Coca-Cola was first sold in 1886 by John Stith Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia, originally marketed as a medicinal tonic. This beverage quickly gained popularity, leading to its commercialization and the establishment of a global brand. Coca-Cola's introduction marked a significant moment in the beverage industry, influencing consumer habits and marketing strategies that continue to resonate today.

Coca-Cola's first sale in 1886 became one of the clearest symbols of branding, advertising, modern appetite, Americanization, and the poetry of everyday commercial signs. Poets like Frank O'Hara and Allen Ginsberg incorporated consumer culture into their works, reflecting the complexities of modern life.