Coca-Cola was initially made of cocaine

Coca-Cola, the world's most famous soft drink, was originally made with cocaine as one of its ingredients. The drink was created by American pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886 and was marketed as a tonic beverage that could cure headaches, anxiety, and even impotence. However, the use of cocaine in soft drinks was not uncommon in the 19th century, and it was believed to have medicinal properties.

▼ The early days of Coca-Cola

When Coca Cola was first introduced, it was sold as a syrup that was mixed with soda water to create a refreshing carbonated drink. The original recipe for Coca-Cola included a mixture of coca leaves and kola nuts, two ingredients that were believed to have medicinal properties. The coca leaves were used to extract cocaine, while the kola nuts were used to add caffeine to the drink.

During the early days of Coca Cola, the company did not disclose the fact that cocaine was an ingredient in the drink. This was partly due to the fact that cocaine was legal at the time and was widely used in medicine as a local anesthetic and a pain reliever.

▼ The effect of cocaine in Coca-Cola

Cocaine was a key ingredient in early versions of Coca Cola, and it was believed to have a number of effects on the body, including:

- Increased energy and alertness
- Improved mood
- Increased focus and concentration
- Reduced appetite

However, these effects were short lived, and the use of cocaine in soft drinks was eventually banned due to its addictive nature and harmful side effects.

▼ The removal of cocaine from Coca-Cola

As the use of cocaine became more controversial and its harmful effects became more widely known, the Coca Cola Company was forced to remove cocaine from its recipe. In 1903, the company began using a cocaine-free coca leaf extract in its formula, and by 1929, all traces of cocaine had been removed from Coca-Cola.

Today, the formula for Coca-Cola includes a mixture of natural flavors, caffeine, and high-fructose corn syrup. The company has also introduced a number of variations on the original recipe, including Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Cherry Coke.

▼ Conclusion

Coca Cola's early use of cocaine is a fascinating chapter in the history of the world's most famous soft drink. While the drink was marketed as a medicinal tonic, the inclusion of cocaine in its recipe was not uncommon at the time. Today, Coca-Cola no longer contains cocaine, but the drink remains an iconic symbol of American culture and a beloved beverage around the world.