Once upon a time, if you were feeling down, you could just grab a bottle of 7-Up—and we mean that quite literally! In the early days, 7-Up wasn’t just a lemon-lime soda; it came with a surprising ingredient: lithium, a mood-stabilizing element that’s still used today to treat certain mental health conditions. Let’s pop open the bottle and discover why this fizzy drink was a mood-lifting potion!

The Original Formula: A Bubbly Pick-Me-Up

When 7-Up was introduced in 1929 by Charles Leiper Grigg, it had the catchy (but lengthy) name “Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda.” Grigg decided to add lithium citrate—a compound known for its calming effects—to give the beverage a mood-boosting edge. Back then, lithium was thought to be a cure-all for various ailments, from headaches to depression. Imagine sipping a refreshing soda that also promised to make you feel a little happier—that’s the ultimate “pick-me-up”!

The Lithium Craze

In the early 20th century, lithium was all the rage. Mineral waters containing lithium were popular for their supposed health benefits, and lithium-rich springs were considered miracle waters. By adding lithium to 7-Up, Grigg was tapping into the trend—offering a fizzy, lemon-lime drink that wasn’t just tasty but could potentially improve your mood. It was like the original wellness drink, decades before kombucha came along.

Why the Name “7-Up”?

There’s no definitive answer as to why it’s called 7-Up, but there are a few theories. One idea is that the “7” referred to the drink’s pH level, which was slightly alkaline, and the “Up” suggested a boost in mood—thanks to the lithium. Another popular theory is that the name simply referred to the seven ingredients in the original recipe. Either way, the "Up" part sure fits when you think about the mood-lifting effects!

The End of the Lithium Era

Lithium remained in 7-Up until 1948, when the U.S. government decided it was time to regulate the use of potentially harmful substances in food and beverages. Lithium got the boot, and 7-Up became the pure lemon-lime soda we know today. Though it no longer has its original “feel-good” ingredient, 7-Up still managed to keep its uplifting branding—just without the literal mood enhancer.

From Mood-Stabilizer to Party Drink

Today, 7-Up is known as a classic mixer for cocktails or a soothing drink for an upset stomach, but its original purpose was far more ambitious. Imagine cracking open a can of soda that promises to lift your spirits in more ways than one! While the lithium is long gone, the quirky history remains—a fizzy reminder of the days when soft drinks were a little more medicinal.