Vin Mariani: The Cocaine-Laced Wine Favored by Popes, Writers, and Politicians (5 photos)
Today, cocaine is universally recognized as a dangerous drug, but that wasn't always the case. Back in the 19th century, the substance derived from South American coca leaves was used widely and quite legally. Cocaine was a common ingredient in many medicinal remedies, and in 1863, the world saw the launch of the very first cocaine-infused wine: Vin Mariani. 
The creator of Vin Mariani—Italian chemist, winemaker, and entrepreneur Angelo Mariani (1832–1914)—named the drink after himself, having formulated the unique recipe personally. This unusual beverage was made from fine Bordeaux wine blended with coca leaf extract, sugar, and a splash of brandy for added strength. 
Officially sold as *Vin tonique Mariani à la Coca de Pérou*, it was classified as a tonic—an invigorating health elixir meant to boost energy and well-being. Europe embraced the product enthusiastically, and despite its high price tag, the cocaine wine quickly became a favorite among the cultural elite.
Vin Mariani counted renowned writers like Anatole France, Henrik Ibsen, Alexandre Dumas *fils*, Émile Zola, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Jules Verne among its devoted fans, alongside legendary inventor Thomas Edison. It was equally popular at the Vatican: two Popes, Leo XIII and Pius X, were avid consumers. 
Pope Leo XIII
In fact, Pope Leo XIII publicly praised the wine's flavor and restorative qualities, even awarding Mariani a Vatican gold medal for his achievements. The beverage appealed far beyond Catholic leadership—Zadoc Kahn, the Chief Rabbi of France, once exuberantly declared, "My transformation is complete! Praise be to Mariani wine!" What the esteemed rabbi meant remains slightly mysterious, but he clearly enjoyed the experience.
While cocaine wine conquered Europe almost overnight, breaking into the American market proved trickier. Sales in the U.S. were sluggish at first, until Mariani realized why: European Vin Mariani contained just 6 milligrams of cocaine per fluid ounce (about 30 ml). Americans were used to far more potent concoctions, as domestic brands packed up to 10 milligrams per ounce. 
An advertisement for Mariani wine in Great Britain
Mariani adjusted his recipe specifically for the American market, bumping up the drug content. The gamble paid off—the updated cocaine wine became an absolute sensation across the United States. One of its most famous admirers was none other than the 18th President of the U.S., Ulysses S. Grant.
A bit later, Mariani introduced an even stronger formulation known as "Elixir Mariani." Crafted on the same wine base, it contained triple the amount of cocaine. Following the maker's recommended daily dosage of 60 milliliters delivered a whopping 20 milligrams of pure cocaine—a hefty dose by any standard. 
An advertisement for the wine in the US
Tighter narcotics regulations in the early 20th century eventually brought an end to Vin Mariani's reign. At first, the company was forced to reduce the active ingredient, but soon nation after nation began banning cocaine-infused beverages altogether. Outlawed almost everywhere, production finally came to a complete halt.
Back then, society took a far more casual approach to dangerous substances—heroin and arsenic were regularly displayed right on the front shelves of local pharmacies.
