ON
← Back to feed
The true story of the Florentine elixir made from wine, coca leaves and kola nuts: what it has to do with the Coca-Cola recipe
Italy🏛️ PoliticsCenter6 hr. ago

The true story of the Florentine elixir made from wine, coca leaves and kola nuts: what it has to do with the Coca-Cola recipe

A yellowed document discovered in the archives of Florence’s historic San Marco Pharmacy reveals the recipe for an 18th-century 'vinous restorative elixir' containing coca leaves and cola nuts mixed with wine. The document was used to package medicines sold by the pharmacy and was uncovered by Father Manuel Russo, rector of the San Marco Convent, during archival work. While the elixir shares ingredients with the later Coca-Cola formula, there is currently no evidence of a direct connection between the two. The discovery has sparked interest, including from The Guardian, but the historical link remains speculative.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

2 reports

Open logoOpenIndependentCenter6 hr. ago
The true story of the Florentine elixir made from wine, coca leaves and kola nuts: what it has to do with the Coca-Cola recipe

A yellowed document discovered in the archives of Florence’s historic San Marco Pharmacy reveals the recipe for an 18th-century 'vinous restorative elixir' containing coca leaves and cola nuts mixed with wine. The document was used to package medicines sold by the pharmacy and was uncovered by Father Manuel Russo, rector of the San Marco Convent, during archival work. While the elixir shares ingredients with the later Coca-Cola formula, there is currently no evidence of a direct connection between the two. The discovery has sparked interest, including from The Guardian, but the historical link remains speculative.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a historical discovery related to an old medicinal formula, which does not involve current political issues, policies, or figures. It provides factual information without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political perspective.

la Repubblica logola RepubblicaIndependent🔒Centeryesterday
In Florence, an ancient recipe for a monk's elixir has emerged: it has the same ingredients as Coca Cola

An ancient recipe discovered at Florence’s San Marco pharmacy reveals a historical preparation containing ingredients similar to those used in Coca-Cola, specifically leaves of Bolivian coca and kola nut. The discovery was made in an old pharmacy associated with a convent, where a flyer promoted a restorative tonic using these components. The article notes that these ingredients are linked to a historic formula connected to the inventor of the famous beverage. The piece highlights the intriguing connection between traditional remedies and modern commercial products.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a historical discovery without overt ideological framing. It focuses on the factual connection between an ancient remedy and a modern product, without taking a clear stance on contemporary political issues related to health, commerce, or regulation. The tone remains neutral, and

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories