REVIEW: Mtn Dew Energy Baja Blast

/ / Reviews / 1 Comment

Mtn Dew Energy Baja Blast Can

What is it?

Baja Blast has washed down Nachos Supreme with authority for nearly two decades. Introduced in August 2004 as the first ever fast food exclusive soda collaboration between Pepsi and Taco Bell, the fan favorite has been allowed to spread its bubbly wings over the past eight years. Not only can the popular pop be bought in 20-ounce bottles and 12-packs at Walmart, but in 2022 it expanded into the burgeoning low-calorie energy drink market via Mtn Dew Energy.

How is it?

Baja Blast was designed specifically to complement Taco Bell’s salty and spicy food, so the profile has always been kind of mild and admittedly isn’t a favorite of mine from the Mtn Dew lineup. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll get the Zero Sugar version anytime I get a fountain drink at Taco Bell, but on its own, it doesn’t pack a whole lot of “wow” factor compared to the original, Code Red, or recent limited editions like Spark.

Mtn Dew Energy Baja Blast Glass

The flavor is hard to pin down because it’s so mild, but regular Baja Blast is described by PepsiCo as “a tropical lime storm,” and that’s fairly accurate if we’re talking about a very mild and sweet storm, like a key lime storm. Take that bit of sweet key lime and collide it with the classic inevitable Dew flavor and some nondescript citrus, and you’ve got your Baja blanket. To go along with the mild flavor, the can delivers a low level of carbonation with fairly wide bubbles that I want a bit more presence from. Even though the smoothness may be preferable for some, I like a nice bubbly burst and think some tighter bubbles would bring out more citrus storminess.

Mtn Dew Energy Baja Blast Pour

Anything else you need to know?

One of the features of Mtn Dew Energy is its use of fruit juice, and that small 5% of fruit juice does have an impact here, and it’s not a good one. The use of white grape juice concentrate makes the Energy version of Baja a touch less sweet than its purely artificial-based counterpart, which is a detriment to the flavor as a whole. I even get some grape juice flavor in the finish that builds the more I sip, which isn’t surprising since it’s the second ingredient. It’s very drinkable, and I’m sure it would go swimmingly with a Crunchwrap Supreme, but as a flavor, it’s not an improvement over the original.

Conclusion:

Mtn Dew Energy Baja Blast Caffeine

Mtn Dew Energy remains a good but not great line, with only one or two flavors that really impress me. I could see myself repurchasing this if it was on a good sale but will likely reach for a bolder, punchier lime when I want my citrus craving quenched.

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: 16 oz can
Purchased at: Safeway
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 25 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 170 milligrams of sodium, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, 0 grams of protein, and 180 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Monster Rehab Watermelon

/ / Reviews / 5 Comments

Monster Rehab Watermelon Can

What is it?

Monster Rehab Watermelon is the newest flavor in Monster Energy’s non-carbonated, electrolyte-filled, vitamin B-stuffed, botanical-infused, and caffeine-charged recovery beverage line.

How is it?

If you’re familiar with Monster Energy’s Ultra Watermelon, you’ll know how this tastes. But if not, it has a flavor similar to hard candy that’s artificially flavored to taste like the fruit but in liquid form. Comparing Ultra Watermelon with this Rehab, I’d have to say they’re very similar, although I think the fruitiness is slightly subdued in this one. Basically, what I’m trying to say is that if you’ve had one Monster Energy watermelon-flavored beverage, you’ve had them all. However, this is much easier to drink because it’s not carbonated. So if you dislike carbonation because the bubbles tickling your nose bothers you, and want a watermelon-flavored pick-me-up, then this is a great option.

Monster Rehab Watermelon Can Glass

Anything else you need to know?

I don’t imbibe the Rehab line often, and I can’t remember the last time I had one. I almost always reach for anything from the Ultra line because I like bubbles tickling my nose. Although, I don’t know if I’m the demographic for the Rehab line. It seems as if it’s for folks whose lifestyles are a bit more, um, glug glug the drinkie drinkie than mine. Apparently, the milk thistle and quercetin in Monster Rehab beverages have detoxification effects.

Also, for some reason, this variety has 150 milligrams of caffeine, while all the other Monster Rehab varieties have 160 milligrams. Ooooh, caffeine-gate.

Conclusion:

Monster Rehab Watermelon is a great tasting recovery beverage. So if you need to recover after a hard night of drinking, this may help. Although, if you got drunk from watermelon vodka, watermelon margaritas, watermelon mint mojitos, watermelon soju, watermelon shochu, or watermelon beers, you might want to pass.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary product samples and some swag from Monster Energy. Doing so did not influence my review.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 15.5 fl oz
Purchased at: Received from Monster Energy
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 25 calories, 0 grams of fat, 150 milligrams of sodium, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of sugar (2 grams of added sugar), 0 grams of protein, and 150 milligrams of caffeine

REVIEW: Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Energy Drink

/ / Reviews / 5 Comments

Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Energy Drink Can

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, it ain’t summer until Red Bull says it’s summer.

Well, folks, I’m thrilled to tell you that Red Bull says it’s summer.

Play that theme music!

(NOTE: That theme music is “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie, but instead of “Rebel,” it’s “Red Bull,” and it’s just that line, over and over, for four minutes. I won’t lie, it gets old pretty quickly.)

I’ll tell you what doesn’t get old pretty quickly, the flavor of this year’s Red Bull Summer Edition – Strawberry Apricot.

This has gotta be one of the more exciting energy drink flavor profiles I’ve seen in a while, and that’s because apricot is a criminally underutilized fruit.

I wracked my brain and couldn’t think of a single drink featuring apricot. I guess Red Bull has gotten so far down the fruit list that it decided to finally dip its toe in uncharted waters, although I do think they wussed out a bit by cutting apricot with the way more familiar strawberry.

Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Energy Drink Top

Upon cracking the can, the scent of sour strawberry candy smacked me in the face. That was kinda what I feared would happen. I had very little faith that the apricot would rise above or even run parallel to the strawberry.

Well, unfortunately (but not really…), I was right, and the strawberry flavor popped right out of the gate. That’s not to say I didn’t get a hint of apricot.

The fruit has a distinctive aftertaste to it. When they’re ripe, they start sweet and finish with a little sour kick. That was pretty much what happened with this drink.

I think apricot pushed through in another way because I don’t know how to describe this flavor as anything other than “soft.” Perhaps I’m being influenced by the texture of the fruit itself, but this was one of the more delicate Red Bull varieties I can ever remember drinking, and I think I’m gonna give credit to the apricot there. It wasn’t harsh at all, and that supporting flavor did its best to mute the more dominant strawberry in a way I found super light and refreshing.

Actually, I’ll tell you what this ultimately reminded me of – Strawberry Fruit Roll-ups.

After a little while, that’s all I could think of, but it wasn’t just Strawberry Fruit Roll-up, it was also apricot fruit leather. I guess that makes sense because when I think of the more “upscale” fruit leathers, three flavors come to mind – strawberry, raspberry, and apricot. I always enjoyed those as a kid, and I rode a little nostalgia wave with each additional sip.

Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Energy Drink Glass

As for the “energy” aspect, this could’ve just hit me on the right day at the right time because man, it gave me a serious energy boost. That rarely happens anymore, so I considered it a huge bonus. I feel like the electric orange can also had a hand in hyping me up.

Overall, I think most loyal Red Bull drinkers will dig this year’s summer edition, even you weirdos who call apricots, “Ape-ricots.” There’s a lot to like here.

Ok, the review’s over. You can go ahead and kill the theme music now.

Purchased Price: $2.50
Size: 12 fl oz can
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 160 calories, 0 grams of fat, 125 milligrams of sodium, 40 grams of total carbohydrates, 38 grams of total sugars, and 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Sonic Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Slush

/ / Reviews

Sonic Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Slush Cup

With the recent temperature increases in Florida, my slush cravings have hit hard. As if magic (or just a targeted ad), Sonic Drive-In’s new Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Slush was popping up on my feed. I’m already a huge Red Bull fan, so a chance to try the limited edition summer flavor in slush form seemed like an easy choice.

While Red Bull has been periodically releasing Summer Editions since 2014, it wasn’t until 2020 that Sonic started offering the limited edition flavors as part of its slush lineup.

As with most fast food companies, Sonic is very much pushing the use of its mobile ordering app. I bring this up only to note that if you order a drink through the app, they are all half price all day. I ordered a medium of the summer slush and raced it home. I had worried the 20-minute drive would cause it to lose some oomph. Luckily, the styrofoam cup kept it at the perfect temperature.

Sonic Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Slush Hello Kitty

Before transferring it into my Tervis tumbler, I took a few sips of the light pink slush. Red Bull tends to have a very sweet start and a slightly tangy finish in the flavors I’ve tried. This one was sweet all the way through. In fact, had you not told me it was part of the Red Bull brand, I would have thought it was just any other sweet-flavored slush. The strawberry and apricot (which comes across as more peach flavored) are subtle but present and blending the energy drink with the slush ice made for a pleasant sipping experience.

I reached out to Sonic about the caffeine content (I couldn’t find it anywhere on its website). I was shocked when I was told a medium has only 40 milligrams. For reference, the 8.4-ounce can has 80. It would appear it uses half a can which explains why the flavor might be more subtle than if you drank it straight. Honestly, learning that it wasn’t even an entire can in the medium (20 oz) lowered my opinion of the item. If I’m getting a Red Bull drink, I’m looking for the caffeine that comes with a Red Bull.

Sonic Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Slush Top

While a fine treat, the Red Bull Summer Edition Strawberry Apricot Slush doesn’t deliver on what I feel a Red Bull slush should. The flavor in this form doesn’t stand out as uniquely as a Red Bull, and the lack of caffeine (in relation to what is expected from Red Bull) doesn’t have me racing back to get it again. If you’re curious, make sure to use the app to order so you get half off because I wouldn’t recommend it at the regular $3.99 price.

Purchased Price: $1.99 (half off via the Sonic app)
Size: Medium (20 oz)
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Medium) 250 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 75 milligrams of sodium, 65 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 65 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Coffee

/ / Reviews / 8 Comments

Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Cans

What is Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?

It’s Monster Energy’s attempt to enter the slowly growing canned nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee market. Since 2020, Starbucks has been selling canned versions of its Nitro Cold Brew. Also, a handful of smaller coffee brands have theirs. But behind Starbucks, Monster Energy is probably the next biggest name to have one.

If you’re unfamiliar with the coffee drink, adding the element with an atomic weight of 14.0067 (I still remember it off the top of my head…after Googling it 10 seconds ago) into coffee gives it a smoother texture and head of foam when poured. Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew is available in two varieties — Sweet Black and Latte.

How are they?

Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Latte

I like my coffee how I like my babies, full of milk. So I started with the Latte version. Pouring it created a thick foamy head, but perhaps too thick because of how I poured it. So I had to wait a while for it to shrink before drinking it. With the foam, its flavor reminds me of a regular Java Monster, but slightly watered down and less creamy, which I guess could be considered a smooth texture? Once the foam disappears into the liquid, the headless drink has more flavor, but it’s still less creamy than Monster’s regular coffee energy drinks. It’s okay, but I wouldn’t repurchase it.

Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Sweet Black

Pouring the Sweet Black version resulted in a less pronounced foam head. It also has a less noticeable flavor. Even though there’s no sugar, it’s slightly sweet, and it isn’t very bitter, which is expected for cold brew. But much like the Latte one, it tastes watered down when drinking it with the foam. I thought, much like the Latte one, the flavor would perk up when the foam melts into the drink, but that wasn’t the case. While I enjoy Starbucks’ Black Nitro Cold Brew, I’m not a fan of this.

Anything else you need to know?

A can has 200 milligrams of caffeine thanks to the coffee and, of course, Monster’s proprietary energy blend. It’s the same amount you’ll find in most regular Java Monster flavors.

Also, the coffee is, I guess, pre-mixed with nitrogen. Unlike the Starbucks canned Nitro Cold Brew and Nitro Pepsi, there isn’t a nitrogen infuser at the can’s bottom that activates when opened. So, I’m sorry, ASMRers. There isn’t a satisfying hiss.

Conclusion:

As someone who loves Java Monster and Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew, I thought there would be a good chance I’d enjoy Monster’s Nitro Cold Brew, but both varieties are underwhelming.

Purchased Price: More than one should pay on eBay
Size: 13.5 fl oz cans
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 6 out of 10 (Latte), 5 out of 10 (Sweet Black)
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) Sweet Black – 10 calories, 0 grams of fat, 330 milligrams of sodium, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein. Latte – 100 calories, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 10 milligrams of cholesterol, 490 milligrams of sodium, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of sugar (0 grams of added sugar), and 7 grams of protein.

Scroll to Top