Sprite is a brand of multi-flavored soft beverage, spread across the world. It was introduced in 1961 as Coca-Cola’s in-house brand of lemon-flavored drink. Since its launch, it has gotten numerous variations with different bottles and cans, tastes, with or without sugar, etc.
Meaning and History
The term “Sprite” carries a refreshing and lively essence, symbolizing the brand’s vibrant and effervescent personality. It embodies an energetic spirit, with a touch of playfulness and spontaneity. Sprite’s name encapsulates the refreshing qualities that have made it a beloved beverage choice for countless consumers worldwide.
The history of the Sprite brand is marked by notable milestones and memorable events. Introduced in 1961, Sprite quickly gained popularity as a unique and zesty lemon-lime-flavored carbonated beverage. Over time, it has remained a consistent presence in the beverage market, captivating consumers with its crisp taste and innovative marketing campaigns.
Notable events in Sprite’s history include the launch of their groundbreaking “Obey Your Thirst” advertising campaign in the 1990s, which resonated with youth culture and encouraged individuality and self-expression. Sprite’s collaborations with influential artists and athletes, such as hip-hop icons and basketball stars, further solidified its relevance and connection with its target audience.
What is Sprite?
Sprite is a well-known soft drink brand that is sold all over the globe. Created by the Coca-Cola Company, in 1961, Sprite has since received various variations: with or without sugar, cherry, vanilla, and others. Disregarding this, the essential ingredients of the drink are lemon and lime.
1961 – 1972
While establishing this brand, Coca-Cola made a great emphasis on its visual identity. The original Sprite logo was adorned with a captivating blue-and-green “Sprite” symbol, which was showcased in a high-contrast font boasting elegant, slender serifs. A unique touch was added above the letter “i” in the shape of a greenish-yellow star, featuring eight unequal rays.
1964 – 1972
Within the captivating composition of the 1964 logo, the letters ‘S,’ ‘r,’ and ‘t’ shined vibrantly in a refreshing shade of green, while the ‘p,’ ‘i,’ and ‘e’ radiated with a warm orange hue. The star positioned above the letter “i” had transformed, now adorned in a complementary orange tone, featuring an additional facet. Notably, the skillful designers incorporated a hyphen between the words “TRADE” and “MARK,” subtly enhancing the visual appeal.
1972 – 1980
The next Sprite logo had not only adopted a vibrant green hue but also received a slight tilt to the side. This modification accentuated the beverage’s exhilarating “character” upon opening. The tilted wording on the logo harmoniously complemented the decoration that replaced the conventional circle above the “i.”
1980 – 1984
For the following four-year period, the name caption maintained its dark green color and diagonal orientation. During this period, the only remaining orange element resided above the letter “i,” transforming into a dot for the very first time. The lettering was rendered in bold serif-free typography, skillfully blending sharp corners with gentle roundings.
1984 – 1989
In 1984, the logo design took on a more promotional aesthetic. The term “Sprite” transformed, being recolored in white and shedding most of its rounding, resulting in a sleeker appearance. Instead of an orange circle above the note “i,” a prominent yellow-green citrus icon was introduced. Positioned to the left of the icon was the term “Enjoy,” adding an inviting touch to the design. Furthermore, the extension “TRADE-MARK” below the caption made way for the sales tagline “Great Lymon Taste,” creatively rendered in a handwritten script.
1989 – 1994
During the late 1980s, the name reverted to a simplified design. All excessive inscriptions were removed. The typeface chosen for the name featured a slight slope that added a touch of elegance. Notably, the two overlapping silhouettes of lemon and lime above the letter “i” were reduced in size.
1994 – 2006
In the 1994 redesign, the brand artists once again elevated the right side of the wordmark, enhancing its visual impact. Additionally, to further accentuate this sense of movement, gray shadows were artfully incorporated behind each letter.
2006 – 2008
In 2006, a complete transformation took place in the logo’s style. The lettering of “Sprite” embraced a white color, encompassed by a twin contour colored blue. Notably, the character spacing was intentionally omitted, creating a unified and compact appearance. Above the wording, there was a horizontally oriented green and yellow shape, encased within a silver circular frame, comprising two distinctive “petals.” It took more than 50% of the available space.
2008 – 2019
In the following logotype, the caption ‘Sprite’ appeared italicized within a cloud-like silver frame with six angles. This distinctive geometric figure took inspiration from the earliest emblem, resembling a cloud. The fruit showcased a striking two-color appearance, putting the yellow top against the submerged green section.
2014 – 2019
Then, the designers decided to remove the hues in the backdrop, which resulted in a cleaner and more focused design. The chromatic scheme was significantly altered both characters and frame appeared in vibrant green. The lemon atop the logo retained its yellow hue, while the lower part was a bit brightened. Additionally, the typeface was modified to feature a fresh and modern look.
2015 – 2019
In the 2015 edition, the lemon icon was taken off. The other parts of the design remained untouched
2019 – 2022
In 2019, a notable refinement took place in the logo’s design. The inclination angle was reduced, creating a more balanced and visually appealing composition. The name caption was modified too, and it was now featuring a thick typeface with no serifs. Additionally, the traditional round dot reappeared above the letter “i,” providing a familiar touch to the logo. The lines of the frame surrounding the word “Sprite” were also thickened.
2022 – today
The latter wordmark is a simple and elegant one. It is horizontally oriented, and the characters are italicized. They also created a new typeface with bold characters with no serifs.
Font
The word “Sprite” embraces a unique typographic approach, as it does not rely on a specific font but rather a custom set of glyphs crafted for the brand. The characters exhibit a thick and confident appearance, sporting a serif-free style with a subtle rightward slope.
Color
Since 1961, green has been Sprite’s primary hue. This vibrant hue has become synonymous with Sprite soft drinks, much like how orange is closely linked to Fanta and red is related to Coca-Cola.
