Since its founding in 1892, Coca-Cola has been a staple of American culture and through globalization, pop culture shared around the world. There are few who can associate the term soda with anything besides the fizzy sugary concoction that is Coke’s famous carbonated beverage. The creation of the drink is actually dated from much earlier, and it was not only unique in its taste, but, as the company grew, also for the way it was advertised.

Coca-Cola was born as a syrup in 1886, the creation of Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton. Looking for wealth and having failed in making drugs, Pemberton wanted to see if he could create a drink that would appeal more to taste. His prototype was based on an earlier medicine he created named “Pemberton’s French Wine Coca”, which contained both alcohol and coca leaves, the central ingredient needed in the making of cocaine. It was sold as a nerve stimulant that would soothe nervousness. However, around that time, the temperance movement, which encouraged abstinence from alcohol, was gaining ground. Seeking another place to gather and drink besides bars, soda fountains become an alternative option. Thus, Pemberton remade his French Wine Coca by removing the alcohol. The new beverage’s formula was taken to the patent office to be patented and trademark, along with its classic logo by Pemberton’s partner, Frank Robinson. Neither were particularly skilled in business, so despite the fact that many considered the taste of Coke “excellent”, it did not sell well as it was still largely unknown.

The success of Coca-Cola can be attributed to Asa Candler, who became the owner of the brand in 1891, officially making it into a company a year later. Under his watch, the Coke formula was largely unchanged, the only one of note being in 1903 with the removal of the coca leaves. He also began advertising the drink by widely distributing coupons for one free Coke drink, which he hoped would allow potential customers to sample new drink so that they would be more likely to pay for more if they liked it. Candler aimed to sell Coke’s name as much as the product itself. One of the biggest marketing decisions made involved the beginning of bottled Coke, making it more convenient to carry on the go. Its instantly recognizable bottle shape was designed in 1916. Not only did it add to the image of the drink, it also made it more difficult to counterfeit. In 1919, the company came into the possession of one Ernest Woodruff, led by son Robert Woodruff. They increased Coca-Cola distribution by selling “six-packs” for customers to take home. As the Coke brand became more known on an international basis, it also became a sponsor for the Olympics, a tradition that continues to this day. World War 2 and the deployment of soldiers overseas, further spread the Coke name beyond the boundaries of the United States.

Today, Coke is served every day in the literal billions. Its beginnings as the humble creation of a pharmacist to its supergiant power today is an incredible journey spanning hundreds of years. It truly is a delicious beverage to have been able to last for so long and become such a universally loved beverage.