Pepsi’s Origins Traced to a North Carolina Pharmacist
The origin of Pepsi, a globally recognized beverage brand, is highlighted as having begun as a simple drink mixed by a pharmacist in downtown New Bern, North Carolina.
Raleigh Durham, NC, August 14, 2026 —
The journey of the globally recognized beverage brand Pepsi began not in a large corporate laboratory, but as a simple concoction mixed by a pharmacist in downtown New Bern, North Carolina.
In the late 19th century, Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist, created the drink intended to be a healthier alternative to cola, initially calling it “Brad’s Drink.” The beverage was later renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898, a name derived from the digestive enzymes pepsin and kola nuts, which were believed to be ingredients.
New Bern, a historic coastal town, served as the birthplace for this beverage that would eventually achieve worldwide recognition. The pharmacist’s drugstore, located downtown, was where the first batches of Pepsi were mixed and served.
While the trend summary does not provide further details on the initial formulation, the timeline of its creation, or specific ingredients beyond the inspiration for its name, it clearly establishes the modest beginnings of what would become a major competitor in the global soft drink market. The precise date of the initial mixing and the exact recipe remain details not provided in the summary.
The evolution from a local pharmacist’s creation to a global brand represents a significant trajectory in beverage history. The summary focuses solely on the geographical and professional origin of the brand, highlighting New Bern, North Carolina, and the role of pharmacist Caleb Bradham in its inception.
Story summarized from the original created by Amber Rupinta on abc11.com, see more information here.
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