# Florentine friars' fatigue-fighting elixir may have inspired Coca-Cola

Historians are investigating whether a tonic made by 16th-century Florentine friars to combat exhaustion influenced the creation of Coca-Cola. The elixir, believed to contain coca leaves and other stimulants, shares key ingredients with the modern soda. This connection offers a new perspective on the global history of caffeinated beverages.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### World
- [The Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/30/italian-elixir-coca-cola-precursor) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:00:55 GMT