Rockstar Lives Up to Its Name

Rockstar Energy Drink - just the name sounds peppy, doesn't it? Then toss in the addition of "sugar-free" and this thirst quencher becomes a dieter's or gym-rat's dream. Imagine having all the kick of an energy drink, without the sugar-crash or calories. It may sound impossible, but it's true...and it tastes pretty darn good too!

The Rockstar Energy Drink line features quite a few varieties, including "Juiced," "Zero Carb," and "Rockstar21," the version with alcohol. Each has its own unique flavor, but the sugar-free version can best be likened to a fizzier version of Red Bull. It has the same sweet-tang, but with no aftertaste.

Rockstar Energy Drinks come in cans that are larger than that of your typical beverage - 24 ounces is the standard, though it also comes in 8.4 and 16 ounces. However, the light flavor makes it an easy drink to gulp down. Even the carbonation isn't an issue; unlike colas that can leave you with heartburn or a "full" feeling, Rockstar isn't overpoweringly bubbly. It's an easy drink to finish, even at its expanded size.

Rockstar's energy kick isn't as incredible as you'd think, given its 24 ounce size, but its enough to get you going. With 160 milligrams of caffeine, it has as much power as 1-2 cups of coffee or 2 standard size Red Bulls. However, unless you're incredible sensitive to caffeine it doesn't given you the jitters, despite the warning on the can that they don't recommend it for: "Children, pregnant or nursing women or those sensitive to caffeine." It does wake you up though, and seems to give you some pep to finish your daily tasks. It's a great alternative to your standard coffee, tea or soda selection for a morning pick-me-up.

Unlike most sugar-free drinks, Rockstar doesn't resort to using aspartame in their drinks to give it a sweet taste. Instead they add Splenda to their recipe, a choice many soft drink makers are now offering. The resulting taste is sweet but not bitter, like drinks flavored with real sugar.