Have a Coke Day

Today is Have a Coke Day! Coca-Cola is the largest nonalcoholic beverage company in the world, and the classic Coke beverage we all know and love is sold in more than 200 countries. In fact, more than 1.8 billion glasses of Coke are served every day! Coca-Cola was named after the coca leaves that originally provided its flavor. The original Coca-Cola recipe contained 9mg of cocaine per glass. In 1903 Coca-Cola began using a non-narcotic coca leaf extract to provide that distinctive flavor.

John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola in the late 1800s and it was originally intended as a medicinal syrup to alleviate fatigue and headaches. The beverage was still largely unknown when he died in 1888. After buying the secret recipe for $2,300, Asa Candler founded the Coca-Cola Company and turned it into a household name.

To celebrate Have a Coke Day, enjoy a tall glass of your favorite variety of Coca-Cola or plan a picnic with your friends to enjoy your favorite Coca-Cola based drinks. Enjoy!