As American as Dr. Pepper - The Summer of Flavor

This year I was lucky enough to spend three weeks in the Boston and Cape Cod area. Whenever I’m back in this part of the world, especially in the summertime, I feel the urge to check dozens of ultra-American type things off my temporary bucket list.

While my vacation post is still pending, so you’ll need to wait for those details, I did indulge in multiple ice cream treats, especially of the multiple scoop waffle cone variety. I also went hiking along the beach and up a mountain. I watched fireworks launch in a small Massachusetts town despite the rain. I snacked on fried pickles and sweet potato fries. And along the way I drank Dr. Pepper. While many of them might not be only American these are things I always equate to summer and to this great country.

I’ll be honest, until this summer I didn’t necessarily directly equate Dr. Pepper with America. But then a friend of mine, who happens to hail from Mexico, mentioned she had the hardest time drinking Dr. Pepper in all its yummy flavors because she didn’t grow up with the taste. I did a little non-scientific study and those I ran into from the US all seemed to love the taste explosion that Dr. Pepper provides. Those from outside the US said it was something they never experienced before coming to this country. So cheers to Dr. Pepper and it’s American roots.

Why not turn this summer’s parties and plans - whether it be a backyard BBQ, a day at the beach, a leisurely stroll through town or the exciting adventure of exploring a new place - into a summer of flavor? A summer of Dr. Pepper. After all, you remember things better when all your senses are involved. I might be able to sit along the esplanade in Boston watching the ducks play and hearing the tourists converse in multiple languages. Add a little Vanilla Float Dr. Pepper to the mix and it’s a memory that is much more likely to be seared in my head for years to come. (Check out my previous post about summer memories and Dr. Pepper.)