It first sold for 5 cents per glass on 8th May 1886 from Atlanta’s Jacob Pharmacy as a substitute for problematic pain killer Morphine and was registered as a patented medicine. American Civil War veteran Colonel John Stith Pemberton was suffering from PTSD and to deal with his chronic physical and psychological issues he prescribed himself Morphine. Soon, he discovered he had developed a pretty nasty Morphine addiction. To deal with his Morphine addiction he invented something more lethal and named it ‘Coca-Cola’. The invention story of Coca-Cola was ironical and worth your attention.
Invention and Influence of ‘Bad Habits’
Being a chemist Pemberton always had an abundance of Morphine at his disposal. Now, Pemberton started searching for his panacea that would help him deal with his physical and mental scars. To be more precise, he was searching equally potent yet less lethal substitute for Morphine that would not make him an addict.
To execute his plan, he picked a few random chemicals and prepared a syrup that was quite tasty. After a few more trials, he finally came up with his final formula and patented it as a medicine. On 29th May of the same year, the medicine first time appeared in print media promoting its miraculous effects on human bodies. Those initial claims were tall, straightaway preposterous. Since, according to the manufacturer, the alleged medicine was capable of curing impotency, headache, nerve disorder, substance addiction, indigestion, and whatnot. To be precise, the only issue with that medicine was it was not capable of giving life to the dead.
Later, Pemberton teamed up with Ed Holland, David Doe, and Frank Robinson and formed a budding partnership business. One day when the four of them were brainstorming for a suitable name for their product then Robinson suggested the catchy name “Coca-Cola”. He also designed a beautiful logo for their product, which instantly got approved by the remaining three partners.
Since the basic properties of that drink were Caffeine and Cocaine, yes, you read it right – It was cocaine. Cocaine was legal back at that time. As people were not fully aware of the lethal side effects of Cocaine. Therefore, quite ironically, for Pemberton, the substitute of Morphine was way more lethal. Despite such anomalies, the journey of that non-alcoholic beverage was remarkable and it remained the same even in the twenty-first century.
Brief Biography: Colonel John Stith Pemberton (1831–1888)
Colonel John Stith Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-Cola, was born on January 8, 1831, in Knoxville, Georgia. By profession, Pemberton was a pharmacist and chemist. He sustained severe injuries as a veteran of the American Civil War. To manage his chronic pain and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), he began using morphine, which soon led to addiction. Determined to find a safer alternative, Pemberton began experimenting with medicinal formulas.
In 1886, his trials resulted in a syrup made from coca leaves and kola nuts. Ironical enough initially it was marketed as a medicinal tonic for a variety of ailments. This syrup, mixed with carbonated water, became the first version of Coca-Cola, sold at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta for five cents per glass. Pemberton initially claimed it could cure headaches, nerve disorders, and even addiction, though these claims were unsubstantiated.
Despite its initial success, Pemberton struggled financially and sold portions of his stake in Coca-Cola. He passed away on August 16, 1888, without witnessing the monumental global success of his invention. Today, Pemberton is remembered as the creator of one of the world’s most iconic beverages, a product that transformed the global drink industry.
How Coca-Cola Changed the World
Coca-Cola revolutionized the beverage industry and became a global cultural phenomenon. Initially created as a medicinal tonic, it evolved into a refreshing soft drink and a symbol of happiness, innovation, and unity. That especially brand’s aggressive and innovative marketing strategies played a key role in shaping modern advertising. Coca-Cola’s association with iconic symbols set the standard for brand storytelling. Coca-Cola has evolved and redefined its brand story multiple times and changed its logo and slogans. Its memorable slogans and visually striking logo contributed to the brand’s instant recognition worldwide. Coca-Cola became a part of America’s identity.
Coca-Cola also spearheaded the globalization of consumer products. Available in more than 200 countries, it symbolizes accessibility and consistency. Its worldwide distribution network stimulated economic growth locally and globally. Wherever it went it created and it is still creating millions of jobs across industries, including manufacturing, advertising, and logistics.
Moreover, Coca-Cola’s packaging innovations, like the contour bottle, revolutionized product design and sustainability efforts in later years. The drink’s influence extended beyond business, intertwining with cultural moments, from Olympic sponsorships to social movements. Meanwhile, because of its high sugar and carbonated nature Coca-Cola has faced criticism for health-related issues. It uses a lot of natural water resources and destroys the environment. Despite all the controversies, it remains a cornerstone of global commerce.
The only difference is that great medicine is no longer considered as ‘medicine’ and presently it is the legendary non-alcoholic beverage Coca-Cola. Even after such fake claims Coca-Cola remains equally popular among consumers. In human history perhaps very few products were so controversial, and deceptive, yet so popular among the consumers. Do you like this amazing story of Coca-Cola? If you love fascinating stories inventions and discoveries, visit our “Stories of Invention” section. Discover how messy, accidental, or even funny moments have shaped the world and human history!