"soda" or "soft drink" here
Depends where you live in the States and even within a state. Where I grew up in southern Va (about 100 or miles from you, Max), we just called them 'drinks'. If I wanted a Coke, I'd go to the 'drink' box and get one.
In VA, liquor is regulated by the State and you have to buy it in ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) stores. You can buy wine and beer in grocery stores and mom and pop shops. In Maryland across the border from me. You buy liquor, beer, and wine in private stores. You can't buy wine and beer in grocery stores (from what I remember).
I do remember going to school in NJ back in the 70's and went hog wild when I discovered bars on every corner. You only see that in the larger cities in most of the state (VA).
Liquor laws such as where you can drink can vary widely in the state and depend on what county you live in. Some counties are 'dry' in that I don't think they sell it at all.
Also remember moving to SC in 1977 and went to a Pizza Hut and wanted to order a beer and couldn't do it.....Sunday beer and alcohol sales were prohibited.