Cockta soft drink

Cockta is a legendary herbal soft drink that serves as a unique alternative to traditional colas. It was first introduced to the public on March 8, 1953, during a ski jumping competition in Planica, Slovenia (at the time part of Yugoslavia). Unlike most global cola brands, Cockta's signature flavor is derived from dog rose hips and a secret blend of eleven different herbs, lemon, and orange. One of its most defining characteristics is that it originally contains no caffeine and no orthophosphoric acid, making it a distinct "herbal cocktail" beverage.

Originally developed by chemical engineer Emerik Zelinka for the state-owned corporation Slovenijavino, the brand was a strategic effort to create a domestic refreshing beverage that could compete with Western imports. After decades of success as a regional favorite, the brand was acquired in 2000 by the Slovenian food company Kolinska (now Droga Kolinska). Since 2010, the brand has been under the ownership of Atlantic Grupa, a major Croatian conglomerate. Today, Cockta remains a cultural icon in Southeastern Europe, manufactured in Slovenia and other regional facilities such as Rogaška Slatina for distribution across the Balkans and international markets.