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Aug 2023
52m 36s

Coca Cola: A Backyard Invention

History Hit
About this episode

Was Coca Cola originally made with Cocaine? Did Coca Cola invent Santa? Who knows the Coca Cola recipe? Dallas is joined by Bart Elmore, an award-winning Professor and Writer who investigates the impact of big business on our environment to answer all of the questions which bubble in our minds about Coca Cola.


In 1864 Pharmacist, John Pemberton is injured in the American Civil War, finding himself bankrupt, addicted to morphine and trying to ween himself off it. If you're thinking about the person who's about to create the best brand in the world.... you might not think of this guy.


He concocts a tonic in his backyard to deal with his addiction to help take the edge of, but little did he know, he was creating arguably the most recognisable drink and brand in the world.


To learn more about the fascinating world of Coca Cola, make sure to check out Bart Elmore's book Citizen Coke: The Making of Coca-Cola Capitalism.


Edited by Tom Delargy, Produced by Alex Carlon & Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.


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