Cheerwine was born right here in North Carolina, back in 1917, inthe small town of Salisbury. The story goes that L.D. Peeler, who was running abottling company, got hold of a new cherry-flavored syrup recipe at the heightof World War I. Sugar was in short supply, but Peeler managed to make it work,blending that syrup with carbonation and creating a soda that stood out fromanything else on the market.
Unlike colas of the time, Cheerwine had a rich, cherry flavor anda deep burgundy color. The name “Cheerwine” came from two ideas: “cheer”for the happy, uplifting feeling the drink gave, and “wine” for the deep,wine-like color — though there’s never been alcohol in it.
Building a Legacy
Over the decades, Cheerwine became a staple in North Carolina homes,diners, and gas stations. It wasn’t just a drink — it was part of our culture.By the mid-1900s, Cheerwine was proudly calling itself “the Nectar of NorthCarolina.”
Cheerwine didn’t stay bottled up in one small town. It grew into aregional favorite, spreading throughout the Carolinas and beyond. Fans lovedits bold cherry flavor, and the brand leaned into that southern heritage,keeping the recipe consistent and never straying too far from its roots.
Cheerwine Today
Fast forward to today, and Cheerwine has become a national — eveninternational — treasure. You can find it in restaurants, grocery stores, andeven as part of special food collaborations. In fact, Cheerwine has been usedto flavor everything from Cheerwine Krispy Kreme donuts to barbecuesauces.
Every year in Salisbury, there’s the Cheerwine Festival,celebrating this North Carolina icon with music, food, and, of course, plentyof cold bottles of Cheerwine.
While sodas have come and gone, Cheerwine remains a beloved brand becauseit’s more than just a drink. It’s a piece of southern history, bottled up withpride.
So next time you take a sip of Cheerwine, remember: you’re not just drinking asoda. You’re tasting over a century of North Carolina tradition — a drinkthat’s managed to stay both timeless and true to its roots.
