We're in the golden age of soda-based concoctions. With chains like Swig gaining notoriety on reality TV shows and dirty/fluffy recipes going viral online, it's clear that sweet soft drinks are infinitely customizable.
Among the many creative and elaborate soda recipes that have gained popularity recently, there is one that stands out in its simplicity: Sprite and tea. And now it's become so viral that Coca-Cola is making it an official drink in their beverage portfolio.
Hisham Raus, a content creator from Malaysia, posted the idea on TikTok in 2023 to rave reviews. In the video, Raus steeps two bags of Lipton tea in a bottle of Sprite for three hours until it takes on a deep golden color. The video racked up nearly 20 million views and thousands of comments, with internet users rushing to try the recipe for themselves.
The hype was so overwhelming that the Coca-Cola Company had no choice but to listen. At an industry conference earlier this month, the brand announced that they’re launching an official Sprite + Tea in spring 2025.
The Coca-Cola Company went through several rounds of consumer research before perfecting their recipe, which is described as “a satisfying, Sprite-forward experience with the distinct flavors of tea.”
Sprite + Tea, as well as a zero-sugar version, won’t hit supermarket shelves until next year. But the internet already has strong opinions about the new flavor.
One user on Instagram commented, “Idk about the sprite… it looks like a bad urine sample…” Another user added, “Sprite+tea= nasTEA.”
Plenty of other people, many of whom have already DIY-ed this combination before, had a more positive reaction to the news. “I need an IV with sprite + tea,” one user wrote.
“Sprite+Tea bout to have clubs in a chokehold,” another predicted.
What do you think of the upcoming flavor? Let us know in the comments.
