My Favorite Energy Drinks
Almost anything from Monster, but especially Java Monster (Loca Moca, Mean Bean, Lo-Ball, Big Black). Unfortunately, none of the Korean stores I frequent carry this variant. All HK Super has carried recently is the blue-themed Monster Lo-Carb. I never cared much for the low-carbohydrate hype, but I pick this one up anyway because it’s a real deal at HK at only $1.99 a can. I also like orange-flavored Monster Khaos, which I order when I have my groceries delivered. Their M-80 (eighty percent juice!) tastes like liquid Lifesavers to me.
The reason I like Java Monster is that it’s a coffee drink but it doesn’t stain my teeth like regular coffee. If I didn’t have to worry about the whiteness of my teeth, I’d be drinking coffee everyday. But my pearly whites are one of my most important assets, so I’ve had to give up real coffee. Glugging down Monster makes everything all right for me.
Update: Latest discovery: Starbucks Doubleshot Energy + Coffee. I remember when Doubleshot was a small can, but this new incarnation is 15 fluid ounces — perfectly suitable for glugging — and contains guarana, ginseng and B vitamins. I love it, even more than Monster Java I think, but I can’t decide because I haven’t tried it enough. I’ve only been able to find it at California Market (Korean grocery store), and nowhere else.
Other Energy Drinks I’ve Tried:
Steaz Organic Energy Drink – too light a kick for me
Go Girl Energy Drink – pink in a pink, girly can… didn’t do anything for me
Red Bull – tried it once, didn’t like it. I don’t enjoy drinking anything that hoi polloi drink
Fuel 7 Hour Energy Shot – comes in a two-ounce bottle that’s small enough to fit in the front pocket of your pants. Thought I wouldn’t like it because part of the fun of drinking energy is glugging it down and this you can swallow in one gulp. The label says it has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee but I experienced a much bigger kick. My problem with this is the price. $2.99 for one measly shot.