Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee - Cinnamon Dulce

Cost: $2.29
Cost Per Ounce:$0.15
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Guarana, B-Vitamins, Bunch of other stuff
Taste Rating:8.9
Kick Rating:8.6
Final Judgment Rating:8.7
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee - Cinnamon Dulce:
Continuing on with yet another Energy Drink Review, I will be giving the Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee - Cinnamon Dulce flavor a try. As I have previously mentioned a handful of times (probably every time I review a coffee flavored energy drink), I am not the biggest fan of coffee flavored energy drinks. However, every now and then I get a nice surprise and enjoy one and the Starbucks energy drinks have so far been on par with my taste buds. I have reviewed a couple of their drinks in the past, but never fully completed their entire lineup of flavors when all of the sudden out of nowhere (actually via UPS Parcel Post) I was sent their newest flavors, Cinnamon Dulce being one of them. Since I am already behind on the rest of their lineup, I might as well skip to the newest flavors, in hopes they send me more of their 15 ounce Premium Coffee Drinks upon conception. Anyways, enough fluff let's try this bad boy out.

Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee - Cinnamon Dulce: Taste
Considering the last Starbucks Energy Drink I tried was back in August of 2008, I could barely remember how one tasted. That is until I cracked open the 15 ounce Ready to Drink can and caught a whiff of Cinnamon. Yup, the previous flavors I tried all had a distinct aroma as well and Starbucks Cinnamon Dulce was no exception. Upon taking my first sip of the light brown drink I could immediately taste a nice light coffee flavor, followed by a hint of Dulce (kind of a brown sugar) then I was hit with a Cinnamon swirl. All in all, I actually really enjoyed the flavor as it was far from the dark blend of coffee that I have come to dislike. In fact it was fairly light and quite tasty as the Cinnamon Dulce flavor almost made the coffee flavor non-existent. I say almost, as it would not be a coffee energy drink without the coffee flavor. For this reviewer, who is not the biggest fan of coffee, Starbucks Cinnamon Dulce was right up my ally. Taste Rating - 8.9

Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee - Cinnamon Dulce: Kick
So I was pleased yet again by a Starbucks Energy Drink in the taste category, but would the kick be to my liking? Considering Starbucks makes a pretty potent blend of coffee (when compared to others) I would have to say my chances were good. Upon inspection of the ingredients I found Starbucks to contain the following: 2000 mg of maltodextrin, 1800 mg of Taurine, 450 mg of L-Carnatine, 180 mg of Inositol, 325 mg of Panax Ginseng, 90 mg of Guarana Seed Extract and a decent amount of B vitamins. However, I was unable to find any information on caffeine content on the label, but further inspection of the Starbucks website gave me the answer I was looking for... 146 milligrams of caffeine in the entire 15 ounce can, similar to their other flavors. While the caffeine content is not that big on it's own, when combined with the other energy ingredients Starbucks Cinnamon Dulce does pack a nice kick and with only 28 grams of sugar (about 40% of a normal energy drink), you won't have an overload making you cringe on your office floor craving more sugar. Kick Rating - 8.6

Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee - Cinnamon Dulce: Final Judgment
For a person who does not really like coffee, I am amazed at how well I get along with the Starbucks energy drinks. They pack a nice punch, have a great mix of exotic flavors and coffee and are relatively healthy when looking at other ED's. Sure, they have the same amount of calories as the others, but at least the calories are not all coming from sugar, at least some are coming from Protein (skim milk). Overall, from a company that focuses mostly on coffee, they seem to have carved themselves a nice niche within the ED's industry with a well thought out product. Final Judgment - 8.7

Crunk Energy Drink Review - Berry

Cost: $1.99
Cost Per Ounce:$0.13
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Guarana, B-Vitamins, Green Tea Extract
Taste Rating:8.7
Kick Rating:8.6
Final Judgment Rating:8.7
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Crunk Energy Drink Review - Berry:
Alright... it has been quite some time since I have tried one of the Crunk Energy Drinks, so I guess it is about time to let you in on the new flavor which has been out for a couple months now. The previous Energy Drinks from Crunk include Citrus, Sugar Free - Original as well as the original Pomegranite flavor. Now Crunk has added a Berry flavor to their growing lineup. As with all other flavors the new Crunk Berry Energy drink will be available in 16 and 8 ounce varieties. For the purpose of today's review, I will be trying the 16 ounce version. So enough fluff, let's see if Crunk can continue to build on the their delicious lineup.

Crunk Energy Drink Review - Berry: Taste
As I stated above, I have enjoyed all the other offerings from Crunk, especially the Original (pomegranate flavor). When all is said and done, Crunk stays pretty true to what is on the label. It's grape, but it is a lighter concoction than what you would normally think of a grape drink as the Acai berry definitely lightens the taste as well as helps to hide any medicinal aftertaste. So it is not bitter, but it is a little tart for my liking. I still think the Original is the best energy drink taste wise in the Crunk lineup. However, to each their own in the taste category. Taste Rating - 8.7

Crunk Energy Drink Review - Berry: Kick
Now the original Crunk had about 100 milligrams of caffeine in an 8.3 ounce can, but I could not distinguish how much caffeine is in the 16 ounce varieties. My assumption would be roughly 200 milligrams (no shit right) which would pretty much fall in line with the 16 ounce industry "standards." And by standard, I mean what everybody else seems to be putting in a 16 ounce energy drink now-a-days. The other energy ingredients include green tea, guarana and b-vitamins. So the caffeine is pretty standard, the overall energy blend seems to do the trick as I enjoyed several hours of energy! Kick Rating - 8.6

Crunk Energy Drink Review - Berry: Final Judgment
Crunk energy drinks continue to impress me, especially with the attention to detail in the flavor department. The berry is not my personal favorite, but I would highly recommend a try to anyone out their who is a grape fan. Looks like the best place to buy in bulk is at the Crunk Website. If you are a Crunk addict, they have a refill club designed just for you so check it out. And Lil Jon, keep em coming! Final Judgment - 8.7

Mountain Dew Voltage Review

Cost: $1.29
Cost Per Ounce:$0.06
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Ginseng
Taste Rating:8.5
Kick Rating:7.0
Final Judgment Rating:7.5
Energy Drink Ratings Explained


Mountain Dew Voltage Review:
I know what you are thinking, why is Mountain Dew Voltage being reviewed on a site dedicated to Energy Drinks? Well some would argue that Mountain Dew is somewhat the original energy drink as it is one of the highest caffeinated and most popular mass produced carbonated beverages on the market. Another reason is that Mountain Dew Voltage ran a very interesting marketing promotion called DEWmocracy where the public got to vote for the new Dew (taste, name and color). Apparently over 250,000 people participated, making Mountain Dew Voltage an ideal candidate for a review. So enough fluff, let's see if the general public knows how to make a drink by reviewing the 20 Ounce Voltage.

Mountain Dew Voltage Review: Taste
So 250,000 people voted to make the color a light/nuclear blue so I was originally thinking a purely berry flavor. However, I was slightly mistaken as there are still elements of the original Citrus flavoring from Mountain Dew present. The citrus coupled with a Raspberry flavor made for a somewhat sweeter than average Dew followed up by a jolt of Ginseng. But overall the distinct berry flavor wins out and the sweet taste is reminiscent of a Jolly Rancher candy. I would have to say that 250,000 or so people made a pretty decent flavor, although it was a tad sweet for me. Taste Rating - 8.5

Mountain Dew Voltage Review: Kick
The energy ingredients seem to be almost identical to your normal everyday Dew. In a 20 ounce bottle you get about 90 milligrams of caffeine (more than Red Bull) as well as some Ginseng. So basically it is the original formula with a little added ginseng. Now it doesn't compare to a lot of today's energy drinks, but Voltage still packs 90 milligrams of caffeine, which is very similar to Red Bull (minus the taurine, b-vitamins)... so the kick is still noteworthy, especially when compared on price. Kick Rating - 7.0

Mountain Dew Voltage Review: Final Judgment
The promotion run by Dew seemed to be fairly popular and 250,000 people collectively made a pretty good new Dew. Again, not going to be my everyday drink, as I am used to a bit more caffeine, but for those that need a little pick me up, a refreshing drink, or already enjoy Dew, then I suggest you give it a try. I have seen the new flavor in stores for $1.29 so that's not a bad deal either. Final Judgment - 7.5

Red Light Energy Drink Review - Original Seduction

Cost: $2.29
Cost Per Ounce:$0.19
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Taurine, B-Vitamins, Panax Ginseng
Taste Rating:9.5
Kick Rating:7.5
Final Judgment Rating:8.5
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Red Light Energy Drink Review:
Lately I have been reviewing tons of energy shots and candies and have not actually reviewed an Energy Drink in quite some time. I know the competition is not as fierce in the energy shot segment, but I was more than happy when the Red Light Energy Drink showed up on my door step. I was even more delighted when I saw that the Kosher certified 12 ounce energy drinks (they offer a sugar free version as well) came in sleek and sexy packaging. Probably one of the best designed bottles I have seen in quite some time. The Red Light Energy drinks are both seem like they are tailored as cocktail mixers with a sexy appeal. Alright enough fluff, let's see how the Red Light Original Seduction Energy Drink performs in the taste and kick reviews!

Red Light Energy Drink Review: Taste
With a name like "Original Seduction" I was expecting quite a bit from my taste test... and I was far from disappointed. I drank the first 6 ounces alone with no mixer and the taste could only be described as a magic elixir of goodness. No seriously, this is easily one of the best tasting energy drinks that I have tried as the lightly carbonated citrus berry flavor goes down smooth. The berry flavor stood out the most and the medicinal aftertaste... was not present at all. My next test was as a mixer. Absolute Red Light special please... Sounds complicated but it's just vodka mixed with Red Light. Even though it's a basic mixed drink, the flavor Red Light added was pleasant, making me feel like I had just whipped up one of the world's greatest concoctions. If the sugar free version tastes this great I might have a new favorite energy mixer on my hands. Taste Rating - 9.5


Red Light Energy Drink Review: Kick
Since this drink is primarily meant as a mixer, although it is great as a standalone, I was not expecting tons of energy. I mean, who want's to be bouncing off the walls like you are at a rave after having one or two mixers? That being said each Red Light contains 90 milligrams of caffeine (similar to a Red Bull) as well as Panax Ginseng, Taurine and B-vitamins. So know the kick was not off the walls, but a couple of these mixers and you should be good for the night (just don't drive). Kick Rating - 7.5

Red Light Energy Drink Review: Final Judgment
Love the sex appeal vibe coming from the bottle, the flavor was great and the price tag of $2.29 is actually cheap for a high end energy mixer. Combine that with the taste and we have ourselves a winner here! I am not entirely sure where you can get it at brick and mortar stores, but I know you can purchase this stuff online at the Red Light store. If anyone knows where you can pick this stuff up besides online, feel free to chime in below in the comments section. Final Judgment - 8.5

UpdateRED LIGHT can be found in 300 locations around the country and growing. You can check their website out as it has a store locator.

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