We Tried The Unreleased Monster Energy Vanilla Shots

Monster Energy doesn’t add a new variant of their original drink every day. Sure, it feels like we get a new Monster Ultra drink every few months (knocking out an old one as it comes in), but we’ll see a new take on the OG once a year if we’re lucky. Last year, we brought you an early review of the now-old Strawberry Shot variants; this time around, I’ve got a few sample cans of Monster Energy Vanilla Shot in full and zero sugar. Let’s find out whether these barista-fied takes on Monster Energy are worth making room for.

Videos by Sporked

Monster Energy Vanilla Shot Review

New Monster Energy Drink!

Pros: Much like last year’s Strawberry Shot variants, this is exactly what it says on the can. The addition of vanilla is surprisingly cohesive despite the base flavor being somewhere in the region of “chewing on a power line”. If you’ve ever found the original Monster Energy formula a little too abrasive, this should go down much more smoothly.

Cons: I’m still not quite sure exactly who this is for. If you’re looking for a creamier Monster Energy drink, I’d go with their yet-to-be-titled Orange Dreamsicle variant.

Credit: Griffin Parker / Monster Energy

Rating:

7/10

Sporks

Monster Energy Zero Sugar Vanilla Shot Review

New Monster Energy Drink!

Pros: I think this works better than the Zero Sugar Strawberry Shot; the vanilla does a great job of masking any potential aftertaste while also tasting stronger. If the drinks are called Vanilla Shot, the vanilla-ier variant will win me over. Call me crazy, but I actually prefer this to the full sugar version.

Cons: The issue with any Zero Sugar variant of the classic Monster Energy is that it’s always sold right next to their entire Ultra line, many of which are the best examples of sugarfree energy drinks on the market. Trying to replicate a full sugar flavor without sugar is much harder than creating a new flavor that works around the artificial sweetener aftertaste.

Credit: Griffin Parker / RYSE

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

When can I get my hands on Monster Energy Vanilla Shot?

I got these early sample cans from a friend in the industry, but you won’t have to wait long to try them for yourself. Per our sources, both full and Zero Sugar versions of Monster Energy Vanilla Shot should begin to hit shelves the first week of October (alongside the new Java Monster Dubai Chocolate–go read that review if you haven’t already). Are you chomping at the bit to try these new Vanilla Shot energy drinks? Let me know in the comments.