DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL

Posted on March 22, 2021 | Last updated February 4, 2025

DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL
This is the original DRIVE ME energy drink, released by PepsiCo in Russia. Let's dive into this local Russian brand.

DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL

Manufacturer	PEPSICO
Country of Origin	Russia
Price	70.5 RUB
Flavor	classic flavor、Perfumes & Air Fresheners
Total rating	★★★☆☆

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Fragrance-like, Light Sweetness Characterizing a Classic Flavor

The deep champagne color is accompanied by a pleasant fragrance unique to classic flavors.
DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL
Upon tasting, it has a smooth texture with a light, sweet and sour, perfume-like flavor that doesn’t linger in the mouth, and a subtle sweetness typical of classic flavors. It feels lighter compared to many other products of the same genre. The perfume-like fragrance isn’t overpowering and doesn’t linger, blending naturally without becoming an unpleasant aftertaste.

That said, while it holds back on the "richness" and "punch," it still offers the usual full-sugar flavor volume, so it's not a weak taste that can be easily drunk in one go. The 449ml size also provides high satisfaction.

With about half the flavor strength of Monster Energy, it manages to balance a unique flavor and fragrance without feeling lacking. If you get the chance to visit Russia, give it a try. It’ll give you quite a strange sensation (*´艸｀*).

Energy Ingredients of DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL

DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL
It contains 140mg of caffeine and 45mg of taurine. No additional energy ingredients are included.

Design of DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL

DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL
The large "DRIVE" lettering makes it seem like the product name is "DRIVE," but the small "ME" in the lower right corner reveals that the full name is "DRIVE ME" energy drink. I couldn’t find the "ME" at first Σ(´∀｀；).

DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL
On the back, not only is the ingredient list provided, but there are also explanations of the benefits of caffeine, taurine, and vitamin B along with polygonal icons. The simple design is sleek and exudes that signature energy drink coolness.

DRIVE ME ENERGY ORIGINAL
The DRIVE ME series is available in green, yellow, and red. Given the product name, it seems to be inspired by traffic lights. Perhaps because of this, no new flavors had been released for years… until the blue one finally came out in 2020. As a PepsiCo energy drink, I hope to see more flavor varieties in the future.