Coca-Cola is one of the most well known brand names in the world, but interestingly enough, the popular soft drink actually began as a wine in the 1800s. John Pemberton developed his French Wine Coca in 1865.  The wine was advertised as a medical treatment for nervousness, stomach irregularities and other ailments.  In 1886, a temperance movement in Pemberton’s home city of Atlanta forced a change in the Wine Coca recipe that would eventually lead to modern day Coca-Cola.

On this day, March 29th, in 1886, John Pemberton brewed the first batch of a non-alcholic wine alternative, later named Coca-Cola.  Pemberton used trial and error to develop the recipe with the help of his assistant Willis Venable.  Pemberton eventually discovered that mixing carbonated water with the base syrup was a key component of preparing the beverage.  Upon marketing Coca-Cola, Pemberton claimed the beverage was a valuable brain tonic that was delicious, refreshing and exhilarating.

Pemberton’s creation was purchased by Asa Candler in 1887 and by 1894, Coca-Cola was being shipped and sold in bottles.  More than a century after first being introduced, Coca-Cola is a leading product among consumers.  The Coca-Cola Company manufactures and sells coke throughout the world, in addition to a variety of other soft-drink products.