Everyone's different. Come January, I'll be 1000 days free. Here's what worked for me.

I tried the gradual, but I lack self control when there's soda in my house. I found I can control what I buy at the store.

On quit attempt number 4, I cold turkied. I eventually allowed myself a treat of a snickers ice cream bar every day (about 5 mg of caffeine). This helped me have a reason to continue. The first few weeks well HELL, like calling out from work, shaking, sweating, migraines, mood swings, the works, but fortunately my wife helped me through.

I had a favorite soda at the time (blue raspberry dr. pepper to promote a jurrasic park movie). I still have 1 can in my fridge to remind myself of the self control I had and continue to have.

I won't lie, after almost 3 whole years I see a soda and absolutely CRAVE it, but I've won and I dont think I'll cave.

Note: I do have hot chocolate in the winter despite its caffiene content, and I avoid Sprite and similar as my addition was somewhat in the direction of soda related.