Sprite was launched in 1961 as a caffeine-free lemon-lime soft drink.
The brand emerged from the growing popularity of lemon-lime beverages and was introduced in the United States as a competitor in that category. Its clear appearance, citrus flavor, and lack of caffeine became central parts of its identity.
Sprite’s name had appeared in Coca-Cola advertising before the soft drink itself became established, including the company’s use of a character called Sprite Boy. The brand later developed a strong association with music, sport, and youth-oriented marketing.
Sprite is distinct from Fresca, another Coca-Cola citrus beverage that debuted in 1966, and from Mello Yello, a caffeinated citrus drink introduced later. Those similarities can make the launch dates easy to mix up.