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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Money & Work • Beverages

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink created in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1886 by pharmacist John S.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink invented in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1886 by pharmacist John S. Pemberton. It is now one of the world’s best-known beverage brands, produced by The Coca-Cola Company.

What it is

Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink first served on May 8, 1886, at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta. The name and script logo were suggested by Frank M. Robinson. The drink was originally a syrup mixed with carbonated water, created by Dr. John S. Pemberton.

Key details

The exact formula is a closely guarded trade secret and not publicly disclosed. The Coca-Cola Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Variants include Diet Coke, which uses different sweeteners and has no sugar. Caffeine content varies by market and serving size.

Why it matters

Coca-Cola has grown from a local soda fountain drink into a global soft drink line. It is widely sold in Canada and is a familiar consumer brand for Canadian readers. The brand’s longevity and secrecy of its recipe contribute to its cultural and commercial significance.

In short

  • Invented by Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta in 1886.
  • First served at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta.
  • Formula remains a trade secret; not publicly disclosed.
  • Sold in many variants, including Diet Coke.
Canadian angle

Coca-Cola is widely sold in Canada and is a familiar consumer brand for Canadian readers.

Quick questions

Who invented Coca-Cola?
Coca-Cola was invented by Dr. John S. Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist, in 1886.
What is in Coca-Cola?
The full formula is a trade secret. The company identifies it as a carbonated soft drink made from carbonated water and other ingredients, but does not publicly disclose the complete recipe.
What is the difference between Coke and Diet Coke?
Coke is the original Coca-Cola, while Diet Coke is a separate variant made with no sugar and different sweeteners. They also differ in taste and nutrition.

Sources

  1. The Coca-Cola Company — https://www.coca-colacompany.com/about-us/history
    Supports: Coca-Cola began in Atlanta in 1886 and was first served at Jacobs' Pharmacy.
  2. New Georgia Encyclopedia — https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/john-stith-pemberton-1831-1888/
    Supports: John Stith Pemberton was the inventor of Coca-Cola.
  3. The Coca-Cola Company — https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/about-us/faq/how-was-coca-cola-invented
    Supports: John S. Pemberton created the syrup in May 1886 and Frank Robinson suggested the name.
  4. The Coca-Cola Company — https://www.coca-colacompany.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/about-us/history/coca-cola-a-short-history-125-years-booklet.pdf
    Supports: The company’s history and move to its current Atlanta location.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca-Cola_formula
    Supports: The Coca-Cola formula is a closely guarded trade secret, not publicly disclosed.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Coca-Cola_Company
    Supports: The Coca-Cola Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.