Event of 1886: American pharmacist Dr. John Pemberton invents a carbonated beverage that will b (1886–1888)

In 1886, Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton developed a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage, Coca-Cola, as a response to local temperance legislation. Marketed as a patent medicine, the drink was first sold in May 1886. Pemberton subsequently sold ownership rights to Asa Griggs Candler, who established the brand's dominance.

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Background and detail

Background. Pemberton originally registered a nerve tonic called French Wine Coca in 1885. When Atlanta and Fulton County passed prohibition legislation in 1886, he developed a non-alcoholic version. The drink was marketed as a patent medicine, claimed to cure various ailments including morphine addiction and headaches, capitalizing on the popularity of drugstore soda fountains.

Commercialization. The first sales occurred at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta on May 8, 1886, priced at five cents per glass. Frank Mason Robinson created the logo in 1885, and the first advertisement appeared in the Atlanta Journal in 1886. The fixed price remained in effect until 1959 due to specific contract terms.

Ownership. Pemberton sold ownership rights to Asa Griggs Candler in 1888. Candler acquired a one-third interest in April 1888 and eventually became sole proprietor in August 1888. Pemberton died of stomach cancer in August 1888, shortly after transferring rights, leaving Candler to manage the brand's growth.

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