POP OF THE DAY: 180

Category: Energy Drink
Ratings (out of 5)
Taste: 4
Fizziness Factor: 5
Bottle/Can Design: 4
Availability: 3

Tasting Notes:180 is an energy drink that actually tastes good. My whacked-out explanation for this is that its creators (either a team of mischevious animated spheres or Anheuser-Busch Inc, whichever you prefer) took the radical step of giving 180 the flavor of a naturally occuring food item—in this case, an orange. 180 also lacks that slight whiff of urine that taints many of its competitors. The 8.2-ounce can is pleasingly brand-appropriate, showing the rocket-like logo right-side-up on one side and flipped 180 degrees (get it?) on the other. 180 also works well as mixer: for quite some time my signature cocktail was a festive combination of 180 and a Spanish citrus liqueur called Licor 43 that I call—using Pittsburghian mathematical naming slang—a 223. (Total Score 16/20)

Suggested Food Pairings: Paella valenciana, tater tots