It’s hard to believe Red Bull came to the States a decade ago. Though it’s still got the wings to fly over the competition, more and more energy drinks are gunning for a share of the market. Since seeking out the hottest nightlife trends sometimes makes us tired, we at Metromix perked up at the prospect of trying something new in our quest to keep the party going.
Ecstasy Martini, $6
THE GRAND CENTRAL, 950 W. WRIGHTWOOD AVE. 773-832-4000
Ingredients: Ecstasy liqueur, vodka, triple sec, splash of sour
Buzz factor: 3 BUZZES
Here’s the juice: Turn off the John Digweed and put away the glowsticks, kids. It’s not 1999 anymore. Besides, Ecstasy liqueur (what did you think we were talking about?) doesn’t need a lot of hype. Straight, the 70-proof liqueur infused with pomegranate extract, herbs and caffeine tastes slightly sweet with just a hint of pomegranate flavor. In a cocktail, however, the flavors are easily overpowered. Still, it’s a crisp, clean-tasting spirit that mixes well. As for the buzz? We definitely didn’t feel like dancing all night, but we did perk up a bit.
Tokyo Driver, $11
REPUBLIC PAN-ASIAN RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE, 58 E. ONTARIO ST. 312-440-1818
Ingredients: G Pure Energy, orange vodka, orange juice
Buzz factor: 2 BUZZES
Here’s the juice: Sunday shopping on the Mag Mile is enough to drain the life from the most determined bargain hunter. Good thing we decided to recharge with a fizzy, fun and fruity cocktail in the downstairs lounge at Republic, a new spot just west of Michigan Avenue. This Tokyo lift is powered by G Pure Energy — the Voss water company’s foray into the energy-drink market, with a combination of green tea extract and natural ingredients. The drink didn’t make us jittery; rather, it was a nice midday pick-me-up.
Cocaine and vodka, $12-$15
STONE LOTUS, 873 N. ORLEANS ST. 312-440-9680
Ingredients: Cocaine energy drink and vodka
Buzz factor: 4 BUZZES
Here’s the juice: Cocaine’s reddish tint makes plain ol’ vodka stand out. Though sweet, it’s not syrupy, making it easy to drink. The hefty price tag is a jolt in itself, but our amplified state paid off and then some … that is, until we had to watch a couple hours of TiVo before we could fall asleep. (Tip: Go with a group for bottle service and split the cost; you can choose Red Bull or Cocaine.)
White Russian, $6
FIZZ, 3220 N. LINCOLN AVE. 773-348-6088
Ingredients: Starbucks Coffee Liqueur, vodka and half-and-half
Buzz factor: 2 BUZZES
Here’s the juice: The bartenders here always make a good cocktail, and their take on this creamy classic is no exception. We requested Starbucks Coffee Liqueur, which is brewed with real coffee, instead of the standard Kahlua, which is only “coffee-flavored,” so it didn’t have that strange artificial taste that sinks most coffee cocktails. The verdict: good booze, minimal buzz. A shot of Starbucks liqueur has about as much caffeine as two ounces of coffee, which is to say, barely any. Unless you can down as many White Russians as the Big Lebowski — and if you can, you need help — you’re unlikely to catch much of a caffeine buzz.
BUZZ FACTOR SCALE:
snooze = 1
minor jolt = 2
perking up = 3
major boost = 4
up all night = 5
AMPLIFIED TREND
Remember when you turned to Jolt cola for a rush? Then when you graduated to Red Bull? So, now what?
Lots of new energy drinks are trying to break into the local market. You can already find a few, such as G Pure Energy (see story) and Hooters (see below) around town. Some standouts:
Good with wings: Hooters energy drink
Groan-worthy: Grenade — and, yes, you have to “pull the pin” to pop it open
Pretty, not-so-pink: P.I.N.K., a colorless vodka infused with caffeine and guarana
Who’re you kidding? Who’s Your Daddy, in cranberry-pineapple and green tea flavors
Oh, oh, oh … really!? Swedish-made Nexcite, a blue, herb-packed potable boasting a libido boost for the ladies. Coming again: May 6-8 at the Fancy Food Show at McCormick Place.
— KAREN BUDELL, METROMIX NIGHTLIFE PRODUCER
CAN IT!
Totally drained?
Recycle your empty Red Bull cans by turning them into a work of art and entering the Red Bull Art of Can contest.
Deadline: June 25
Register: redbullartofcanusa.com
A professional art jury will judge entries. Winners qualify for the Red Bull Art of Can Chicago exhibit at the River East Art Center in November.
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* READ OUR TASTE TEST OF THE CONTROVERSIAL COCAINE ENERGY DRINK (“JUST SAY … BLOW?”) AT METROMIX.COM
