Which citrus soda was Coca-Cola's answer to 7UP?

Sprite was Coca-Cola’s citrus-soda answer to 7UP.

The lemon-lime drink was developed in West Germany in 1959 as Fanta Klare Zitrone, meaning “Clear Lemon.” Coca-Cola introduced it in the United States under the Sprite name in 1961, positioning it directly against 7UP in the growing lemon-lime soft-drink market.

The Sprite name actually predates the American launch. It had been used around 1955 for a line of flavored drinks, and Coca-Cola acquired the rights to the name in 1960. The modern product is a clear, carbonated lemon-lime soda, although its formula, sweeteners, packaging, and flavor variations have changed over time.

A common mix-up is confusing Sprite with Coca-Cola’s other citrus brands, such as Fresca or Mello Yello. Sprite’s defining identity is its clear lemon-lime profile and its long-running rivalry with 7UP. In some markets, Coca-Cola has also released regional or limited flavors, but the original Sprite remains the best-known member of the brand.