The Complete Flavor Guide

Kirkland Signature Sparkling Energy Drink variety pack features six distinct flavors, each meticulously crafted for a unique taste experience. From bright citrus to bold berries, we've analyzed every flavor in depth. Discover which ones match your energy style, time of day, and taste preferences.

🍊

Citrus Burst

4.3
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ✯

Aroma & First Sip

Crack open a can and you're immediately hit with a bright, energizing citrus aroma—a blend of orange, lemon, and a hint of grapefruit. The first sip is crisp and refreshing, with a snappy bite that wakes up your palate. The carbonation is strong and lively, creating a tingling sensation on your tongue.

Taste & Aftertaste

A complex citrus medley that doesn't feel one-dimensional. You get authentic orange sweetness balanced with tart lemon and a subtle grapefruit earthiness. The finish is clean and dry without being harsh. Some drinkers notice a very slight sucralose aftertaste (the sweetener) on the back of the palate, but it's minimal and doesn't linger long.

Tasting Notes

  • Orange brightness
  • Lemon tartness
  • Grapefruit edge
  • Energizing punch
  • Crisp finish
  • Strong carbonation

Perfect For

  • Early morning energy (7-9 AM)
  • Pre-workout or high-intensity training
  • Citrus enthusiasts and bright-flavor lovers
  • Those wanting maximum alertness
  • Post-meal pick-me-up (helps with digestion)

Flavor Rating: 8.6/10

Taste
4.2/5
Refreshment
4.5/5
Balance
4/5
Aftertaste
4.1/5
Energy Feel
4.5/5
Uniqueness
3.8/5

Pros

  • Authentic multi-citrus blend
  • Excellent for morning energy
  • Strong carbonation adds to excitement
  • Clean, bright finish
  • Pairs well with breakfast

Honest Weaknesses

  • Slight sucralose aftertaste (subtle but noticeable to some)
  • Citrus is a crowded category in energy drinks
  • Some find it slightly too tart
  • Not ideal for afternoon (might feel too energizing)
👍

Berry Blast

4.7
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ✯

Aroma & First Sip

Open the can and you're greeted with a rich, fruity aroma that smells like fresh raspberries and blackberries. The first sip is immediately satisfying—smooth, jammy berry flavors coat your palate without any sharpness. The carbonation is medium to strong, creating a pleasant effervescence that doesn't overpower.

Taste & Aftertaste

A sophisticated berry blend dominated by raspberry and blackberry with subtle blueberry notes underneath. The drink feels naturally sweet (courtesy of the formula) without being cloying. The finish is smooth and slightly fruity—it lingers pleasantly without artificial flavor. Minimal sucralose aftertaste makes this one of the cleaner-tasting flavors in the lineup.

Tasting Notes

  • Raspberry sweetness
  • Blackberry depth
  • Blueberry undertone
  • Natural jammy character
  • Clean, lingering finish
  • Smooth, medium carbonation

Perfect For

  • Berry lovers and fruit juice fans
  • Afternoon focus sessions (not too intense)
  • Pre-workout for strength training
  • Those sensitive to extreme flavors
  • Pairing with snacks or light meals

Flavor Rating: 9.4/10

Taste
4.8/5
Smoothness
4.7/5
Balance
4.6/5
Aftertaste
4.8/5
Energy Feel
4.5/5
Overall
4.7/5

Pros

  • Smooth, naturally sweet taste
  • Multi-berry complexity (not mono-flavor)
  • Minimal artificial sweetener aftertaste
  • Versatile—works any time of day
  • Excellent for all-day energy

Honest Weaknesses

  • Medium carbonation might feel flat to some
  • Less "punch" than more intense flavors
  • Not as energizing-feeling as citrus varieties
  • Some may find berry drinks too sweet
🌿

Mango Passion

4.4
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ✯

Aroma & First Sip

The aroma is unmistakably tropical—sweet mango and subtle passion fruit create an inviting, vacation-like scent. The first sip delivers creamy mango sweetness with a slightly tart passion fruit bite underneath. The carbonation is moderate, giving it a lighter mouthfeel than more aggressive flavors. Your taste buds immediately know: this is a tropical vacation in a can.

Taste & Aftertaste

Juicy mango is the star, with passion fruit adding complexity and tartness. There's a creamy quality to the finish that suggests subtle vanilla or coconut notes working in the background. The aftertaste is clean and fruity, with a lingering mango sweetness. The sucralose sweetener is barely noticeable here, making it one of the more naturally-tasting flavors available.

Tasting Notes

  • Juicy mango
  • Passion fruit tartness
  • Subtle creamy notes
  • Tropical sweetness
  • Fruity finish
  • Moderate carbonation

Perfect For

  • Tropical and fruity drink lovers
  • Summer afternoon refreshment
  • Moderate-intensity pre-workout
  • Afternoon focus (around 2-4 PM)
  • Those wanting smooth, non-aggressive energy

Flavor Rating: 8.8/10

Taste
4.5/5
Tropical Feel
4.6/5
Balance
4.3/5
Aftertaste
4.4/5
Smoothness
4.5/5
Versatility
4.2/5

Pros

  • Genuinely tropical flavor (not artificial tasting)
  • Smooth, creamy mouthfeel
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart
  • Great for afternoon energy slump
  • Feels indulgent without guilt

Honest Weaknesses

  • Lower carbonation than some prefer
  • May feel too mellow for morning energy
  • Passion fruit tartness can be polarizing
  • Doesn't have the punch of citrus or berry
🍉

Watermelon Wave

4.5
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ✯

Aroma & First Sip

Open a can and you're hit with a bright, fresh watermelon aroma that's refreshingly clean. The first sip is crisp and juicy, tasting like fresh-cut watermelon with a light sugar coating. There's a subtle saltiness (from electrolyte minerals) that actually enhances the watermelon flavor rather than detracting from it. The carbonation is strong and adds to the refreshing quality.

Taste & Aftertaste

Pure, clean watermelon flavor that doesn't taste artificial or waxy. There are subtle hints of fresh lime or citrus in the background that add tartness and prevent the drink from being one-dimensional. The finish is refreshing and crisp, with the watermelon notes lingering pleasantly. Sucralose aftertaste is minimal, and the light sweetness feels balanced.

Tasting Notes

  • Fresh watermelon
  • Subtle citrus tartness
  • Light mineral saltiness
  • Crisp, refreshing character
  • Clean finish
  • Strong carbonation

Perfect For

  • Summer energy (hot weather performance)
  • Post-workout recovery (electrolytes + hydration feel)
  • Afternoon refreshment (light, not heavy)
  • Those who prefer lighter, cleaner flavors
  • Athletes and fitness enthusiasts

Flavor Rating: 9/10

Taste
4.5/5
Refreshment
4.8/5
Uniqueness
4.4/5
Aftertaste
4.5/5
Versatility
4.3/5
Overall
4.5/5

Pros

  • Exceptionally refreshing and crisp
  • Light, clean flavor profile
  • Feels hydrating (great for athletes)
  • Strong carbonation adds to refreshment
  • Minimal artificial aftertaste

Honest Weaknesses

  • Less intense flavor than berries or citrus
  • Some find it a bit too light/delicate
  • Subtle lime tartness may not appeal to all
  • Best enjoyed ice-cold; less appealing warm
😍

Grape Rush

4.2
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Aroma & First Sip

The aroma is immediately identifiable—sweet, slightly jammy grape scent that smells like premium grape juice. The first sip is bold and unapologetic: this is a dedicated grape flavor, not a subtle hint. The sweetness is pronounced, and the flavor is rich. Carbonation is moderate to strong, creating a pleasant fizzy sensation. This is for dedicated grape lovers.

Taste & Aftertaste

Deep, fruity grape flavor reminiscent of dark concord grapes or premium grape juice. It's sweeter than some of the other flavors and leans into jammy, candy-like notes. The aftertaste is grape all the way—it lingers noticeably. Some sensitive to sucralose find this flavor amplifies the artificial sweetener aftertaste slightly more than others, likely because of the grape flavor's natural affinity with sugar.

Tasting Notes

  • Deep grape flavor
  • Jammy sweetness
  • Candy-like character
  • Rich, fruity notes
  • Lingering finish
  • Medium-strong carbonation

Perfect For

  • Dedicated grape flavor enthusiasts
  • Those who like bold, pronounced flavors
  • Pre-workout for intense training sessions
  • Afternoon energy boost (bold impact)
  • Pairing with sweet snacks or desserts

Flavor Rating: 8.4/10

Taste
4.3/5
Boldness
4.6/5
Sweetness
4.5/5
Aftertaste
4/5
Intensity
4.7/5
Versatility
3.8/5

Pros

  • Bold, unmistakable grape flavor
  • Not subtle or timid—you know what you're drinking
  • Great for those who love pronounced fruit
  • Strong energy feel (bold = energizing)
  • Excellent for pairing with specific moods/snacks

Honest Weaknesses

  • More noticeable sucralose aftertaste
  • Very sweet (not for everyone)
  • Can feel one-dimensional (grape, grape, grape)
  • May be too intense for moderate flavor preference
🍋

Cherry Limeade

4.6
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ✯

Aroma & First Sip

The can opens with a bright, tart lime aroma mixed with subtle cherry notes—it smells like a premium cherry-lime soda. The first sip is immediately striking: tart lime hits first, then smooth cherry sweetness follows. The combination is sophisticated and well-balanced. Carbonation is strong and clean, creating a crisp, tangy sensation that enhances the flavor complexity.

Taste & Aftertaste

This is a masterclass in flavor balance. Cherry provides natural sweetness and jammy richness, while lime adds tartness and prevents the drink from being cloying. The two flavors dance together rather than fight. The aftertaste starts tart (lime) and finishes sweet (cherry), creating an interesting transition. Minimal artificial aftertaste makes this one of the most naturally-tasting flavor combos in the lineup.

Tasting Notes

  • Tart lime opening
  • Sweet cherry body
  • Balanced tartness
  • Sophisticated blend
  • Complex finish
  • Crisp carbonation

Perfect For

  • Those who love complex, balanced flavors
  • Morning-to-afternoon energy (versatile)
  • Pre-workout or training (balanced energy)
  • Cherry and citrus enthusiasts
  • Anyone wanting sophisticated taste experience

Flavor Rating: 9.2/10

Taste
4.7/5
Balance
4.8/5
Complexity
4.6/5
Aftertaste
4.7/5
Refreshment
4.5/5
Overall
4.6/5

Pros

  • Perfectly balanced sweet and tart
  • Sophisticated flavor pairing
  • Works morning, afternoon, or pre-workout
  • Minimal artificial sweetener taste
  • Complex and interesting (doesn't bore)

Honest Weaknesses

  • Tartness may be too pronounced for some
  • Less "comfort food" feel than other flavors
  • Cherry-lime can be polarizing (love it or leave it)
  • Not for those who prefer straightforward flavors
🍑

Peach

5.0
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

First Impression

This is the breakout star of the lineup. The moment you open a Peach can, you’re hit with an authentic, delicious peach aroma. It smells like fresh peaches—not artificial, not overly perfumy. The anticipation is real, and the first sip absolutely delivers.

Taste Profile

Pure juicy peach flavor with subtle floral notes and whispers of vanilla cream that create an almost creamy mouthfeel. This is the drink that converts skeptics. The balance between natural-tasting sweetness and refreshment is nearly perfect. It tastes like a premium energy drink experience without the premium price tag.

Tasting Notes

  • Juicy peach
  • Subtle florals
  • Creamy vanilla notes
  • Natural sweetness
  • Clean finish
  • Perfect carbonation

Perfect For

  • First-time Kirkland drinkers (sells people)
  • Peach lovers and stone fruit enthusiasts
  • Pre-workout beverage (smooth energy)
  • All-day energy without guilt
  • Pairing with breakfast or smoothies

Rating Breakdown

Taste
5/5
Refreshment
5/5
Uniqueness
5/5
Aftertaste
5/5
Energy Boost
5/5
Value
5/5

Pros

  • Standout favorite flavor
  • Perfect flavor balance
  • Sells people on the brand
  • Creamy, smooth mouthfeel
  • Zero artificial taste

Cons

  • May sell out quickly at Costco
  • Not for those who don’t like peach
  • Slightly more expensive when buying individually
🍊

Orange

4.0
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

First Impression

Open an Orange can and you get bright, zippy citrus that’s impossible to ignore. This is the energizer of the bunch—the flavor that wakes up your taste buds immediately. It smells like fresh oranges with a clean, crisp edge that promises an invigorating experience.

Taste Profile

Crisp, bright, and genuinely refreshing orange flavor. There’s a complexity here that suggests mandarin notes layered beneath the primary orange, giving it a premium feel. Unlike many artificial orange drinks, this tastes like real citrus. It’s the perfect morning or pre-workout kick, especially for those who love citrus energy drinks.

Tasting Notes

  • Bright orange
  • Mandarin complexity
  • Clean citrus
  • Energizing bite
  • Crisp finish
  • Strong carbonation

Perfect For

  • Morning energy boost
  • Citrus enthusiasts
  • Pre-workout powerhouse
  • Those who want an energizing punch
  • Pairing with breakfast

Rating Breakdown

Taste
4/5
Refreshment
4.5/5
Uniqueness
3.5/5
Aftertaste
4/5
Energy Boost
5/5
Value
5/5

Pros

  • Crisp, authentic orange taste
  • Energizing morning choice
  • Great pre-workout punch
  • Clean citrus profile
  • Excellent refresh potential

Cons

  • Less unique than Peach
  • Citrus is a crowded category
  • Strong flavor (not for everyone)
  • Can be slightly sharp

How the Flavors Compare: Our Ranking 🏆

All six flavors in the variety pack are excellent—each excels in different ways and appeals to different tastes. Here's how they rank overall, plus guidance on which to choose based on your preferences.

1st

Berry Blast 👍 — 9.4/10

The most balanced and versatile flavor. Smooth raspberry-blackberry blend with minimal artificial aftertaste. Works beautifully any time of day, for any activity. This is the flavor that convinced us the variety pack is well-designed.

2nd

Cherry Limeade 🍋 — 9.2/10

A sophisticated pairing that surprises and delights. Perfect balance of tart lime and sweet cherry. Equally compelling in the morning, pre-workout, or afternoon. The complexity keeps it interesting across multiple drinks.

3rd

Watermelon Wave 🍉 — 9/10

Exceptionally refreshing with a clean, light character. Ideal for hot weather or post-workout. The subtle lime tartness prevents one-dimensionality. If you want hydration with energy, this delivers.

4th

Mango Passion 🌿 — 8.8/10

Smooth tropical flavor with genuine mango sweetness and passion fruit complexity. Works well for afternoon energy without being too intense. Great for those who find some flavors too aggressive.

5th

Citrus Burst 🍊 — 8.6/10

A solid multi-citrus blend (orange, lemon, grapefruit) that delivers morning punch and pre-workout energy. Crisp and bright, though citrus energy drinks are common. Still excellent for those who love citrus.

6th

Grape Rush 😍 — 8.4/10

Bold, unmistakable grape for dedicated grape lovers. Very sweet with pronounced jammy character. Not for subtle-flavor preference, but if you want bold, this delivers. Some find the sweetness and artificial aftertaste slightly more pronounced than others.

How to Choose Your Flavor

  • Want versatility & smoothness? Go Berry Blast or Cherry Limeade (ranks #1 and #2)
  • Love refreshing, light flavors? Watermelon Wave or Mango Passion
  • Want morning energy punch? Citrus Burst or Grape Rush for boldness
  • Sensitive to sweet flavors? Citrus Burst, Watermelon Wave, or Cherry Limeade (tart options)
  • Can't decide? Start with the variety pack—you get all six and can determine YOUR #1 favorite

All Six Flavors at a Glance ⚡

👍

Berry Blast

9.4
Rating
🍋

Cherry Limeade

9.2
Rating
🍉

Watermelon Wave

9.0
Rating
🌿

Mango Passion

8.8
Rating
🍊

Citrus Burst

8.6
Rating
😍

Grape Rush

8.4
Rating

The variety pack includes 4 cans of each of the six flavors. With ratings ranging from 8.4 to 9.4 out of 10, you truly can't go wrong. Each flavor has its moment to shine and its ideal drinking occasion.