Before it became the world’s most recognizable brand, Coca-Cola began as a pain remedy in a small Atlanta pharmacy — created by a Civil War veteran desperate to overcome addiction. What started as a “nerve tonic” laced with coca leaves and kola nuts would go on to become a global symbol of happiness.
In this episode of Generations of Genius, we uncover the fascinating — and scandalous — story behind Coca-Cola: how John Stith Pemberton’s search for relief sparked an empire, how marketing genius turned medicine into a movement, and how the world’s favorite drink was born out of struggle, reinvention, and a little bit of luck.
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