Pepsi and PepsiCo

Like many other pharmacists at the end of the nineteenth century, Caleb Bradham, of New Bern, North Carolina, experimented with various blends of fruit flavors and other extracts, hoping to create a new drink. One of Bradham’s concoctions became especially popular with local patrons. This nameless drink eventually became known as Brad’s Drink, named after Bradham. As the popularity of Brad’s Drink rose, so did the need to give it a proper name. In 1898, Brad’s Drink became Pepsi-Cola, and one of the most important beverages in soft drink history was born. It is believed that the name Pepsi-Cola was chosen because, like pepsin, Pepsi-Cola aids in digestion. At the same time, it provides the refreshment of a cola drink.