Coca-Cola Tattoo Inspiration – Littered With Garbage

We touched on a bit of Coca-Cola’s history in out Diet Coke tattoo list, but now that we’re sharing some exclusively Coke tattoos, it’s time to share some even more facts.

John Smith Pemberton invented the drink in 1886 – that’s 135 years ago. Coca-Cola (or Coke) was initially intended to be a form of medicine, with Pemberton making wild claims that the drink could cure morphine addiction, headaches, and impotence, amongst other ailments.

The drink’s name was derived from two ingredients in the original drink: coca leaves and kola nuts (the caffeine source). The formula of Coca-Cola is now a trade secret.

Asa Griggs Candler purchased the original recipe from Pemberton in 1888 for $238.98 which is equivalent to almost $7000 in today’s money. In 1888, the offer of a free glass of Coca-Cola is thought to be the first coupon created in the US.

The Coca-Cola Company was founded in 1892 and now dominates the soft drink (soda) market, owning a vast portfolio of other brands. What Disney is to the film industry, the Coca-Cola Company is to drinks.

Over 200 countries sell Coke products. In 2011, Australia was the first country to launch the “Share a Coke” campaign where 150 of the most popular names were printed on the packaging.

During the cola wars, Pepsi wasn’t the only one with celebrities promoting their drinks. Selena was a Coke spokesperson up until her death in 1995.

It’s good to have something sugary on hand when getting tattooed, and what better time to enjoy a nice, cold Coke than while getting your Coca-Cola tattoo.

People collect Coca-Cola memorabilia and a tattoo could be the next item to add to such a collection. It might just be a sugary drink to you, but to some they feel as passionate about Coca-Cola as others do about tea or coffee.

Your own Coca-Cola tattoo may be inspired by one of the brand’s advertising campaigns over the 100 years, or be something silly, serious, or even sentimental.