Sprite’s new flavor is inspired by a viral TikTok trend

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We are in the golden age of soda-based mixes. With networks like Swig gaining notoriety on reality TV shows and dirty/cute recipes going viral online, it’s clear that sweet sodas are infinitely customizable.

Among the many creative and elaborate soda recipes that have gained popularity recently, there is one that stands out for its simplicity: Sprite and tea. And now it’s gone so viral that Coca-Cola is making it an official drink in its beverage portfolio.

Hisham Raus, a content creator from Malaysia, posted the idea on TikTok in 2023 and received rave reviews. In the video, Raus steeps two Lipton tea bags in a bottle of Sprite for three hours until it turns a deep golden color. The video has racked up nearly 20 million views and thousands of comments, with internet users rushing to try the recipe for themselves.

The enthusiasm was so great that the Coca-Cola Company had no choice but to listen. At an industry conference earlier this month, the brand announced that it will launch an official Sprite + Tea in spring 2025.

The Coca-Cola Company went through several rounds of consumer research before perfecting its recipe, which is described as “a satisfying, Sprite-forward experience with the distinct flavors of tea.”

Sprite + Tea, like the zero sugar version, will only hit supermarket shelves next year. But the internet already has strong opinions about the new flavor.

One user on Instagram commented: “I don’t know about the sprite… looks like a bad urine sample…” Another user added: “Sprite + tea = nasTEA.”

Many other people, many of whom have done this combination before, had a more positive reaction to the news. “I need an IV with Sprite + tea,” one user wrote.

“Sprite + Tea is about to have clubs in a chokehold,” predicted another.

What do you think of the next flavor? Let us know in the comments.

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