Celsius Sparkling Kiwi Strawberry and Watermelon Lemonade review: Like a summer picnic in your mouth

Let's be real for a moment – energy drinks have a bit of a bad rap. They're often seen as neon-colored, sugar-filled, jitter-inducing beverages that make your heart race faster than a cheetah on a treadmill.

But, what if I told you there's an exception to this fizzy frenzy? Enter CELSIUS – the drink that's kind of like the superhero of the energy drink world, swooping in to save the day with its healthier vibe. They've just introduced two new flavors that might just make you do a happy dance: Sparkling Kiwi Strawberry and Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade. Needless to say, I went out for a taste adventure that was as refreshing as it was surprising.

CELSIUS' new Sparkling Kiwi Strawberry flavor

First up, let's chat about the Sparkling Kiwi Strawberry, as anything strawberry-flavored is usually my go-to and favorite. While it did make me feel like I was lounging in a garden filled with strawberries so ripe they practically glow in the sun, while a cool breeze brings the scent of freshly cut kiwi, I felt like the taste was just a smidge too artificial. You know when you eat strawberry powder candy and get that almost sour, sugary taste? Though in SIGNIFICANTLY lesser amounts, the taste is still somewhat there. It's like a slightly too vibrant burst of flavor that will dance on your taste buds. I'm not saying it's bad at all, it's just something that happens with strawberry-flavored things sometimes. I will say it does laps around the original Sparkling Strawberry Guava flavor, though.

I will say that the balance between the two flavors is pure harmony – it's like they were made to be together, like peanut butter and jelly, or Batman and Robin, with the tangy kiwi stepping in with a refreshing twist. It's a burst of sunshine in a can, and I found myself reaching for it anytime I needed a pick-me-up that didn't involve an espresso shot to the veins.

CELSIUS' new Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade flavor

Now, let's talk about the underdog that stole the spotlight: Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade. I'll admit, I went into this taste test with a bit of skepticism, prepared for the very subtle and almost non-existent watermelon flavor we usually get in drinks and candies, but oh boy, was I wrong.

The Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade was the plot twist I never saw coming – and trust me, it hit an especially good note as an afternoon drink.

The first sip was a tasty explosion, where the zingy, zesty tang of lemon meets the sweet and hydrating watermelon. It's like a summer picnic in your mouth, complete with a refreshing breeze and the distant sound of kids playing tag. The lemon adds that perfect zing, and then the watermelon swoops in, cooling everything down with its juicy sweetness. It's not too sweet, not too tart – it's just right.

What really surprised me was how much I ended up liking the Watermelon Lemonade more. It became my go-to afternoon pick-me-up, a perfect companion for those 3 PM slumps when you're contemplating whether a nap is a viable option.

These two new flavors swooped in, saved the day, and made everything better for me this week – my personal caffeine knight in shining armor. One of the best things about both these flavors is that they don't just taste amazing, they also come with the added benefits that Celsius is known - for no sugar crashes, no artificial sweeteners, and a boost of energy that feels natural, not jittery. As a cardiac patient myself, I felt no palpitations, no fast beats, and I was beyond happy when the too-familiar post-energy-drink crash didn't come.

If you're on the lookout for an energy drink that breaks the mold and delivers a flavor punch that makes your taste buds do a happy dance, CELSIUS Sparkling Kiwi Strawberry and Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade are your new best friends. Whether you need a refreshing morning wake-up call or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, these drinks have got you covered.

Pop open a can, and let the bubbly goodness take you on a flavor adventure you won't soon forget. Cheers to CELSIUS continuously breaking the energy drink stereotype – one delicious sip at a time.