Soft drink

Soft drink, nonalcoholic beverage generally containing fruit acids, sweetening agents, and natural or artificial flavorings and colorings. In the early 19th century carbonated water (soda water) was developed in imitation of effervescent spa, or mineral, water; this was the antecedent of carbonated soft drinks, made by absorption of carbon dioxide under pressure. The dissolved gas gives a pleasant, slightly acid taste and acts as a preservative. Soft drinks without carbon dioxide are frozen or subjected to pasteurization.