Lucas Punneo

If you’re new ‘round here, Red Bull releases a Summer and Winter edition every year, with national releases in May and November respectively, plus an exclusive release at Walmart a month before. The Summer editions are usually adored by fans and become staples of the Red Bull line of drinks; Peach, Strawberry Apricot, Dragon fruit, and Watermelon all got this treatment, starting as Summer Editions and becoming Peach, Amber, Green, and Red Editions. However, the Winter editions don’t see the same love from corporate or the consumers, with flavors like Cranberry and Juneberry getting small cult followings but ultimately being discontinued by the next spring.

With that in mind, I always approach the winter editions with hopeful cynicism, I’ve been burned by the Fig Apple Flavors of the world one too many times, but my Red Bull “dedication” wants a new flavor to enjoy. When I saw that Sweden had received a flavor called Iced Cotton Candy my excitement skyrocketed, and when the Austrians took photos of their Iced Gummy Bear flavor I almost jumped for joy. The American release was a bit more anticlimactic with Iced Vanilla Berry being the name given to the states and the UK, but the unveiling of a sugar-free version alongside the regular one sent me into a frenzy.

I counted the days until the release. October 1st rolled around, and my Walmart app searched tirelessly for the sweet, caffeinated nectar my heart desired, but alas our Weatherford Walmart had none in stock. A quick zip code change revealed the Warr Acres Neighborhood Market 61 miles away had sugar-free available, and Yukon Neighborhood Market had regular. A quick phone call later, my dad had the sugar-free in hand, and a weekend visit home made my caffeine-fueled dreams come to life. A friend’s voyage to the Yukon location was for naught, coming in contact with no Red Bulls on their expedition, regular would have to wait.

To say it is glorious, does not do this drink the justice it deserves, the sweet flavor is reminiscent of Cotton Candy with a subtle hint of berry similar to the Blueberry Edition. I am no sommelier, but on the palate, it is fruity, sweet, and hides the bitterness of Red Bull I’ve grown to love. A common problem with most Red Bulls is a gross aftertaste, but this one avoids the faults of its predecessors, leaving you with a slightly salty taste that brings you back for more. If you are interested in trying Red Bull for the first time or convincing your friends to get as “dedicated” as you are, Sugar-Free Iced Vanilla Berry would be my suggestion. A gateway Red Bull some might say.

On a road trip to Kansas City, I discovered some regular versions in Wichita and gave them a try. The Regular version uses sugar instead of a sweetener alternative and the flavor difference is noticeable, it seems to lack the sweetness of the sugar-free version and doesn’t leave you with the same desire for a second sip, but all in all, it is still good, and if I’m ever in a pinch, it’ll hit the spot, but with competition like Peach and Watermelon, it won’t be my go-to any time soon. 

Almost 500 miles and eight Red Bulls later I’m ready to rank these beautiful flavors. Among Winter Editions they reign supreme, hopefully ending the pattern of discontinuation and becoming a named flavor. Among the sugar-free flavors Vanilla Berry tops the list, beating out classic, strawberry apricot, and watermelon. In the great Red Bull flavor empire, Sugar-Free Vanilla Berry shares the throne with peach, with its sugary brethren not cracking my top 10.