Asa Candler designed the first Coca-Cola coupon, which offered consumers a free glass of the drink.
Candler acquired control of the Coca-Cola formula and brand in the late 1880s and used aggressive marketing to expand sales. The free-drink coupon encouraged people to try Coca-Cola at soda fountains, where the beverage was commonly served in a glass over ice.
Coupons were distributed through newspapers and other promotional channels. The campaign helped turn Coca-Cola from a local Atlanta soda-fountain product into a widely recognized beverage. It is often described as one of the earliest major examples of a free-sample promotion.
John Stith Pemberton created the original beverage, while Frank M. Robinson named it and designed the Spencerian script lettering. Those roles are distinct from Candler’s work in commercializing and promoting the product.