 DevCon Decisions by Clay Mackle, episode 9, carbonated drinks. Both Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper came into existence around 1885. Dr. Pepper originated in Waco, but it took Coca-Cola 15 years to make it to the Great State. This may be the reason that you call a cold carbonated drink either a Dr. Pepper or a Coke, with Coke referring to any other soft drink. It wasn't until the mid-1930s that Pepsi and the other big brands made it to Texas, which also includes another soft drink invented in Waco, Big Red. Big Red was originally called Sun Tang Red Cream Soda and can mainly only be found in the South. Please do not use the term Pop or Soda in Texas.