Origins of an Iconic American Soda

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Dr. John Pemberton invented this syrup in 1886 as a remedy for headaches.  He sold it a few years later to Atlanta pharmacist Asa Candler. Tasters at the time said the new drink was delicious when combined with carbonated water.  Although denied by its namesake company, historical evidence suggests the recipe for what was sold as a medicinal tonic combined coca leaf extract with the Kola nut.  An early 20th century article in 'Life Science' magazine detailed Candler's diligence as a pharmacist to remove the drug, declared illegal in 1914, from the recipe.  However, scientists were unable to effectively remove all trace psychoactive elements until 1929.