As a student, it’s important to have the energy needed to attend class and get all your coursework done. Some students get their buzz from coffee, but I get my energy and motivation from 5-hour Energy. With 200% of the niacin and 8333% of the vitamin B12 you need in a day, 5-hour Energy trumps the competition because of its portability and efficiency, as one shot is equivalent to one large McDonalds coffee. It’s also superior in the fact that it’s sugar free, contains only four calories, and doesn’t stain your teeth. While there is some controversy in the 5-hour Energy community regarding what the best flavor is, I contend that these are the top five flavors:

5. Extra Strength Berry: Berry is the original flavor and is one of the most popular for a reason. It bites your tongue a little with its strong taste, but you will soon get used to it and become fond of the its kick. Overall, I give it an 8/10.

4. Extra Strength Cherry: With Cherry being the official flavor of the MLB All-Star game, it’s safe to say they hit it out of the park with this one. The light crimson bottle with fading white stars accurately embodies its flavor. Its candy-like taste reminds you of a simpler time, like those days in elementary school when Mrs. Johnson would give you a lollipop for winning a game of sparkle. It doesn’t have a strong kick like Berry, but rather provides a sweeter start to your day. Overall, I give it an 8.43/10.

3. Extra Strength Blue Raspberry: Being a classic flavor, Blue Raspberry never disappoints. Its dominant taste has an indescribable quality, as blue raspberries are not necessarily naturally occurring. The flavor is strong enough to help students focus on their physics notes, but not so strong that an inexperienced drinker would have to cut it with water. Overall, I give it an 8.88/10.

2. Pink Lemonade: Pink Lemonade is arguably the best tasting, but it does lack in the fact that it’s not Extra Strength. Its sweet taste doesn’t bother beginners in the slightest, and its soft flavor is something I can imagine giving my future kids whenever they need a boost. If I could buy it in a 24 fl oz cup, I would. Overall, I give it a 9/10.

1. Extra Strength Strawberry Watermelon: Finally, we have reached the pinnacle of human innovation. Its sweet taste doesn’t bother your mouth like some other Extra Strength flavors do, but it’s still strong enough to get you through the day. Its taste is similar to that of a summer fruit platter that one would eat on a deck; its perfect blend of strawberry and watermelon make you forget all of your woes. The contrast of colors between the black cap with the green and pink bottle remind me of a sunset in the Caspian Forests of my second home, Iran. Overall, I give it a 9.8/10.