Schweppes: Official Sponsor, New York

Schweppes: Official Sponsor, New York

Swiss-born watchmaker, amateur scientist, and ruthless dreamer, Jacob Schweppe was drawn to the new art of carbonating water discovered by Joseph Priestly in 1770. Schweppe refined and patented his own process of creating mineral water in 1783. Schweppe developed a special bottle that, by laying it on its side and keeping the cork moist, was able to retain carbonation. He moved the business to London in 1792 and the soft drink industry was born. He added quinine to the carbonated water to create the world's first soft drink, Schweppe's Tonic Water.

Schweppes now offer a range of soft drinks, including ginger ales, soda waters and flavoured sparkling waters. Over 200 years of the perfect taste.

• Visit the Schweppes website