I find the recommendations for water is a little crazy. What is it like 8 glasses or something per day? If I drank that much myself I may as well just have a catheter that is connected straight to a drain because I'll be peeing like every 5 minutes all day and night. I would not try to reach that kind of goal, just limit drinking "bad" drinks and make sure you get at least SOME water every day. You get some through food too.
Try club soda, or just plain carbonized water. It's almost like pop, as you get the fizziness. Coffee and tea is ok too, but try to still have plain water as those do dehydrate you.
Also, consider getting an under sink filter system if you don't have one, when you do drink water it will taste so much better. What you probably don't like from the water is the chlorine taste.
Generally if I'm thirsty and craving a pop, I have a glass of water, and the craving will often subdue.