From the first energy drink prepared in Scotland in 1901 to 21^st century, energy drinks has leaped exponentially in popularity and use. Now ton of energy drink flavors or variants are available in the market. Scottish energy drink Irn-bru or Iron brew is usually considered as the first energy drink. Energy drinks are a variant of soft drinks. They may and may not be alcoholic. As its name suggest the drinks that provide energy are called energy drinks.

After more than a century since its inception energy drinks are being consumed more vigorously than ever before. Energy drink flavors/variants market is estimated to reach $ 10 billions mark globally by 2010. Go to any Shopping malls or departmental store and you will notice energy drinks flavors occupy a prominent position in shelves. Youngsters and teenagers are heavy users of them. Statistics show that about 65% of the energy drink markets consist of people aging 13-35. 65 per cent of them are men.

Energy drink flavors can be classified under different headings e.g. flavors, brands or the ingredients used. But before checking some energy drink flavors let's ‘taste' some facts about energy drinks.

Ups: Energy drinks are seeing unprecedented surge in use and popularity. The proponents site this as evidence of its usefulness. Some other pros of energy drinks are:

1. Energy drinks contain ingredients that are useful. Their usefulness has been laboratory tested and clinically proven e.g. vitamins, minerals, herbs such as ginseng, gurana etc.
2. These drinks provide instant energy. Many studies have proven the fact that moderate use of energy drinks enhances the mental and physiological performance.
3. Students use energy drinks during exams preparation to remain awake and recharged during nightlong study sessions. Athletes and people who use them before workout do not fatigue.
4. Though most drinks cater to the energy hungry consumers but there are some drinks that are low on calories. So the people who are on dieting can also use them.
5. It gives youngsters an alternative to drugs and alcohol. Though some people mix them with alcohol, it minimizes the risks attached with drinking. Besides this they are fashion symbols and consuming them provide sense of inclusion.

Downs: Critics say:

1. Energy drinks contain caffeine, ginseng and other herbs that may cause addiction.
2. Disturbed heart rate, blood pressure and disturbances in other physiological vital signs are observed in heavy drinkers.
3. Some ingredients may cause dehydration if taken before workouts.
4. Combined with alcohol its harmfulness increase.
5. Some studies reveal that excessive use of energy drinks may lead to anxiety, stress and other mental illnesses.

As ups and downs of energy drinks have equaled each other and position is in equilibrium. Let's leave this equilibrium undisturbed and shift our focus to energy drink flavors.

Energy drinks Flavors/Variants:

Thousands of local and multinationals companies manufacture thousands of gallons of energy drinks daily. This multitude of energy drink flavors gives users the freedom to choose energy drinks according to their needs. Some drink them before workout; students use them for improving their mental faculty. Energy drink flavors are categories in terms of contents, brands, flavors and energy level. I categorize them in terms of brands, as this is the popular way.

Red bull: It contains about 321 mg caffeine/liter. Red bull has many sub-flavors.

Cocaine: It is also one of the few popular brands.

Spike Shooter Double Shot: Contains massive amount of about more than 2500 mg caffeine/ liter.

5 Hours energy drink: as the name suggest 5 hours' energy.

Some other famous energy drinks' brands are: 180, AMP Energy, Bowls, Blue charge, Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew MDX etc. Pepsi, Coca Cola and Mountain Dew also share energy drink flavors' market.