Energy drinks have come a long way since the tangy, fizzy products popularized in the 1990s. The beverage category today is responding to wellness trends by reducing sugars and adding vitamins. But the basis for making energy drinks remains caffeine anhydrous, which acts as a stimulant. Unique recipes are finished with an array of ingredients, from herbal extracts to taurine to flavorings. Pasteurize the water-based mixture to eliminate microbial growth and extend the drink’s shelf-life.