Rockstar Punched was my first run-in with the Rockstar brand of energy drinks, and it gave me a high opinion of the brand.  So when I saw that my local megamart was carrying the zero carb version of Rockstar, I decided to splurge.

In most cases, Sucralose is the magic ingredient.  I look for it when purchasing "zero carb" or "sugar free" beverages, as it does a great job of emulating the flavor profile of sugar.  Rockstar Zero Carb is proof that Sucralose is not a magic ingredient.

I really can't describe how horrible the flavor of this drink is.  I've taken exactly two sips, which was more than enough for me to decide this drink was an EPIC FAIL.  The consummate professional in me says to drink more before writing this review so I can be as fair and balanced as possible, while the stomach in me swears it will strangle my brain if I dare.

I don't know exactly where it fails.  If I were to guess,

• The flavor "base" of the drink fails.  Below the sweeteners and the energy infusions, the basic flavor is just wrong.
• The energy mix, which is made of bitter compounds, is way too prominent.  I don't have a problem with strong energy drinks, but this one isn't strong.  It's... off.
• The sweetener mix, Ace K and Sucralose, pulls off a feat I thought was impossible:  they've taken the most natural tasting mix of sweeteners and made it taste like saccharin, a "sweetener" with a strong, iron foundry flavor.

STAY FAR AWAY.  There are so many good choices in the energy drink market, even many which are sugar free and zero calorie/carb.  There's no reason to inflict this on yourself.