Angelo Mariani came from a long family line of doctors and chemists who became a lifelong devotee and worshiper of the Coca plant. His first intent was to produce a medical tonic, however in the 1880's Angelo figured out the best way to capture cocaine's power was to steep the leaves in Bordeaux wine. His creation "Vin Mariani" was praised by Thomas Edison and Pope Leo XIII gave a gold medal to Mariani for being a benefactor of humanity. Although the ingredients were a secret, this concoction was proclaimed in extensive advertisements to "chase away fatigue, banish aches and pains and make the user feel very, very good." There was even a recommended dosage on the label of the bottle "a claret-glass full, before and after every meal." It contained 30 mg. of cocaine in 5 ounces. That would definitely be enough to make you feel very very good!
There were hundreds of Vin Mariani imitations: Delicious Dopeless Nocacola, Kola Ade, Cafe Coca, Dr. Don’s Cola, Pillsbury’s Coke Extract, Inca Cola, Kos-Kola, Kumfort’s Coke Extract, Rococola, and Coca-bola. John S.Pemberton, French Wine Coca became moderately profitable however he knew that making the wine during prohibition would end his success and began working on a non-alcohol version....TADA.....Coca-Cola.
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