There is nothing like cracking open a crispy, cold and refreshing energy drink in the morning. Suddenly, first period isn’t dragging on forever, and the 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. marathon of classes, clubs and sports somehow feels manageable. And if an energy drink will carry you through the chaos, it might as well taste like a treat for surviving the day. Here is the ultimate ranking of the top 5 energy drinks that will get you through the school grind, without drinking something that tastes like battery acid.
#5: Monster, Zero Sugar Ultra Strawberry Dreams
Carrying around a Monster can, with the scratched up logo and intimidating name, could definitely earn you a few looks. But honestly? The Strawberry Dreams flavor is anything but repulsive. It has a light, strawberry cream taste – and no weird artificial nonsense. Just cold, refreshing bubbles that hit every single time. Plus, despite the name, it’s not even overloaded with caffeine. The 12-oz cans sit at a chill 110mg, while the 16-oz cans reach only 150mg of caffeine, still less than a standard cup of coffee. The only reason it’s low on the list is because there are many other energy drinks with much better flavors that knock this one out of the park. Regardless, if you want subtle and delicious energy, don’t be deceived by the name, and get yourself a monster.
#4: Alani Nu, Cherry Slush
Trying this for the first time was a complete game changer. If you want incredible flavor, crisp bubbles and a sweetness that sticks – this is the energy drink for you. It comes in those thin 12-oz cans, mainly because it’s loaded with 200mg of caffeine, which is definitely stronger than your average Monster. The design is subtle and cute, just like the taste. It’s low in sugar and calories, but you’d never know because it’s simply delicious. It’s like you’re sitting in a movie theater with a cherry slush, except this one is ice cold, crisp and bubbly, giving you the perfect bounce to start the school day.
#3: Celsius, Sparkling Mango Lemonade
This energy drink does not hold back on the mango. The flavor is bold, strong and after trying numerous Celsius drinks, this one is simply the best. The mango hits you first with a sweet and refreshing kick, then the subtle lemonade fizz kicks in. Similar to the Alani drinks, it comes in a slim 12-oz can with a caffeine content of 200mg. The design is nothing special (honestly, a little boring), but the flavor absolutely carries the whole drink. Mango is one of those flavors you just can’t miss. The taste is so juicy, sweet and addictive that you keep coming back for more, until the can is completely empty.
#2: Ghost, Sour Patch Blue Berry
Ghost energy drinks are honestly in a league of their own. The brand puts the actual candy brands on their cans, and the Sour Patch Kids collaboration tastes exactly how you’d expect. That popping sour gummy taste in your mouth, and the sticky residue on the back of your teeth. It’s that accurate. It’s basically like candy in a can, even though each drink has zero sugar and only five calories. And unlike the Alani and Celsius drinks, it comes in a 16-oz can with 200mg of caffeine. It is definitely less caffeinated compared to others, but it’ll easily carry you through the school day, as long as you don’t finish it during the first 10 minutes of cracking it open.
#1: Ghost, Sour Green Apple
This flavor deserves the number one spot with no competition. It’s distinct, refreshing and just the perfect amount of sour. It feels like you’re biting into a juicy green apple, or one of those sour green lollipops. The taste is nailed to perfection, crisp, fizzy and a pucker to your taste buds. And the 16-oz cans might be the best part, because you can enjoy more of the drink without the can being emptied within minutes. Every sip tastes as good as the first, with the perfect balance between sour and sweet. Ghost sour green apple stands out because it does everything right. With the subtle, tangy flavor and smooth bubbles, it is by far the most reliable energy drink. The flavor, perfect size and the subtle design cannot be beat.
