The Origins of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola originated as a medicinal tonic created by John Pemberton, a Confederate Army veteran. Following a saber wound during the Civil War, Pemberton became addicted to morphine and sought a remedy, resulting in a drink initially known as French wine cola that mixed cocaine and wine. After local alcohol bans forced him to adjust his formula, he developed Coca-Cola as a non-alcoholic beverage marketed as a cure for 'nervous affections.' The drink's early association with health fads marked the beginning of its rise in popularity, highlighting how its roots in medicine laid the foundation for its future success.