How do I mimic that energy drink taste for my homemade Sparks?

October 7, 2009 5:56 AM

I'd like to make an alcoholic energy drink. How do I get that Sparks/Red Bull flavor? I'd prefer to use ingredients that are available in my kitchen/supermarket, but would buy specific things online if necessary.

The emphasis of this question is on taste. For example, if taurine does not contribute to Sparks's flavor, then I'm not interested in it. I plan on putting anhydrous caffeine and vodka into the drink and I'd like to know what ingredients give energy drinks that tart, citrusy, artificial taste.

The only relevant page I could find via google was this one, which doesn't mention quantities or proportions.

posted by d(-_-)b to food & drink (10 answers total)

So you're not looking for mixers, correct? (Like, Red Bull + vodka + orange juice, which is my personal favorite...)
posted by restless_nomad at 6:08 AM on October 7, 2009

Citric acid is the tart citrus flavour, you can buy it powdered or in crystals in the spices/baking supplies section of the grocery store. Tartaric acid (cream of tartar) will help too. Also in the spice section.

Had to reread your middle paragraph to figure out where you were getting anhydrous vodka from.
posted by variella at 6:25 AM on October 7, 2009 [1 favorite]

I think taurine contributes to Red Bull's flavor, though it might be one of those things that some folks can taste and some can't. You ought to be able to find it at some pharmacies, most GNC-type places and many grocery stores.
posted by box at 6:55 AM on October 7, 2009

Quoting the wikipedia page on Energy Drinks "guarana or taurine extract which provides energy drinks with their flavor."
There is no citation for this quote so I do not know the validity of it, but these might be two substances to look into for your flavor.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/
posted by dpollitt at 7:07 AM on October 7, 2009

I'm impressed. You might be the only person ever who likes energy drinks for their taste, caffeine be damned!

I've always thought that Red Bull tasted like the fruity or bubblegum toothpaste my dentist cleaned my teeth with when I was a kid. But I doubt that's already in your kitchen...
posted by kestrel251 at 8:22 AM on October 7, 2009

I have always likened the taste of Red Bull to sweet tarts. Maybe dissolve some of them in the vodka?

Good luck. Sounds like a fun project.
posted by frecklefaerie at 9:06 AM on October 7, 2009

melt gummy bears with a little bit of water to make a syrup.
posted by WeekendJen at 11:35 AM on October 7, 2009

Sorry, hit post too soon...

I think Redbull has a strong gummy bear smell and a medium gummy bear flavor. They probably have similar surgar content...
posted by WeekendJen at 11:36 AM on October 7, 2009

The recipe I use for a Rotorstier:

Muddle a chunk of ginger and add:

the juice of half a lime
1/2 oz simple syrup
3 or 4 dashes Angostura bitters
200 mg guarana powder (I use capsules that I pull apart)
2 oz vodka

Shake and strain over ice
Top with soda water

Not exactly Red Bull tasting, but pretty good. (in my opinion far better, but if you actually like the flavor of energy drinks you might disagree)
posted by Jawn at 3:59 PM on October 7, 2009

I'm not sure about anhydrous caffeine, but I know caffeine in pill form is extremely bitter.

That said, I'd mix:
blueberry vodka, caffeine

+ some combination of:

pomegranate juice
grenadine
lime syrup
sprite
posted by mhuckaba at 10:17 PM on October 7, 2009