1

Coca-Cola

Image: Bradley Pisney

A beverage so iconic that it inspired an entire genre of soft drinks named after it, Coca-Cola had its start in 1886 when it was created by pharmacist John Pemberton, who initially intended to market it as a temperance drink and medicinal tonic.

A blend of coca leaves and kola nuts (a source of caffeine), the iconic soft drink became a sensation, and soon Pemberton sold the ownership rights to Asa Griggs Candler, a businessman who transformed the Coca-Cola brand into a global powerhouse. While the ingredients have been changed a few times since its inception, the current formula remains a closely guarded trade secret, fueling much speculation and numerous attempts to uncover it.

2

Pepsi

Image: Oleg Ivanov

Developed in 1898 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham—and originally named "Brad's Drink"—Pepsi was initially conceived as a digestive aid. Its name is derived from pepsin, a digestive enzyme produced by the body, though pepsin was never actually included in the drink's formula.

Despite nearly going bankrupt in the early 1920s, Pepsi gained popularity during the Great Depression, even briefly outpacing Coca-Cola, thanks to clever marketing that appealed to budget-conscious consumers. This kickstarted a fierce rivalry, leading to bold marketing stunts, including an unlikely deal with the Soviet Union, making Pepsi the first Western product sanctioned for sale there.

3

Dr Pepper

Image: Yana Smetana

Another soft drink originally conceived in a pharmacist's lab, Dr Pepper actually predates both Coke and Pepsi. Launched in 1885 in Waco, Texas, its unique flavor sets it apart from most competitors. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has categorized Dr Pepper, much like Coca-Cola, as its own distinct type of beverage: "pepper soda."

The origin of its name is disputed. Originally, people would simply order a "Waco" at soda fountains. While some speculate the name comes from Charles T. Pepper, a doctor who gave Wade Morrison his first job (or, according to another version, gave him permission to marry his daughter), it was more likely than not a creative marketing decision, as using "Dr." in product names was a common way to suggest health benefits.

4

7UP

Image: Julian Rösner

7UP, created in 1929 by Charles Leiper Grigg, was originally marketed as "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda," as it contained lithium citrate (a mood-stabilizing drug) among its ingredients. While lithium was removed in 1948, the drink's refreshing lemon-lime flavor remained, having already become a household favorite.

The soft drink, however, didn’t quite find its market niche until it launched the "Uncola" marketing campaign in the 1970s, which positioned the soda as a distinct alternative to colas, boosting its popularity. The origin of the name 7UP remains a mystery, with speculation that it refers to the original 7-ounce bottles or the drink’s initial seven ingredients.

5

Sprite

Image: Gift Habeshaw

Introduced by Coca-Cola in 1961 to compete with 7UP, Sprite quickly became one of the leading lemon-lime sodas on the market. Interestingly, this popular soft drink didn’t originate in America but in West Germany in 1959, where it was launched as "Fanta Klare Zitrone" ("Fanta Clear Lemon" in English).

In the ‘80s, Sprite leveraged its appeal to younger generations through bold advertising campaigns and endorsements from popular musicians. Today, the brand has expanded into various flavors, including cranberry, cherry, grape, orange, tropical, ginger, and vanilla, among others.

6

Mountain Dew

Image: Shane

Mountain Dew was originally created in the 1940s by Tennessee beverage bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman as a mixer for whiskey. The name "Mountain Dew" was a colloquial term for homemade liquor, making it fitting for the soda’s Appalachian roots. However, the drink only took on its citrus-flavored, energizing modern form after being acquired by the Tip Corporation in 1961.

It remains one of the most caffeinated sodas on the market, containing 54 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can—nearly double that of Coca-Cola. This is likely what draws many soda drinkers to this flavor, as the high sugar and caffeine content can give a short-term boost of energy.

7

RC Cola

Image: Brooke Cagle

Founded in 1905 by Claud A. Hatcher, Royal Crown Cola (RC Cola) was originally created as a direct competitor to Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The soft drink was born after the Hatcher family, who were grocery store owners, could not get a discount for purchasing large volumes of Coca-Cola syrup from local distributors. Frustrated, they vowed to create their own alternative.

Despite never achieving the same market dominance as Coke or Pepsi, RC Cola soon gained a loyal following, especially in Southern states. Unlike its rivals, RC offered a slightly stronger cola flavor, which many found refreshing compared to the sweeter taste of Coke. RC Cola also innovated with the first aluminum can for sodas and was one of the first companies to produce diet sodas, such as Diet Rite.

8

Fanta

Image: Renato Trentin

Did you know that Fanta was born in Germany during World War II, of all places? After local Coca-Cola plants could no longer import syrup due to trade embargos, German businessman Max Keith created a new soda using available ingredients—which were mostly fruit scraps and whey.

Fanta quickly became a wartime favorite in Germany. After the war, Coca-Cola regained control of the plant, formula, and trademarks, introducing Fanta to the U.S. in 1955. It rapidly gained popularity as a fun, fruit-flavored alternative to traditional sodas. While Fanta's orange flavor remains its best seller, the brand now offers over 90 flavors worldwide.

9

A&W Root Beer

Image: David Lusvardi

A&W Root Beer was introduced in 1919 by Roy Allen, who first started selling it at a parade honoring returning World War I veterans. Its creamy texture and rich flavor quickly made A&W Root Beer a favorite, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream to create the now-iconic root beer float.

By 1922, Roy Allen partnered with fellow entrepreneur Frank Wright, and A&W became a franchised brand, launching one of the first fast-food chains in America that same year. Despite struggling with labor shortages and sugar rationing during World War II, the company endured and remains one of the most iconic root beer brands in America to this day.

10

Sunkist

Image: The Pop'd Shop

Sunkist, launched in 1979 by the Sunkist Growers cooperative, was introduced to tap into the American love for citrus-flavored sodas. Known and loved for its bold orange flavor, Sunkist was the first major orange soda to include caffeine in its formula, setting it apart from competitors like Crush and Fanta.

Most importantly, Sunkist's success was greatly boosted by its association with the California citrus industry. Its marketing campaigns, including the "Taste the Sun" slogan, further linked the brand to sunny, vibrant outdoor activities, making it one of the top-selling orange sodas in the U.S. for decades.

1

Being annoying

We all have bad days where our mood goes south, but in Florida, you’d better keep those frustrations to yourself . Ever since 1832, the Sunshine State has had a broad nuisance statute that classifies anything that "annoys the community, injures public health, or corrupts public morals" as a second-degree misdemeanor. Of course, the law was intended to address community hazards like toxic waste disposal or unsafe buildings. Modern enforcement targets environmental hazards and serious health violations. Personal annoyances are off-limits, since what qualifies as "annoying" is completely subjective.

2

Honking with no purpose

We’ve all used our car horn to wave at a neighbor or used it to vent a little frustration in traffic. However, in New Jersey, according to their traffic code, your horn is legally reserved for safety warnings only . In this state, using it for any non-emergency reason is technically a traffic violation since 1968. Unless you are trying to prevent a fender-bender or warn a distracted driver, it is best to keep your hands off the steering wheel's center and just give a friendly wave instead.

3

Dangling car decorations

If you have a pine-scented air freshener or a set of graduation tassels swinging from your rearview mirror, you might be looking at a ticket in some states. Laws vary across the country, but for example, in California, the law states that there cannot be anything obstructing the view through the windshield or side window . This rule is part of the California Vehicle Code, enforced in 1959. In Texas, the regulation is similar according to the state Transportation Code, and Minnesota, in turn, has had a law since 1957 making it strictly illegal to hang anything from the mirror. Nobody has anything against a nice-smelling car or a beautiful lucky charm, but when they obstruct your view , that’s a problem for everyone on the road.

4

Handling a stranger’s mail

It’s not unusual to find a stack of letters addressed to the person who lived in your house three years ago, right? Now, your first instinct might be to toss it in the bin . Believe it or not, that’s a big no-no since 1948, clearly stated in the U.S. Code. Tossing out mail intended for someone else into the garbage is considered a federal felony, and penalties can be severe, including up to five years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. The proper way to proceed is to write "refused" or "return to sender" on the envelope and let the post office take it from there.

5

Forgetting to tell the DMV you moved

Life gets busy and messy when you move to a new house, so it’s easy for updating your driver's license to fall to the bottom of the to-do list. However, in most states, you are legally required to notify the DMV of your change of address within a very short window, usually ten to thirty days . In California, for example, you must do this within ten days. If you get pulled over and your license doesn't match your current address, you could get a fine. Time really flies when moving, but make sure to write this on the very top of your to-do list, and you’ll be fine!

6

Letting the engine on

Isn’t it common to start the car on a frosty morning to let it warm up while you finish getting ready? Well, if you do this, you’re technically breaking the law in some states: since 2004, in Ohio and Colorado, this is actually a citable offense known as "puffing." Leaving an unattended vehicle idling in your driveway is illegal because it invites car theft and contributes to unnecessary exhaust emissions. If you want to get the heater going, the law expects you to stay right there in the driver's seat until you’re ready to pull away.

7

Prank pizzas

In Louisiana, ordering a stack of pizzas to be delivered to an unsuspecting friend as a prank is more than just a lousy joke; it’s a crime. Believe it or not, there’s a reason behind this law. Passed in 2018, the Louisiana Revised Statute was specifically written to protect small businesses from losing time and money on fake orders. Can you imagine how annoying it must be to deal with a pranked customer who doesn’t want the five pizzas they got out of the blue? Even if it started as a joke, the authorities now view it as a form of theft that can result in a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

8

Playing hairdresser

If you’ve ever offered to give a friend a quick perm or some highlights in your kitchen, you might be an accidental criminal. In the US, performing any kind of cosmetology service on another person without a professional license is illegal. Forms of enforcement and penalties depend on each state, but most follow the rules established by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, which grants licenses following pertinent examinations. Of course, a bangs cut is not always a problem, but these kinds of regulations were created to ensure that chemicals and sharp tools are handled safely by trained experts.

9

No-hands bike riding

Riding a bike is fun, especially for kids who like to do tricks and take both hands off the handlebars. But in North Carolina, that’s a traffic violation, according to the city code. The statute requires cyclists to keep at least one hand on the grip at all times to maintain control of the bike. Fines for this behavior can go up to $50 and even imprisonment for up to 30 days. Riding a bike without using your hands might feel like a fun way to show off skills, but the consequences can be serious.

10

Tossing out old batteries

When the remote dies, most people are tempted to just drop the old batteries into the kitchen trash can, but you might want to think that over, especially if you live in California. As of 2005, in this state, household batteries are classified as hazardous waste because they contain chemicals that leak into the soil. The California Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act requires you to take them to a proper recycling center instead of the regular landfill. It takes a little more effort to do the right thing, but it keeps the local environment a lot cleaner for everyone.

11

Lending your Wi-Fi password

You’ve just moved, and you ask your friendly neighbor to share their Wi-Fi password until your internet is set up. That’s pretty common, but that’s also been a felony since 1986. The feds view this as unauthorized access to a computer network . Under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, jumping on a signal you don't have explicit and formal permission to use is technically a crime. It’s better to stick to the local coffee shop than risk a run-in over a bit of borrowed bandwidth.

1

Alabama’s Southern charm

Image: Nathan Anderson

You may know Alabama for the peanuts, the cotton, and of course, that typical Southern hospitality. You may also know it for the iconic song "Sweet Home Alabama," but the Southern state has one more thing (or person to be more precise) to make it stand out: Zelda Fitzgerald.

Zelda was a novelist, painter, and socialite, a shining star of the 1920s, known for her creative spirit and marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald. Zelda embodied the roaring ‘20s and left a lasting artistic legacy.

And as if art was not enough for Alabama, it also produced one of the most important figures in the fight for Civil rights and that’s Rosa Parks whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked a movement that changed history. Quite a way to kick it off, huh?

2

Arkansas’ man in black

Image: Tommy Bond

The second state is known for its rivers, its lakes, and a bit of extreme weather. Arkansas is famous for its natural beauty, but it’s also the birthplace of one of the most iconic musicians of all time: Johnny Cash.

The "Man in Black" captured the hearts of millions with his deep voice and soulful songs like "I Walk the Line" and "Ring of Fire." Cash’s music transcended genres, blending country, folk, and rock with themes of heartache, redemption, and rebellion.

Few artists have left a mark as deep as Johnny Cash and we’ve got Arkansas to thank!

3

Delaware’s lifesaving innovator

Image: Josefina Lacroze

What’s the first thing you think of when you think of Delaware? Is it that it was the first state to ratify the Consitution? Maybe it’s the fact that it is a tax-free state. But did you know this is also Henry Heimlich’s home state ?

If you find that name familiar, it’s because you probably heard of the maneuver. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, revolutionized the field of emergency medicine with the creation of the Heimlich Maneuver.

This simple but life-saving technique has helped countless people who were choking, cementing Heimlich’s place in medical history. Delaware may be famous for being the "First State," but Heimlich’s contribution proves that it’s also a state of firsts when it comes to saving lives.

4

Georgia on our minds

Image: Joey Kyber

Yes, we all know about the peaches, but Georgia has so much more to offer! This state is also the birthplace of one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders: None other than Martin Luther King Jr!

MLK was born in Atlanta, and he became the face of the 1960s civil rights movement, advocating for non-violent resistance and racial equality. His speech "I Have a Dream" was powerful and it remains today as a call for justice. King’s leadership in desegregating the South and fighting for civil rights earned him the Nobel Peace Prize so this state has more than one reason to feel proud. Way to go, Georgia!

5

Illinois’ creative geniuses

Image: Joel Mott

The land of corn and the first McDonalds in America is also home to great creative minds like that of the great Walt Disney!

Born in Chicago, a city particularly known for its artistic spirit, Disney revolutionized the world of animation. Who doesn’t love that fun and loving Mickey Mouse? Or that magical castle that receives visitors from all over in Disney World. He created a truly magical world!

But that is not all, this state also gave us the literary icon Ernest Hemingway, whose works like The Old Man and the Sea continue to be read and loved all over the globe. Disney’s creativity and Hemingway’s literary genius… How are the rest of the states going to top that? Keep reading and you’ll see!

6

Kansas’ flying heroine

Image: Heyzeus Escribo

Kansas may be known for its wheat fields, but it’s also the home of one of history’s greatest aviators: Amelia Earhart.

Amelia was born in Atchison, Kansas, and she made the headlines as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. This was a turning point in history, as women in aviation were not a thing at all! One can easily imagine how inspiring it was for the rest of the women to pursue this kind of adventure, even when the tragic finale remains one of history’s unsolved mysteries. Her feat was an achievement for women and for aviation too!

Kansas, raise your glasses in pride, to celebrate this courageous woman!

7

Louisiana’s jazz royalty

Image: Joe Lavigne

How many films are set in this vibrant city? We say Louisiana and you think of music, right? And more than that, you probably think of the one and only Louis Armstrong , don’t you? As you should!

With his majestic voice and his amazing trumpet playing, Armstrong remains today as one of the brightest jazz stars. He was born in the heart of New Orleans and he contributed music with some of the greatest hits like "What a Wonderful World." His music shaped the sound of 20th-century jazz.

But that’s not all, Louisiana also gave us literary genius Truman Capote, who wrote classics like In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s . This is a state that knows how to produce world-class talent, don’t you think?

8

Massachusetts’ master of the macabre

Image: Piermario Eva

Massachusetts didn’t need to prove anything, that is, this was the place where the Pilgrims landed. We could say it’s the birthplace of our nation. But Massachusetts didn’t come here to play, it also gave us one of America’s most famous literary figures, Edgar Allan Poe .

Poe was born in Boston, and he is known for being the master of the macabre: He wrote thrilling stories with a gothic style like The Raven and The Telltale Heart.

More related to the history Massachusetts is known for, this is also the birthplace of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin , who helped shape the American Revolution and contributed to innovations in science. Did Massachusetts win the contest or what?

9

Michigan’s motorman

Image: Bruno Guerrero

Sometimes it’s not very clear what came first, it still remains a mystery whether the chicken or the egg came first. Now, in the case of Michigan, there’s no doubt what came first. This is the home state of Henry Ford and that is why this state suddenly came to be known for the automobile industry.

Ford revolutionized manufacturing with the introduction of the assembly line, making cars affordable to the middle class and transforming the way products were made. His Model T became a symbol of the modern world. Michigan’s Motor City, Detroit, owes much of its fame to Ford’s pioneering work. A word and legacy that is still a reality today!

10

Mississippi’s musical legends

Image: Jp Valery

We couldn’t end this article without including one of America’s most beloved characters. And this might cloud your judgment, but it will probably help you choose a winner. Mississippi is the birthplace of none other than the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley!

We don’t need to describe how influential Elvis was, or how his music contributions changed the industry forever. If this had been everything Mississippi had to offer, it would have been more than enough!

But the state’s contributions don’t end there, Mississippi saw many more great minds, like

Tennessee Williams , the famous playwright. He was known for works like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof or A Streetcar Named Desire . From rock ‘n’ roll to Broadway, Magnolia State’s influence is undeniable.