The This American Life radio program claims it has found the secret recipe for Coca-Cola in an old (well, relatively speaking) newspaper article, published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1979.

Obviously the ingredients for Coke are printed on every label - that's required by law - but the formula is something else entirely.     It has been a closely guarded secret since chemist John Pemberton devised it in 1886.   Jane Lee at News.com.au says the recipe can only be mixed by two Coca-Cola Amatil executives in the world.

photo published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1979 that reportedly shows the recipe for Coca-Cola
Atlanta Journal-Constitution photo from 1979 may show the recipe for Coca-Cola.  Picture: This American Life

The magic, of course, is the different oils needed to make Coca Cola’s secret ingredient, "Merchandise 7X".    Others have claimed to have the formula in the past so here it is.  Let me know if you make it yourself and how it tastes.

Coca-Cola recipe:

Fluid extract of Coca 3 drams USP
Citric acid 3 oz
Caffeine 1oz
Sugar 30 (it is unclear from the markings what quantity is required)
Water 2.5 gal
Lime juice 2 pints 1 qrt
Vanilla 1oz
Caramel 1.5oz or more to color

7X flavor (use 2oz of flavor to 5 gals syrup):
Alcohol 8oz
Orange oil 20 drops
Lemon oil 30 drops
Nutmeg oil 10 drops
Coriander 5 drops
Neroli 10 drops
Cinnamon 10 drops