Why “Hot Dr. Pepper” Is Currently Trending Across Texas

I’ve always raved about the cuisine here in Texas—barbecue, Tex-Mex, chili, of course, and so many of our go-to delicious treats in the great state. Having one of those meals with an ice-cold Dr Pepper, a true Texas beverage, always pairs perfectly. But when I heard about a “new” trend involving Dr Pepper—one that’s actually been around since the 1950s—I wasn’t mad at it at all.

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How Do You Make "Hot Dr. Pepper"?

Hot Dr Pepper with a slice of lemon is trending here in Texas. I wasn’t familiar with the history of hot Dr Pepper with lemon, but from what I’ve learned, this nostalgic drink dates back to the early ’50s. It was a warm beverage people enjoyed on cold days as a substitute for coffee or tea, according to Serious Eats. Texans would heat their stoves to at least 180 degrees, pour Dr Pepper into a saucepan, and layer it with thinly sliced lemons—not too many, since the lemon can overpower the flavor. The drink would then be poured into a glass bottle or a mug for sipping. People who’ve tried it say that for some, it’s an acquired taste, but for others, it’s addictive and they fall in love with it immediately.

Drink This Next Time To Warm Up

When I tried it, I’m not going to lie—at first, I wasn’t impressed. But as a substitute for coffee or tea, it definitely works. Personally, I’d keep the lemon slices and maybe add a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. So next time, Texas, you find yourself catching a chill during our winter season, don’t immediately reach for cocoa or coffee. Just grab a Dr Pepper, place it on the stovetop, and give it a sip.