What product was originally called 'Brad's Drink' before being renamed in 1898?

The iconic soft drink known today around the world as Pepsi began its journey under a much more personal name. In 1893, a pharmacist named Caleb Bradham, operating out of his drugstore in New Bern, North Carolina, concocted a unique beverage for his customers. This original formula, a blend of carbonated water, sugar, vanilla, rare oils, and kola nuts, was first known simply as "Brad's Drink." Bradham aimed to create a refreshing fountain drink that would not only taste good but also offer a boost of energy and aid digestion.

Five years after its initial creation, on August 28, 1898, Bradham decided to rename his popular concoction to "Pepsi-Cola." The new name was inspired by the drink's perceived benefits and some of its ingredients. The "Cola" part referred to the kola nut extract used in the recipe. The "Pepsi" component was derived from the word "dyspepsia," meaning indigestion, as Bradham believed his drink helped with digestion. While some theorized it was named after the digestive enzyme pepsin, sources indicate pepsin was never actually an ingredient in Pepsi-Cola, though Bradham believed his drink functioned similarly in aiding digestion.

The rebranding proved successful, and the drink's popularity continued to grow. In late 1902, the Pepsi-Cola Company was officially formed, with Bradham serving as its first president. The beverage became an official trademark on June 16, 1903. Bradham's vision of a "healthy" cola that was both exhilarating and invigorating resonated with consumers, leading to rapid expansion with bottling franchises established in several states by 1905. This humble drink, born in a pharmacy, would eventually become one of the most recognized brands globally.