Carbonated beverages got their start in pharmacies, because pharmacies were great at combining chemicals, whether it was for refreshment or medicinal use or both. In fact, pharmacies offered the earliest soda fountains. Cincinnati, Ohio, was the site of the Eclectic Medical Institute, a pioneer in pharmacy. It was in that city that the nectar soda was developed, and served as a side story to the history of cream soda.
While cream soda was flavored with vanilla, it was too sweet for some people, so nectar soda added the flavor of bitter almond to counteract the sweetness. This unique flavor was tinted pink to distinguish it from other sodas, as it mimicked the color of bitter almond flowers. Nectar sodas were so popular they were served at pharmacies, soda fountains, ice cream shops, and candy stores across Cincinnati. It spread to other cities, although the only other place it took permanent root was New Orleans. Read about nectar soda at Gastro Obscura.