Starbucks Doubleshot Energy + Coffee Drink

Superseded my love for Java Monster Energy ~

I’ve only been into a Starbucks store once in my life — in Taipei, when I was dying of thirst in the sweltering heat. Twice, if you count buying a bottle of water at a LAX terminal. But I do like the convenience of their bottled and canned drinks which you can grab almost anywhere.

Usually I see their cold bottled drinks, so on hot days I grab those when at CVS or some other convenience store. I also used to get their small doubleshot can with the dark brown color, although the small volume of liquid would often leave me unsatisfied. For an energy boost, I had always turned to Monster Energy drinks, especially the Java coffee line.

One day, I was perusing the shelves at a Korean supermarket, of all places, looking for my Monster fix, when I saw these seemingly new Starbucks Doubleshot cans. They were big — the same size as my Monster! What made them more different from the small doubleshot of yore was that these  “Premium Energy Coffee Drinks” contained Guarana, Ginseng and B Vitamins, the ever-reliable energy boosters.

Four variants: Vanilla, Coffee, Cinnamon Dulce and Mocha. I first tried a can of the plain coffee. It was amazing! Even better than my Monster in its effect. Kept me clear-headed and productive. The experience of glugging it down was good too. Next time I was at California Market, I tried Vanilla… it was okay. Mocha… okay. Cinnamon Dulce… way too sweet. But flavor aside, they all did the job of waking me up and keeping me focused.

A can contains 15 fluid ounces (443 mL) and is supposed to be two servings. Each can, regardless of flavor, contains the same blend of energy ingredients: 2000 milligrams of maltodextrin, 1800 milligrams of taurine, 450 milligrams of L-carnitine, 180 milligrams of inositol, 325 grams of panax ginseng and 90 milligrams of guarana.

What’s weird though is that I haven’t been able to find these drinks anywhere else but that particular Korean supermarket. Price at California Market: $2.49 + 0.05 crv.

UPDATE: August 18, 2009. Spotted them now prominently displayed by the checkout at the Rite Aid in Larchmont Village.

Five stars for Starbucks Doubleshot Energy + Coffee Drink !