Dr Pepper bourbon soda? This, we've got to try.
Dr Pepper Just Released a Limited Edition Soda That’s Supposed to Taste Like Barrel-Aged Bourbon
Updated Feb. 06, 2023
Dr Pepper bourbon soda? Well, kind of. The beverage brand is now offering a limited-edition drink called Dr Pepper Bourbon Flavored Fansville Reserve. And even though bourbon is the inspiration for the drink… it’s not alcoholic.
Dr Pepper has always bubbled away separately from Coke and Pepsi, with its sharper flavor, that goofy name (with no period after the Dr), and more creative ad campaigns. I grew up in the 1970s, and there was a brief period of time when every kid on the playground was singing the “I’m a Pepper!” jingle.
You can make pot roast with Dr Pepper, and some people actually drink hot Dr Pepper. There was a dark berry Dr Pepper variety introduced earlier this year, too, along with a Strawberries and Cream Dr. Pepper. So if any beverage was going to go all out and create a bourbon beverage, it makes sense that it’s the good doctor.
Dr Pepper Bourbon Soda, But No Alcohol?
That’s right. The drink does come in a very cool-looking silver can with a vintage-looking label that resembles a bourbon bottle, but it’s 100 percent non-alcoholic. If you need a refresher, this is the difference between bourbon and whiskey.
It’ll be interesting to see how Dr Pepper bourbon soda manages to evoke the flavor notes of bourbon without any alcohol. Lack of alcohol aside, it certainly sounds like it’s meant for grown-ups. I wonder if it’ll become an ingredient in cocktails, or even spiked ice cream floats?
What Does the Dr Pepper Bourbon Soda Taste Like?
I’ll report back on the taste once I get a sample, but for now, here’s what the company says it tastes like: “Dr Pepper Bourbon Flavored Fansville Reserve is a non-alcoholic beverage inspired by the tailgate and crafted for fans with one-of-a-kind flavor that evokes sweet, savory, and woody notes with subtle hints of cherry, vanilla, chocolate and caramel depending on the sipper that are sure to delight the palate.”
That’s…a lot of flavor notes for one soda can. Sounds a bit more like an ice cream sundae than bourbon, but hey, bring it on.
When Can I Get It?
You can get a can right now—but do you feel lucky? To get a can to try at home, you have to win one. Interested Peppers should log in or enroll in the drink’s Pepper Perks program, redeem points, and play a scratch-and-win game to try and win a can of the Dr Pepper bourbon soda.
The drink is a limited-time offering, and only available while supplies last, even though the promotion will be running till November 17. So if it’s your cup of soda, give the game a try now!
Try These Bourbon-Spiked Recipes
Brownie Bourbon BitesChocolate and chopped pecans flavor these simple, spirited treats. Make a double batch so you can give some as gifts and savor the rest!—Paula Kirchenbauer, Newton, New Jersey
Ginger Mint JulepMint juleps aren't just for Kentucky Derby day! Enjoy one while gathering with friends for baby shower or luncheon. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Bourbon MeatballsKick-start your meatballs with a splash of bourbon and vinegar for punchy sweet-and-sour flavor. These Kentucky Derby bourbon meatballs are perfect to snack on while you watch the race. —Kimla Carsten, Grand Junction, Colorado
Bourbon Barbecue Chicken TacosI wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma
Honey-Bourbon Hot ChocolateMy husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It's even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
Maple-Glazed Green BeansAfter I picked my first green beans of the season one year, I wanted to make a savory side dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn't stop eating it. The next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Cranberry BourbonThe subtle tang of cranberry and the warm winter spices make this bourbon just right for holiday toasts—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Bourbon-Soaked Bacon and Ginger Cinnamon RollsThis recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. The bourbon-soaked bacon adds a smoky, savory, bold taste to normal cinnamon rolls. The ginger and pecan topping makes for a crunchy, spicy finish. —Shannen Casey, Berkeley, California
BBQ Chicken SlidersBrining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri
Bourbon-Glazed HamSmoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Bourbon Pumpkin Tart with Walnut StreuselBecause my husband loves pumpkin pie, I've looked high and low for that "perfect" recipe. But as soon as he tasted this tart, he told me to stop searching, declaring this the best he's ever tried! —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
Kentucky LemonadeMint and bourbon give this drink a bit of a Kentucky kick, and ginger ale makes it a fizzy party punch.—Cathy Justus, Taylor, Michigan
Chocolate Pecan PieInspired by Derby Pie and the beloved Thanksgiving pie, our chocolate pecan pie recipe is irresistible.
Bread Pudding with Bourbon SauceThis bread pudding with bourbon sauce recipe is deliciously decadent and perfect for a chilly day... or any day! A slow cooker does most of the work, so just sit back and relax for a while until it's time to dig in. Enjoy!
Mint JulepOur recipe for mint julep features a from-scratch mint syrup and and expert tips for the perfect warm-weather cocktail.
Apple Cider SmashA smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing. It's a great use for those apples you bought from the orchard plus some sparking cider. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
Cinnamon Apple PieWhether baked in a skillet or a deep-dish pie plate, a hefty cinnamon apple pie is a real stunner.
Dr Pepper DrumsticksIf you love Dr Pepper as much as I do, try it in my barbecue sauce for grilled chicken. It adds zip to the ketchup, bourbon and barbecue seasoning. —Shannon Holle-Funk, Venedy, Illinois
And for a bourbon-flavored drink, try this Dr Pepper bourbon.
Southern Bourbon Pecan PieWhen I first made the original recipe for this bourbon-splashed pie, I added some vanilla extract and eliminated the flour. We loved the result. —Paul Falduto, Efland, North Carolina
Bourbon SlushThis easy, refreshing bourbon slush recipe takes care of all your cocktail needs come barbecue season. It's one of our favorite make-ahead drinks, and you'll have enough of it for a crowd.
Bourbon-Glazed HamBourbon-glazed ham is an elegant centerpiece for your next holiday celebration. Warm, sweet and spiced notes come through in the delicious glaze, giving the ham a perfect finish.
Grilled Figgy PiesDelicious figs combined with maple, walnuts and creamy mascarpone make a decadent treat that's easy to enjoy at a backyard cookout. These unique hand pies always disappear quickly. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island
Coconut-Bourbon Sweet PotatoesWhat is it about sweet potatoes that unnerve some people? For those who firmly state they hate a yam because of the color or texture, the rich addition of coconut, bourbon and spices might just win them over. —Rebecca Anderson, Driftwood, Texas
Southern Lane CakeWhat’s the most sumptuous, indulgent cake you can bake for your guests? The answer is probably Lane Cake, a Southern classic with a rich history and even richer filling. This Lane Cake recipe takes some planning and patience, but it’s all worth it in the end.
Originally Published: October 20, 2022
