Today in History

March 12 , 1894

Coca Cola Sold In Bottles

If you believed its press, Coca Cola was a miracle drug, capable of curing all manner of ills including morphine addiction, headaches and impotence. Invented in 1885 in Columbus, Georgia, the drink was first sold in soda fountains in Atlanta in 1886 as a patent medicine for five cents a glass. The syrup was mixed with carbonated water and during its first year sold an average of 9 glasses a day. Frank M. Robinson, the pharmacy's accountant, suggested the name "Coca Cola" and crafted the famous trademark "Coca-Cola" in his unique script. The name came from the two stimulants used in the syrup's formulation: coca leaves from South America and kola nuts, a source of caffine. The exact formula is a closely guarded trade secret and the brand is reputedly the best recognized logo and brand of any product in the world.