Sprite + Tea Is Real—And It Started Way Before TikTok Got To The Trend

Sprite’s back at it with another limited-time banger: Sprite + Tea, a refreshing mashup of its signature lemon-lime fizz with the crisp taste of iced tea. Both regular and zero sugar versions hit shelves across the U.S. and Canada today and will be around through October.

While TikTok helped boost the viral idea of steeping tea bags in Sprite, the concept actually started before the trend took off—courtesy of two Coca-Cola interns who pitched it during a summer innovation program. After rounds of testing by Coke’s R&D team, the amber-hued drink was born, blending citrus and tea in a smooth, sparkling sip.

“We’re always listening to consumers,” said Sprite Brand Director Kate Schaufelberger. “But this particular phenomenon really inspired us to bring a unique, refreshing take to life.”

The launch comes with a collab from Eastside Golf, a lifestyle brand blending golf, hip-hop, and streetwear. Founders Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, along with rapper Monaleo, star in “The Fix,” a Sprite + Tea campaign film accessible via the Sprite Squad digital portal.

Sprite + Tea follows the runaway success of 2024’s Sprite Chill and might just become a new seasonal staple. Because if Sprite has a secret sauce, it’s listening closely, innovating boldly—and occasionally handing the mic to the interns.