Monster Zero Sugar

Monster Zero Sugar is a sugar-free energy drink from Monster, sold here in the mixers aisle as well as with the energy drinks. The listing doesn't name a flavor, so check the can for the exact variant. Sugar-free energy drinks in this style usually have a sweet, citrus-leaning, slightly tangy profile. The sweetness typically comes from non-sugar sweeteners, so expect a lighter body and a drier finish than a full-sugar can. The carbonation is usually fairly sharp. Serve it cold, straight from the refrigerator or over plenty of ice, because the flavor goes flat and syrupy as it warms. Drunk on its own, a tall glass or the can itself works. As a mixer it works best with neutral or lightly flavored spirits, which leave the drink's own flavor room to show. Vodka is the usual partner, and a citrus or berry vodka tends to match the fruit notes in drinks like this. Light rum and blanco tequila are other reasonable choices. A common starting ratio is about one part spirit to three or four parts energy drink, adjusted to taste. Pour the spirit over ice first and add the can last, so you keep the fizz and don't need to stir hard. Use a highball or Collins glass filled with ice. A squeeze of lime or lemon will sharpen the sweetness. Because the drink is sugar-free, it won't leave the sticky finish of a regular energy-drink mixer. That makes it a better match for a clean-tasting spirit than for heavily sweetened liqueurs, which can clash with the sweeteners.