If Red Bull gives you wings, "Drank" promises to get you back down to earth. The latest drink craze is a purple can chockfull of melatonin, valerian root and rose hips, ingredients known for their relaxation effects.
The target market for this new drink, that has the motto "Slow Your Roll," is college students.
"I'm tempted to try it as well because after a long day when you're still hyped up and want to come down, it might be helpful," UConn student Meredith Zaritheny said.
In fact, "Purple Drank" is a slang term used to describe a mixture of cough syrup and soda, but the makers insist their drink is in no way intended to mimic the homemade concoction.
Datamonitor, the market research company, tells the British newspaper Times that relaxation drinks are a trend to watch in 2009, but Dr. Mary Guerrera, of St. Francis Hospital, said consumers should be cautious.
"These products are not regulated by the FDA. I don't know the quality or the exact amount of product in "Drank" and how that will react with the individual," Guerrera said
On the can, there's a warning that the drink could cause drowsiness and it discourages customers from drinking more than one can a day.
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Dr. Guerrera suggests you talk to your doctor or a health professional if you have health concerns.
Currently, "Drank" is sold at 7-Eleven stores in Bristol, Hamden and West Haven.
