I remember when Monster came out. I thought it was a pathetic attempt to steal market share from Red Bull. Perhaps it's working cause it's on shelves everywhere and what not. But, still, if I want an energy drink and don't feel like drinking coffee (which is my favorite and cheapest "upper"), I'm going to go with a red bull. I haven't fucked with that 5-hour energy shit yet. I tried it once on a night but I got drunk too so I don't know what was affecting what. I only drink soft drinks when I don't feel like drinking whiskey straight. But I've veered away from coke and went with sour mix instead although that has more sugar in it.
I've never drank an energy drink and I have a can of pop every few months. Go figure.