In 1893, he began experimenting with combinations of spices, juices, and syrups trying to create a refreshing new drink to serve his customers.
Cola flavored beverages already existed – among them Coca-Cola - but Bradham wanted to develop his own formula, omitting the caffeine and cocaine.
He succeeded beyond all expectations because he invented the beverage known around the world as Pepsi-Cola in the summer of 1893.
Caleb Bradham creation, a unique mixture of kola nut extract, vanilla and rare oils, became so popular his customers named it "Brad's Drink."
The name ‘Brad’s Drink’ didn’t convey the nature so the beverage and he decided to rename it "Pepsi-Cola,” in 1898 and advertised his new soft drink. People responded, and sales of Pepsi-Cola started to grow, convincing him that he should form a company to market the new beverage.
In 1898, Caleb Bradham wisely bought the trade name ‘Pep Cola’ for $100 from a competitor from Newark, New Jersey that had gone burke.
By 1900 Pepsi-Cola had become so popular, that Bradham created the Pepsi-Cola Company.
According to a document signed by Bradham, his formula for Pepsi-Cola consisted of sugar, water, caramel, lime juice, phosphoric acid, alcohol and oils (lemon, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander and petit grain).
The invention of Pepsi Cola
