How Coca-Cola became “The coca – cola“
In 1885, during the battle of Columbus, Dr. John Pemberton, an American army lieutenant colonel, sustained a severe chest injury from a sword attack. This injury caused him chronic pain, leading Pemberton to rely on morphine as a daily painkiller. Unfortunately, this led to his addiction to the drug. Seeking to break free from morphine addiction, Pemberton experimented with various concoctions, eventually creating a mixture of kola nuts and the damiana plant. He initially added cocaine and alcohol to this mixture, naming it “French Wine Coca.”
Around 1886, amidst a growing movement against alcoholism, Pemberton’s friend and local shop owner suggested removing alcohol and cocaine from his concoction. Pemberton then reformulated his drink using only kola nuts and the damiana plant, creating a syrup. One day, while mixing this syrup with carbonated water, Pemberton’s friend tasted it and found it refreshing. He suggested the name “Coca-Cola,” referencing its key ingredients.
On May 8, 1886, the first glass of Coca-Cola was sold for five cents at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta. Pemberton, facing health issues and financial difficulties, sold portions of his business, including the Coca-Cola formula, to various parties. Eventually, Asa Griggs Candler, an Atlanta businessman, gained full control of Coca-Cola. Under Candler’s leadership, Coca-Cola expanded…
