Pepsi was first invented in 1893 as “Brad’s Drink” by Caleb Bradham, who sold the drink at his drugstore in New Bern, North Carolina.

It was renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898, “Pepsi” because it was advertised to relieve dyspepsia (indigestion) and “Cola” referring to the cola flavor. Some have also suggested that “Pepsi” may have been a reference to the drink aiding digestion like the digestive enzyme pepsin, but pepsin itself was never used as an ingredient to Pepsi-Cola.

The original recipe also included sugar and vanilla. Bradham sought to create a fountain drink that was appealing and would aid in digestion and boost energy.
In 1903, Bradham moved the bottling of Pepsi from his drugstore to a rented warehouse, and the Pepsi Cola company was formed on June 16th. That year, Bradham sold 7,968 gallons of syrup. The next year, Pepsi was sold in six-ounce bottles, and sales increased to 19,848 gallons.

Pictured: the birthplace of Pepsi