Dirty sprite is a drink recipe made from combining a clear soda (e.g., Sprite or Mountain Dew), jolly ranchers, and prescription cough medicine that contains codeine and promethazine. It originated in Houston, Texas, USA, and is also called lean, syrup, purple drank, or Memphis mud. The use of these dirty sprite “started in Texas in the 1960s and become popularized in the 1990s”, according to the research article “Detection of pharmaceuticals in “dirty sprite” using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry” by Wolfgang Rosenberger.

How Easy is it to get these ingredients?

Unfortunately in the US, it is not difficult to get the ingredients to make Dirty Sprite because they all are legal. Sprite and jolly ranchers can be bought at nearly any convenience store. While cough medicine containing codeine and promethazine requires a doctor’s prescription, a visit to your local doctor claiming chronic cough may land you a prescription.

However, it is important to know that turning this into a drink is very dangerous to your health.

Dangers of Dirty Sprite?

While drugs such as Cannabis becoming legalized, it can not be stated enough that making this drink is incredibly dangerous to your health. While individuals claim its euphoric effects, this drink can kill you. In fact, it has a history of killing individuals of all ages, including celebrities.

Respiratory Failure, Constipation, Headaches, Dizziness are often common complications with drinking Dirty Sprite. This is a highly addictive drink and it is best to stay away.

What to do if you are Addicted to Dirty Sprite?

If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact the SAMHSA National Helpline for free confidential help, to find substance use treatment and information at 1-800-662-4357.

So what is Dirty Sprite? It is a drink made of legal ingredients that when combined is highly addictive and potentially deadly.