# Cocaine wine: The Pope’s energy drink

An episode of [No One Saw It Coming](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1805005780), 29 Mar 2026, 26 min.

Audio: https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/im/Z/n4.mp3

If you looked at it, you wouldn’t bat an eyelid, but this red wine had something in it that today could land you in jail. It was drunk and endorsed by presidents, royalty and even popes and made its maker a millionaire. Dr Tim Madge tells Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole) the story of Vin Mariani, the cocaine-infused wine that was endorsed by royalty, presidents and popes and how it became the precursor to a product that millions of people around the world - including children - drink every day. Binge all the episodes of No One Saw It Coming now on ABC listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch: Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at noonesawitcoming@abc.net.au

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