Today is May 8 National Have A Coke Day #NationalHaveACokeDay and it’s the perfect day to celebrate Coke A Cola because today is my daughter’s Birthday and even though Suzzie may be celebrating her Birthday in Heaven Coke was her favorite drink. I hope she has a glass of Coke and a piece of Cake to celebrate her Birthday. I’m raising my Coke can to her this morning and sending her lots of hugs and kisses. I would like to ask you to raise your glass to Suzzie as well.
Have a Coke Day is a day dedicated entirely to celebrating one of the world’s most iconic beverages. I have a question for you. Can you guess which beverage they are talking about? We;; it’s the one and only Coca-Cola. This refreshing annual occasion gives everybody a great reason to toast to the refreshing, fizzy drink.
Some might argue that Coca-Cola is a global symbol of refreshment and joy. Whether a die-hard daily Coke drinker or just an enjoyer of an occasional soda pop, National Have A Coke Day offers a fun opportunity for everyone to enjoy the distinctive taste and history of Coca-Cola. What’s stopping you from opening a can and taking a huge swig or two of a Coke this morning?
Coca-Cola was born on May 8, 1886, at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, when Dr. John Stith Pemberton sold the first glass of this fizzy drink. Dr. John Stith Pemberton initially concocted Coke as a medicinal elixir, but Coke quickly evolved into a non-narcotic version of the soda that captured the hearts of the baby-boomer generation and beyond. It is truly remarkable to think about how this drink grew from a local pharmacy to a global phenomenon.
In its earliest years, Coca-Cola’s bottling process was crucial to its widespread popularity. A businessman in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Joseph Biedenharn, perfected the process between 1892 and 1894. The introduction of the classic Coca-Cola glass bottle in 1916 further cemented its status in popular culture.
However, the 1971 “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” TV advertisement truly embedded Coca-Cola into American popular culture. With its harmonious blend of music and advertising, this catchy jingle became a symbol of peace and unity during the Flower Power era. Its message continues to resonate with Coca-Cola fans today.
Celebrating National Have a Coke Day can be as simple as popping open a cold one or going as over-the-top as one might please. Squeeze those creative juices, it’s time to celebrate! Why not have a party where everyone can taste their way through the flavors of Coca-Cola?
Start with the classic Coke that everyone knows and loves, then move on to its many variations. Compare the taste of Diet Coke and its calorie-free appeal with the fruity twist of Cherry Coke. Don’t forget to include fun twists like Vanilla Coke or other newer iterations of the fizzy drink. This party is a perfect way to explore the world of Coca-Cola. Maybe it’s a chance to even find a new favorite!
National Have A Coke Day allows us to transform into a mixologist for the day and explore the versatility of Coca-Cola as a mixer. Create a mini-bar with various ingredients and encourage guests to mix up Coca-Cola cocktails. Start with some classic combinations, like a refreshing Cuba Libre or a sweet and tangy Cherry Coke highball.
Get creative by inventing new signature Cocktails like a Coke Mojito with a splash of Lime, or a spicy Coke-tail with a hint of Ginger? Provide guests with spirits, fruits, and herbs, and let everyone experiment to come up with their signature drink. It’s a fun way to see how Coca-Cola can blend with different flavors to create something entirely new. Legal drinking age only, please, and always drink responsibly.
Once you’ve finished with the Cocktails take a trip down memory lane with a childhood classic: the Coke float. Set up a float station with different flavors of Ice Cream, a selection of Coca-Cola varieties, and a few fun toppings including Cherries, sprinkles, and Whipped Cream. Then have guests mix and match floats to create their perfect dessert. Those who love baking could whip up a moist Coca-Cola Cake which is rich and Chocolaty with a hint of Coke, or bake Coca-Cola Cupcakes topped with Cola-flavored frosting. These sweet treats will surely be a hit and add a delightful twist to the day’s celebrations.
If your teaching a Art Class or Homeschooling your students like I am Charlie then you could get creative with Coca-Cola cans and bottles by turning them into a one-of-a-kind craft project. Organize a crafting corner where guests can make their own Coke can lanterns which are perfect for adding a quirky touch of charm to any room.
Alternatively, transform glass Coke bottles into elegant vases. Consider painting the vases or wrapping them in twine for a more rustic look. Challenge those who enjoy a larger project to create a Coca-Cola themed art piece. For example, they might make a mosaic made from can pieces or a sculpture. This activity not only recycles but also provides a memorable keepsake from the day.
Share a Coke
In the spirit of the classic “perfect harmony” ad campaign, encourage sharing a Coke with others. Personalize bottles with names or special messages using custom labels or markers which can be a super thoughtful gesture for friends or a sweet surprise for family members. Set up a ‘Share a Coke’ station at the office where co-workers can choose a bottle and write a message for someone else at the party, helping create a sense of community and connection. Why delay? National Have a Coke Day is the perfect day for celebrating an iconic beverage’s refreshing taste and rich history. Grab a Coke — and dare we say, a smile?
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
