Sparks (drink)

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Sparks

Type	Malt beverage/Energy drink
Proof	12 per 16oz can
Manufacturer	Miller Brewing
Country of Origin	USA
Introduced	2002
Variants	Sparks Light, Sparks Plus
Related products	Budweiser energy drink, Red Bull

Sparks is an energy drink, one of the first such beverages also to contain alcohol. It is marketed as a "malt beverage". Its active ingredients caffeine, taurine, and ginseng are common to energy drinks; however, its additional focus on alcohol is not. Other similar "malternatives" that also proclaim energy enhancement include 3SUM. Its packaging states a 6% alcoholic content by volume, higher than most American beer (commonly 3-6%). Its flavor is similar to standard energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar, with a tart, citric, 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 (though less sweet than many similar alcopop brands), 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".

On August 14, 2006, Miller Brewing announced it had completed the purchase of Sparks from McKenzie River Corp. for $215 million cash.[1] Miller had been producing Sparks prior to this purchase.[2]

[edit] 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

[edit] Effects

An individual who has consumed an excessive amount of Sparks is "sparked" according to common slang. The salient characteristic of being "sparked" is a "conflicted" feeling of high energy coupled with drunken malaise. The reputed after-effects of drinking the beverage have led some Sparks drinkers to refer to the experience as a "two-day commitment."