Honey Lemonade
- Explore flavor with Big Blue and Big Pineapple
These innovations extend Big Red’s reach beyond Texas and fuel continued growth.
The Culinary Renaissance: Big Red in Modern Texas Cuisine
Beyond its classic use as a beverage, Big Red has become a star ingredient in Texas kitchens.
You’ll find Sunbird Barbecue using Big Red in glazes, La Barbecue stirring it into margaritas, and Stixs & Stone crafting tortillas with Big Red masa and jam-infused fillings.
Desserts shine too—Ribbee’s makes ice cream floats and milkshakes, while others feature tres leches cakes and frozen sangrias.
This flavorful evolution reaches its peak each year at San Antonio’s Barbacoa & Big Red Festival, showcasing Texas pride and culinary creativity.
From Regional Favorite to National Contender: Big Red’s Market Rise
Long considered a Texas staple, Big Red rose to national prominence in the early 2000s, ranking among the top-selling soft drinks in the U.S.
The company’s expansion was powered by:
- Gary Smith’s 2007 acquisition
- Keurig Dr Pepper’s 2008 stake and distribution
- Relocation to Austin in 2009
- Strategic flavor diversification
These moves helped Big Red grow from regional favorite to national beverage contender.
Big Red Culture: Why Texans Feel Such Strong Loyalty to Their Soda
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For three generations, Big Red has been more than a drink—it’s a symbol of Texas culture. Born in Waco, this vivid soda complements brisket, appears in family events, and stars in local cuisine.
Its mix of vanilla, lemon, and orange flavors paired with crimson identity makes it unmistakably Texan.
Keurig Dr Pepper’s strong distribution ensures that Big Red is always close at hand, securing its legacy as Texas’ most cherished soda.
