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Was the initial version of the drink that would later become Coca-Cola alcoholic?

  • Yes

  • No

  • Non-alcoholic but caffeinated

  • Alcoholic and caffeinated

Answer

Yes, the original recipe for Coca-Cola, created in 1886 by John Pemberton, did contain alcohol. It was marketed as a "tonic" and contained coca leaves and kola nuts, both sources of caffeine. However, in 1903, the Pure Food and Drug Act banned the use of cocaine, leading Coca-Cola to remove the coca leaves from its recipe and subsequently introduce "Coca-Cola Classic" as the non-alcoholic version we know today.
The Inventive Journey of John Stith Pemberton: A Coca-Cola Quiz

The Inventive Journey of John Stith Pemberton: A Coca-Cola Quiz

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