Coca-cola was invented by a Dr. John Stith Pemberton in 1886. It was the doctors second drink with coca leaves and the kola nut as a basis. The doctors first coca leaf drink , Pemberton's French Wine Coca, was actually an immitation of Vin Mariani, a coca-wine drink invented by Angelo Mariani in 1883. Although there were several immitators of the French Coca-Wine, Pemberton's formula was superior. He was actually quoted saying "I believe that I am now producing a better preparation than that of Mariani."

Pemberton grew very ill, but continued with his work. He was developing a new drink, a modified cola with celery extract. The drink was never finished. Pemberton died on August 16, 1888. Candler serveda as a pallbearer at Pemberton's funeral and spoke very highly of him. In later years he was quoted saying "Why, I suppose Dr. Pemberton felt I was one of his best friends in town."

With the exeception of the Walker, Candler & Company ownership, Asa Candler had legal rights to Coca-Cola. He was calling himself the drink's sole proprietor by May 1, 1889. By the turn of the century Candler would become one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta and Coca-Cola would become the most popular soft drink in America.

Happy Birthday Adi' :)