Was Florentine friars’ fatigue-fighting elixir a precursor to Coca-Cola?
An Italian friar discovered a 19th-century document in a Florence convent describing a restorative wine elixir made with coca leaves and kola nuts. The discovery has sparked speculation that this recipe may have served as an early inspiration for the formula used by John Pemberton to create Coca-Cola.
The elixir was promoted as a tonic to be used to recuperate the body and mind from fatigue. Composite: Supplied by Father Manuel Russo The elixir was promoted as a tonic to be used to recuperate the body and mind from fatigue. Composite: Supplied by Father Manuel Russo Italy Was Florentine friars’ fatigue-fighting elixir a precursor to Coca-Cola? Document believed to be from 19th century details recipe using Bolivian coca leaves, kola nuts and wine
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