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The Old 7-Up Used to Get You High
When we think of 7-Up today, it’s often associated with a refreshing, caffeine-free lemon-lime soda — a staple at backyard barbecues, family picnics, and for some, the go-to remedy for an upset stomach. It’s light, fizzy, and classic. But what if I told you that this beloved soft drink once had a very different kick? A mood-enhancing kick, to be exact.
Yes, you read that right. Long before 7-Up became the household name we know today, it contained an ingredient that was far more than just a thirst quencher. The soda’s early formulation included lithium citrate, a chemical compound still used today in certain psychiatric medications to stabilize mood. In fact, 7-Up’s history is so unique that it almost seems like something out of a wellness product advertisement — “feeling down? Have a soda!” — except it was very real.
So, how did this come to be? What happened to this mysterious ingredient, and what does it tell us about how products and consumer tastes have evolved over time?
Let’s take a journey into the surprising history of 7-Up, how it once promised to lift your spirits, and what lessons we can draw from this strange but fascinating chapter in the history of soft drinks.
