"I'm gonna buy you a 'drank'"

KY3 reported this morning that a new product is being sold in Springfield and is causing controversy.

Drank is touted as an anti-energy beverage that will relax its consumers via a combination of herbs, according to its Web site:

'Drank' contains a combination of Valerian Root, Rose Hips, and Melatonin designed to 'slow your roll' after a hectic day. A calming beverage, Drank is formulated to relax the body, mind, and soul. 'Drank' is the perfect lifestyle beverage for those who can appreciate extreme relaxation. So grab a Drank and 'Slow Your Roll'!

The controversy of Drank, however, is that it could be harmful if it is combined with drugs or alcohol. A dietitian interviewed for the KY3 story says that Drank was formulated "after a drink that is a mixture of prescription drug and a soda," but it "has nothing in it that would be harmful" because the quantities of the ingredients are low.

The possible history of this beverage comes from "purple drank," which "is a slang term for a recreational drug popular in the hip-hop community of the southern United States," says Wikipedia. "Its main ingredient is prescription-strength cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine. Cough syrup is typically mixed with ingredients such as Sprite soft drink and pieces of Jolly Rancher candy. The purplish hue of purple drank comes from dyes in the cough syrup."