Caleb Bradham creates 'Brad's Drink', the precursor to Pepsi (1893)

Caleb Bradham, an American pharmacist, invented a carbonated soft drink in New Bern, North Carolina, in 1893. Originally sold as 'Brad's Drink' at his drugstore, the beverage was later renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898 due to its perceived digestive benefits. The drink's creation occurred at the Bradham Drug Company, which featured a soda fountain.

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Background and detail

Background. Caleb Davis Bradham was an American pharmacist who established the Bradham Drug Company in New Bern, North Carolina. Like many drug stores of the era, his establishment included a soda fountain. Bradham developed a specific recipe involving kola nut extract, vanilla, and rare oils, which he initially marketed as 'Brad's Drink' before renaming it Pepsi-Cola in 1898.

Invention and Naming. Bradham invented the drink in 1893 at his drugstore in New Bern. The recipe combined kola nut extract, vanilla, and rare oils. He named the drink 'Pepsi-Cola' in 1898, intending to market it as having digestive benefits, drawing from the terms 'dyspepsia' and 'cola'. The name was later shortened to 'Pepsi' in marketing.

Location. The drink was first sold at Bradham's drugstore in New Bern, North Carolina. New Bern is located at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. The city is noted as the place where Pepsi-Cola was first developed, a fact recognized by PepsiCo's naming of its transport corporation.

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