Sparks (drink)

Sparks is a caffeinated alcohol beverage, one of the first such beverages. Its active ingredients caffeine, taurine, and ginseng are common to energy drinks; however, its additional focus on alcohol is not. Its packaging states a 6% alcoholic content by volume. Its flavor is similar to standard energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster Energy, and Rockstar, with a tart, sugary taste.

Sparks currently is available in 16oz silver cans with bright orange tops, with a "+" printed near the top and a "-" printed near the bottom, to give the can a battery-like appearance. A diet, or (in keeping with alcoholic beverage industry nomenclature) "Sparks Light", version with a bright blue top, is also produced. A higher alcohol version (7.0%) called "Sparks Plus" is available in both 16oz and 10oz cans and has a black top.

Created by San Francisco-based beverage marketing firm McKenzie River Corporation, early marketing relied on word of mouth primed by giving away large quantities of the beverage. Its critics dislike the high acidity, sweetness, and blatantly artificial flavor. Ironically, fans like the beverage for the same reasons, although the caffeine and high alcohol content, as well as the herbal components, also play a factor. Sparks also has a tendency to change the color of the tongue and teeth temporarily, after consumption of several of these beverages due to FD&C Yellow No.5. In some regions this discoloration is referred to as "Sparks Mouth". The drink caught on within the American hipster community, which has been known for its ironic glorification of several other cheap, low-grade alcoholic beverages.

On August 14, 2006, Miller Brewing announced it had completed the purchase of Sparks from McKenzie River Corp. for $215 million cash. Miller had been producing Sparks prior to this purchase.

Nutritional Information

 * Energy: 350 Calories (1463 kilojoules)
 * from carbohydrates: 188 cal (787 kJ) (54%)
 * from alcohol: 161 cal (674 kJ) (46%)
 * Total carbohydrates 47 g 16%

Sparks Light (per 12 ounces) 133 Calories 3.3 grams of carbohydrates 0.0 grams of fat