Born on the shelves of US pharmacies, the drink has elapsed worldwide
It may seem strange, but the most famous soda in the world was born with a very different proposal from what we see today in the gondolas of the supermarkets. On May 8, 1886, in the heat of Atlanta, United States, pharmacist John Stith Pemberton gave life to a drink that, according to him, would be a “miraculous tonic” against headaches, fatigue and even digestive problems.
Coca-Cola’s original formula was somewhat curious two: Cafen-rich walnut extract and coca leaves-yes, the same plant that gives rise to cocaine.
But calm: modern versions of the drink have none of that anymore. The removal of Coke extract began in the early twentieth century, after changes in regulations and social pressures.
The little known story behind the creation of Coca-Cola
The name “Coca-Cola” was suggested by Frank M. Robinson, accountant and friend of Pemberton, who was also responsible for drawing the famous logo with that unmistakable handwriting, used to this day.
In the early days, Coke was sold in glasses at Jacob’s Pharmacy for five cents. Pemberton, who did not see the success of his invention, sold the rights of the formula shortly before he died in 1888. Who really turned the tonic into a commercial phenomenon was Asa Griggs Candler, a visionary entrepreneur who bought the brand and invested heavily in marketing and distribution.
Over time, Coca-Cola was no longer just a drink-it has become a symbol of pop culture and the American lifestyle. It was one of the first products to use large -scale advertising campaigns and even helped popularize Santa’s modern figure with red clothes.
Today, soda is present in over 200 countries and is consumed by millions of people every day. But behind every cold can, there is a story full of curiosities, chances and commercial strategies that helped shape an empire that started, see, with a recipe sold in pharmacy.
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