Purple Drank

Purple Drank is a concoction of the prescription cough syrup Promethazine with Codeine, typically mixed with a soda, like 7-Up or Sprite, or with an alcohol like gin or vodka. This leaves the drink a pink-purple color. Some recipes call for the addition of a Jolly Rancher, which adds another color, thus the drink is sometimes referred to as “Rainbow Colors”.

Promethazine with Codeine is typically prescribed as a powerful cough suppressant, but when taken in sufficiently high doses can lead to sleepiness, altered thoughts, and impaired motor functions which often lead to a shuffling gait or “lean” to one’s walk.