Coca-Cola was first created in Atlanta in 1886.
Pharmacist John Stith Pemberton developed the drink in his Columbus, Georgia, laboratory and sold the first serving at Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta on May 8, 1886. Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, suggested the name Coca-Cola and designed its flowing script logo.
The original beverage was sold as a syrup mixed with carbonated water. It was marketed as a patent medicine before becoming a globally distributed soft drink. Coca leaves and kola nuts inspired the name, although the modern formula does not contain cocaine.
A common mix-up is to credit 1892 as the creation date. That was the year Asa Griggs Candler incorporated the Coca-Cola Company after acquiring control of the brand and formula.