In 1886, Coca-Cola was invented by a pharmacist named John Pemberton, otherwise known as "Doc." He fought in the Civil War, and at the end of the war he decided he wanted to invent something that would bring him commercial success.

Over 100 years ago, people were drinking Coke to feel sexy.

Coca-Cola was first introduced on May 8, 1886 by a pharmacist named Dr. John S. Pemberton. The recipe for Coca-Cola removed the alcohol present in Pemberton’s previous drink recipe for Pemberton’s French Wine Coca, as prohibition legislation had been passed in Atlanta, Georgia. The original recipe was initially sold as a patent medicine in soda fountain stores with the claim that it would be a remedy for ailments including heartburn, nausea, and headaches. Dr. Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, is credited with designing the trademarked logo and with naming the beverage “Coca-Cola”.

Learn about the history of the Coca-Cola Company, from how Dr John Pemberton first invented Coke in 1886 to the expansion of the Coca-Cola range

How one brand of sugar water came to represent America itself.

As a primer for your World of Coca-Cola visit or simply to learn more, check out the history of Coca Cola.

'It's the Real Thing'