Cola is a carbonated soft drink flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, citrus oils, and other flavorings. Cola became popular worldwide after pharmacist John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola, a trademarked brand, in 1886, later imitated by other manufacturers. Most colas contain caffeine, originally sourced from the kola nut, leading to the drink's name, though other sources are also used. The original cola drink by Pemberton contained cocaine from coca leaves as well. His non-alcoholic recipe was inspired by the coca wine of pharmacist Angelo Mariani, created in 1863.
A soft drink is a drink that typically contains carbonated water, a sweetener, and a natural or artificial flavoring.
The sweetener may be sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice, sugar substitutes (in the case of diet drinks), or some combination of these. Soft drinks may also contain caffeine, colorings, preservatives, and other ingredients.