Coca-Cola
It's from 1886, before you were born.
- Maker
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Type
- Cola soft drink
- Debuted
- 1886
- Origin
- Atlanta, Georgia
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About
As of 2026, it's 140 years old.
Coca-Cola started in 1886 as a pharmacist's tonic sold by the glass and has since become arguably the most recognized object on the planet — the red can is reportedly identifiable to a wider share of humanity than almost any word or symbol. Not bad for fizzy sugar water with a secret recipe.
That secrecy is half the marketing: the 'formula' lives in a vault, which is a wonderful way to sell a drink whose ingredients are mostly not a mystery. The brand basically invented modern advertising along the way, up to and including the modern image of Santa Claus.
Whether you grew up calling every soda 'Coke' or just remember the cold can in the cooler, it's the default against which every other soft drink is politely measured.
Coca-Cola through the years
First served in Atlanta
Pharmacist John Pemberton sold the first glasses at Jacob's Pharmacy.
The contour bottle debuts
The curved 'hobbleskirt' bottle is designed to be recognizable even in the dark.
"New Coke" reformulation
A sweeter recipe replaces the original and sparks a public backlash.
Coca-Cola Classic returns
The original formula is brought back just 79 days later.
Coca-Cola Zero launches
A zero-sugar version aimed at younger drinkers joins the lineup.
