Sprite was the soft drink Coca-Cola introduced in 1961 as its major lemon-lime brand. It was developed to compete in a growing market dominated by clear, citrus-flavored soft drinks, particularly 7 Up.
The name Sprite had appeared in Coca-Cola advertising before the beverage launched, including the earlier Sprite Boy character. That earlier use does not mean the mascot was the drink itself. Coca-Cola introduced the beverage in the United States in 1961, and its clear appearance, lemon-lime flavor, and green branding became distinctive.
Sprite is sometimes confused with Fanta because both are Coca-Cola brands and both have strong international histories. Fanta is primarily associated with fruit flavors and originated in Germany during World War II, while Sprite was created as a lemon-lime soft drink for a different competitive position.