Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has reportedly gone 48 years without drinking water, relying instead on beverages such as Cherry Coke, according to fellow billionaire Bill Ackman.
Ackman, founder and chief executive of Pershing Square Capital Management, shared the anecdote during an appearance on the Equity Mates Investing podcast, recalling a dinner he hosted for Buffett at his home.
According to Ackman, he offered Buffett still or sparkling water during the meal, but the veteran investor declined and asked for Cherry Coke instead. When Ackman asked whether he drank water, Buffett reportedly replied: “Bill, I haven’t had water in 48 years.”
The account was reported by Business Insider on October 30, 2026. It remains an anecdote attributed to Ackman rather than an independently verified record of Buffett’s drinking habits.
Buffett’s preference for Coca-Cola is, however, well documented. In a 2015 interview with Fortune, he said he drank at least five 12-ounce servings daily and joked that the drink accounted for about a quarter of his daily calorie intake. He also said he preferred regular Coca-Cola at work and Cherry Coke at home.
The 96-year-old investor has also spoken openly about his fondness for simple meals and sweet treats, including hamburgers, ice cream and other snacks. Buffett stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway’s chief executive on January 1, 2026, with Greg Abel succeeding him. In September 2026, he became chairman emeritus and remained a director of the company.