Pemberton's recipe contained cocaine in the form of an extract of the coca leaf, which inspired the “Coca” part of the beverage's name. The “Cola” comes from the kola nut (which contains caffeine, another stimulant). When Coca-Cola was invented, cocaine was legal and a common ingredient in medicines.

Coca-Cola did not create the legend of Santa Claus. But Coca-Cola advertising did play a big role in shaping the jolly character we know today. Before 1931, there were many different depictions of Santa Claus around the world, including a tall gaunt man and an elf —there was even a scary Claus.

The drink's name refers to two of its original ingredients: coca leaves and kola nuts (a source of caffeine). The current formula of Coca-Cola remains a closely guarded trade secret; however, a variety of reported recipes and experimental recreations have been published.