If a man's been out in the rain, and returns sodden to his study, a Corona Cordial served hot will offer the same comfort as a hot toddy. That was the hope of the original Mr Thomas and Mr Evans, grocers, when they set about manufacturing soft drinks in the 1890s as an alternative to alcohol for thirsty Rhondda miners. Failing to get pubs to stock their drinks, they sold door-to-door very successfully (via the ‘Corona man') and introduced flavours that would appeal to children.