News Summary
Coca-Cola has been recognized as Georgia’s iconic drink according to a recent list by Reader’s Digest and Taste of Home. This selection highlights the beverage’s significance to Atlanta’s culture and identity. Founded in 1886, Coca-Cola has evolved from selling nine servings a day to approximately 2 billion globally. The company, which has its headquarters in Atlanta, has made substantial contributions to community development through philanthropy. This acknowledgment serves as a celebration of beverage culture and emphasizes the drink’s importance to Georgians over generations.
Atlanta, Georgia – A recent list revealing the best beverages in every U.S. state has named Coca-Cola as Georgia’s iconic drink. This selection was made by Reader’s Digest in partnership with Taste of Home, highlighting traditional beverages that represent the flavors and preferences of each state. The list encompasses a mix of sodas, local brews, and milkshakes, offering a glimpse into what residents turn to when quenching their thirst.
Coca-Cola, which has become synonymous with Atlanta’s cultural and economic identity, boasts a history that dates back to its creation in 1886. Initially, the drink sold a mere nine servings per day, a drastic contrast to today’s astounding average of approximately 2 billion servings sold globally each day. The Coca-Cola Company, which has maintained its headquarters in Atlanta for over 138 years, has played a significant role in the beverage industry and community development.
The company has made substantial contributions through its philanthropic efforts. The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded over $1.6 billion in grants to diverse initiatives and charities since its establishment, reflecting a commitment to making a positive impact in various spheres such as education, disaster relief, and community building.
The current ranking of beverages is part of an initiative that seeks to recognize beloved beverages from each state, helping to illuminate regional specialties and favorites. By focusing on what locals enjoy the most, the list serves as both a celebration of beverage culture and a guide for enthusiasts wishing to explore state-specific drinks.
Historically, Coca-Cola was crafted by Dr. John Stith Pemberton, a pharmacist in Atlanta, who originally marketed the drink as a tonic for common ailments. Since then, Coca-Cola has transformed into an international beverage powerhouse, recognized in virtually every corner of the globe. The company has expanded its product range extensively, introducing a variety of flavors and beverage alternatives that cater to changing consumer preferences, including bottled water, diet sodas, and energy drinks.
Georgia’s selection as Coca-Cola as its top beverage is emblematic of how intertwined the drink is with the state’s identity. Atlanta, often regarded as the birthplace of Coca-Cola, has embraced the brand wholeheartedly over the years, incorporating it into local culture, celebrations, and hospitality. Tourists frequently visit the World of Coca-Cola, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the brand, while locals enjoy the beverage as a staple in their daily lives.
As Coca-Cola continues to innovate and adapt to contemporary tastes, it remains a significant presence in the beverage market and a source of pride for many Georgians. This distinction as the best beverage in Georgia exemplifies both the longstanding tradition of the drink and its relevance to current generations. The full list and details on beverages from other states can be found at rd.com/article/best-beverage-every-state.
As states celebrate their unique food and drink cultures, Georgia’s choice of Coca-Cola emphasizes the connection between the drink and the local community, showcasing an iconic brand that has endured through decades of change.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Coca-Cola as Georgia’s Iconic Drink
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Coca-Cola Company
- Coca-Cola Company: The Coca-Cola Foundation
- AJC: Juneteenth in Atlanta Business
- Food Engineering: Coca-Cola United Grand Opening
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
