National Have a Coke Day

Each year on May 8th, millions of people in the world commemorate National Have a Coke Day.

If the thought of National Have a Coke Day on May 8th makes you want to get in the song, you're not alone. Recorded countless times since it was written in 1971, the song “I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony)” is accompanied by a glowing hilltop coke commercial that reads “I want to buy the world a Coke” and “It’s real” are added to make it a haunting and enduring synthesis of coke, the peace and harmony that has brought about echoes in the era of "flower power" and is still sung to this day.

Started more than 125 years ago as a cocaine-based elixir, Coke has eventually morphed into the non-addictive soda of choice for teens in their 60s. As the company has grown, it has adds other flavors and varieties of the original coke. Today, The Coca-Cola Company continues to be the largest beverage company in the world, expanding uniquely American flavors into the world's largest emerging markets to become a global brand. It's called "trade diplomacy". So as you start humming and eventually sing the words you remember from Coke's 1971 hit, know that people all over the world are singing it with you, but in their own language.

History behind Coca Cola

In the late 19th century, John Pemberton, a chemist, introduced Coca-Cola to the world as a medicine. The patent was purchased by businessman Asa Griggs Candler, who used his marketing strategies to promote Coca-Cola as a beverage worldwide. In 1891, Coca Cola was first sold in bottle form. In 1894, the first outdoor advertising wall for Coca Cola was painted in Cartersville, Georgia. In 1914, the world's longest-running Coca Cola fountain, at Fleeman's Pharmacy in Atlanta, opened. After 81 years of success, the pharmacy finally closed in 1995. On July 12, 1994, one billion gallons of Coke syrup was produced and celebrated by the Coca Cola Company. The first Coke cans appeared in 1955.

Facts about Coca-Cola

Coca Cola became famous as a soft drink only after Candler bought it, following Pemberton's death. Candler began handing out free Coca Cola coupons to the public to promote his products. Once people have had it, they always come back for more and pay 5 cents for a drink.

The shape of the first Coca Cola bottle is similar to a cocoa bean. This was the first to be mass-produced in 1916.

Originally, Coca Cola fans were created for US soldiers during World War II. But due to a shortage of materials, this plan did not materialize until the end of World War II, when it became widely publicized in 1960.

History of National Have a Coke Day

In the late 19th century, Coca-Cola was invented at Pemberton's Eagle Drug and Chemical House in Columbus, Georgia by John Pemberton. He plans to patent this beverage as a medicine. However, Asa Griggs Candler acquired the business. Candler's marketing tactics brought Coke to a position of dominating the world beverage market throughout the 20th century.

Coco-Cola Timeline:

May 8, 1886 - Coco-Cola is sold for the first time as a tonic during the temperance movement.

1891 – The first bottling of Coco-Cola begins at the Biedenharn Candy Company in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

1894 - The first outdoor wall advertising Coca-Cola drinks is painted in Cartersville, Georgia

1914 - Atlanta's Fleeman's Pharmacy opens. The longest-running commercial Coca-Cola fountain anywhere has become an Atlanta and Coca-Cola historic landmark. The pharmacy closed after 81 year operation since in 1995.

1944 – The Coca-Cola Company produces one billion gallons of Coca-Cola syrup on July 12.

1955 - The company produces the first Coke can.

Some reasons for National Have a Coke Day being loved

• It's nostalgic

Coke is a cold refreshing drink on a hot summer day. Childhood, youth, first dates and dates all become one. That's every TV show we've ever seen with a Coke commercial; every Top 40 radio program we've ever heard. Coke made us feel like kids in the best way.

• It's delicious

What's more satisfying than a sip of Coke on a hot summer day? This is the perfect accompaniment to all of our favorites and a sweet treat of their own. Whether you drink a can of Coke with every meal or save them for a special treat, this delightful drink is the perfect addition to your day.

• It is very flexible

Coke is more than just a great beverage. Coke is an excellent rust remover; it removes stains on grout and ceramics, and de-icing the windshield. In the garden, it enlivens your compost pile, kills slugs and snails, refreshes your lawn, and a shallow dish of it can lure bees away from your picnic. In addition, how about combining it with Mentos, which is the coolest science experiment we have ever seen.

How to celebrate National Have a Coke Day

• Have a cup

Buy some Twinkies and a 6-pack of coke and treat yourself to a little "me-time". You can share them if needed, but where's the fun in that?

• Cook with Coke

Coke adds a rich flavor to pot roasts, when poured over ham it caramelizes and retains moisture, and mixed with ketchup makes a wonderful barbecue sauce. Want the easiest recipe ever? Let mix it with ice cream for a classic Coke float!

• Share a cup

Coke is a perfect drink to share, especially since everyone loves it! Buy an extra Coke at lunch for your coworker or leave a can for the postman. Invite friends over for a Coke-filled happy hour with Coca-Cola cocktails or Cokes in glass bottles.