Vin Mariani

Vin Mariani (French ), also known by its German name Mariani wine, is a 1863 by Angelo Mariani first alcoholic beverage made ​​from Bordeaux wine and extracts of coca bush.

The drink is also considered as a historical precursor of Coca -Cola.

It contains the ethyl ester of Benzoylecgonins and thus the cocaine ( the methyl ester of Benzoylecgonins ) are structurally very similar substance. This ester is responsible for the intoxicating effect. Vin Mariani was at that time a very popular drink. Queen Victoria of Great Britain, Pope Leo XIII. and Pope Pius X are some of the most popular consumer. Pope Leo XIII. gave the drink a gold medal and was featured on a promotional image for the drink.

In Germany the free sale was stopped with the Opium Act of 20 July 1920.