Question from Jenny:
I heard Coca-Cola originally got its name because they used to put cocaine in it. Is that really true?

Interesting question, Jenny!

Coca-Cola was in fact named for its two medicinal ingredients: extract of the coca leaves and kola nuts. The original formula included five ounces of coca leaf per gallon of syrup. At one time, Coca-Cola contained approximately nine milligrams of cocaine per glass.

In 1903, cocaine was removed from the drink. The secret formula for the beverage does still contain coca flavoring. Today, Coca-Cola uses cocaine-free coca leaves prepared by a plant in New Jersey.

If you are interested in learning more, check out this post about the history of Coca-Cola.

Do you have a question for The Invention Geek? Submit it here.