Monster Ultra Paradise

Introduction

“Monster doesn’t miss” should be Monster’s new slogan, because Monster Ultras are seriously the standard for zero sugar energy drinks. This one’s free Monster - you’re welcome. I’ve never had Ultra Paradise before, but in my head the floor is about 7 since they’re all pretty similar.

Appearance

5 years ago this can would be an 8+, now it’s run of the mill with a cool design. Above average, so a 6 from me on appearance. Pours out light green with medium carbonation.

Taste

I wasn’t wrong about the floor being 7 - the Monster Ultras are SO consistent. The strongest flavor is green apple, but I’m pleasantly surprised that it’s not overpowering at all. Not sure how green apple is an “island flavor”; but pineapple is clearly there, so that checks out. It’s really refreshing and has a great level of carbonation, so gonna give an 8 here for taste.

Kick

Monster energy blend, zero sugar, and 140mg of caffeine. Another Monster that seems to have lower than the old usual - 160mg. I don’t mind since I’m using this as basically a coffee substitute during my work day. It’s not going to blow you away unless you’re literally a 7-year old girl.

Conclusion

As with all of the Monster Ultras, high re-drinkability and consistency - which is big for me. What’s the point of a delicious beverage if you’re not going to want to reach for it again anytime soon? It is on the sweeter side, so if that’s not your jam I could see not liking Monster Ultra Paradise as much. Overall a 7.5 for me since there’s a low kick, but there’s absolutely a time and place for this drink.

Introduction

Monster Ultra Paradise is the sour apple version of Monster. I do enjoy sour apple occasionally, but Monster does it a bit differently than most. Instead of a sour aftertaste, it is actually quite sweet. I enjoy the taste much more than most similar beverages. I would say it is a much sweeter and less sour version of NOS Sonic Sour. (which I compared to green apple Smirnoff). It only has 140mg (8.75mg/floz) caffeine per can, so the kick is underwhelming compared to most. The only reason it got a 3.5 and not lower is because the mouth feel is quite prominent. Monster overall does a good job at maintaining a low to moderate level of carbonation, and Monster Ultra Paradise is no different.

Upside

After consuming most of the beverage, Monster Ultra Paradise tastes more and more like a green jolly rancher. If you enjoy green jolly ranchers, then you will love this drink. Although I have not yet personally tried this, I feel that this sweetened green apple flavor would be a great mixer. I said something similar for its comp (NOS Sonic Sour), and can confirm that it is a wonderful mixer. I just have yet to try its Monster counterpart. Monster Ultra Paradise also has zero calories and feels like something you would drink on the beach. Monster generally does a great job with the Ultra editions, and Monster Ultra Paradise is no exception.

Downside

Monster Ultra Paradise has a very low redrinkability factor. It is good once, but gets a little tiresome and boring upon repeated use. I mentioned earlier that it is great to consume while relaxing on the beach or by the pool, but it does not serve much of any other purpose. It does not feel as smooth as other Ultras simply due to its sour nature despite having the same level of carbonation, and its flavor is too distracting to assist you efficiently with studying or concentrating. Its caffeine content is too low to wake you up enough for a sporting event like a 240mg or 300mg drink would. The can is also pretty average with the monster logo over a light green background (average appearances never play into my rating of the beverage). I would not go out of my way to get this drink more than every once in a while.

Upshot

The upshot is if you like sour apple flavors, you will probably love Monster Ultra Paradise. It is sweeter than most, which makes it better in my opinion. If you do not like green jolly ranchers, then find a different beverage. There is no reason to go out of your way to purchase a flavor you do not like. I rated it a 6.7 overall because I find it to be an above average beverage. Although I enjoy it occasionally, it has a low redrinkability rate, and I would rather diversify my beverages than stick with one that will be tiresome sooner rather than later. If you like sour apple beverages, you will probably enjoy Monster Ultra Paradise more than most.

Appearance

The strikingly bright green can grabs your attention. It is green with black accents all the way around, including the top of the can as is traditional for the Monster zero sugar line of drinks. The ornate background detailing the sun, mountains, and shore overlooking the water reinforces the Ultra Paradise theme. Another typical element of the Monster zero sugar line is the paragraph on the side of the label detailing the flavor aesthetic. You could definitely make a case for it being on the cheesy side, however, I personally like it. It communicates what Monster wants you to taste and experience. Although exaggerated, it is interesting to see how Monster describes its own flavors. Another strong looking entry in the Monster zero sugar line.

Taste

What does paradise taste like? According to Monster, it's comprised of "crisp, invigorating island flavors." I wouldn't go that far but Ultra Paradise is fairly tasty. The flavor tastes like a sour apple to me. It's not extremely sour, but still reminiscent of a green Jolly Rancher. To me it is one of those energy drinks that is quite sweet tasting and delicious but as such is not one I would drink repeatedly or often. The flavor itself comes on strongly and fades slowly. Ultra Paradise is a great change of pace drink, but may not be desirable as a consistent choice for everyone.

Kick

See my comments on the taste for more details about how the flavor comes on strong. The strong flavor combines with moderate carbonation to provide a moderately intense initial kick. Subsequently, the typical Monster energy boost comes in to wake you up. The resulting kick is stimulating from the initial sip all the way through the caffeine wearing off.

Overall

Monster Ultra Paradise may not be true paradise, but it is not too far off as far as energy drinks go. It stands out in the consistent Monster zero sugar line of drinks for its strong initial flavor and kick. I wouldn't predict Ultra Paradise to be the most popular out of Monster's portfolio, but it is an excellent change of pace. On a similar note, the Monster zero sugar line of energy drinks has proven to be consistently good thus far, but it is refreshing to see one of the drinks stand out.