Did NPR Uncover the Secret Coke Formula? [The Secret Recipe]

One of American culture's biggest mysteries is the Coca-Cola formula. Well it might not be a mystery any more.According to Yahoo, NPR's "This American Life" recently found a 1979 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution which contained an article about a notebook. This was a special notebook you see because it...

By Devin Desjarlais

February 15, 2011

Audio By Carbonatix

[
        {
          "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
          "component": "16971022",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
          "component": "18617832",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "15769925",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Rectangle 2x - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782206",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782207",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

One of American culture's biggest mysteries is the Coca-Cola formula. Well it might not be a mystery any more.

According to Yahoo, NPR's "This American Life" recently found a 1979 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution which contained an article about a notebook. This was a special notebook you see because it belonged to a friend of John Pemberton - the pharmacist who created the Coke formula.

The notebook contained numerous recipes including what's believed to be the exact recipe for the American dream drink. Take that Pepsi!

After the jump we tell you the formula. Anyone who actually collects the ingredients and re-creates it gets automatic brownie points.

The Secret Coca-Cola Recipe

Fluid extract of Coca: 3 drams USP
Citric acid: 3 oz
Caffeine: 1 oz
Sugar: 30 (unclear quantity)
Water: 2.5 gal
Lime juice: 2 pints, 1 quart
Vanilla: 1 oz
Caramel: 1.5 oz or more for color

The secret 7X flavor (use 2 oz of flavor to 5 gals syrup):
Alcohol: 8 oz
Orange oil: 20 drops
Lemon oil: 30 drops
Nutmeg oil: 10 drops
Coriander: 5 drops
Neroli: 10 drops
Cinnamon: 10 drops

Follow Clean Plate Charlie Facebook on Twitter: @CleanPlateBPB.

Devin Desjarlais

A message from Food & Drink Editor Nicole Lopez-Alvar: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Miami's evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.

Support Today