OpenCola (drink)

OpenCola (drink)

OpenCola bottle

OpenCola is a brand of cola that is unique in that its recipe is freely available and modifiable by anyone. It was created as a way to promote the concept of open source software, allowing users to not only consume the product but also to understand and modify its ingredients and production process. This approach is similar to the way open source software allows users to view and modify the source code.

History

OpenCola was originally developed in 2001 by a group of programmers in Toronto, Canada. The idea was to create a tangible product that could help explain the principles of open source software to the general public. The project was initiated by the company OpenCola, which was founded by Cory Doctorow, John Henson, and Grad Conn.

The drink quickly gained popularity not only for its unique concept but also for its taste, which many found comparable to major commercial colas. The recipe was released under the GNU General Public License, allowing anyone to use, modify, and distribute it.

Recipe

The OpenCola recipe is composed of a variety of ingredients that are mixed to create the cola flavor. The main components include citrus oils, spices, and sweeteners. The recipe is divided into two parts: the "flavoring" and the "syrup".

Flavoring

The flavoring is a concentrated mixture of essential oils and other aromatic compounds. It includes:

• Orange oil
• Lemon oil
• Nutmeg oil
• Coriander oil
• Neroli oil
• Cinnamon oil

These oils are mixed with gum arabic and water to create a stable emulsion.

OpenCola oils

Syrup

The syrup is made by combining the flavoring with a sweetener, typically sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, and caramel color. The syrup is then diluted with carbonated water to create the final beverage.

Production

Producing OpenCola involves several steps, starting with the preparation of the flavoring. The essential oils are carefully measured and mixed to ensure the correct balance of flavors. The syrup is then prepared by dissolving sugar in water and adding the flavoring and caramel color.

Once the syrup is ready, it is mixed with carbonated water in a ratio that suits the desired taste and strength. The final product is bottled and can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later consumption.

Cultural Impact

OpenCola has become a symbol of the open source movement, demonstrating how the principles of transparency and collaboration can be applied beyond software. It has been featured in various media outlets and has inspired other open source food and beverage projects.

The drink has also sparked discussions about intellectual property and the food industry, highlighting the potential for open source models to disrupt traditional business practices.

Related pages

• Open source
• Cola
• GNU General Public License
• Cory Doctorow

OpenCola ingredients