The Anti–Red Bull: A Drink to Calm You Down

Energy drinks may give consumers a boost, but is there thirst for an anti–Red Bull to calm you down? Apparently. Innovative Beverage Group, maker of a “relaxation” drink called Drank, has seen its first-quarter revenues this year jump more than 530%. Now 7-Eleven is rolling out Drank nationwide.

The drink’s name has its roots in hip-hop: purple drank is slang for a potentially fatal concoction that mixes codeine-laden cough syrup with soft drinks and candy. Critics have argued that the name glorifies drug culture, while the company denies that a beverage called Drank, sold in a purple can, refers to purple drank. Right.

Melatonin, valerian root and rose hips give Drank its calming effect. Should people buy a pharmacological cocktail at 7-Eleven? “I would not recommend it,” says Vanderbilt University pharmacist David DiPersio. Drank at your own risk.