For over two decades, 5-hour Energy has dominated the energy shot market—it essentially created the category in 2004. Over the years, it has provided consumers and fans with a variety of limited edition energy shots, collaborations, and inventive flavors, tapping into the zeitgeist with nods to gaming, festival culture, famous rappers, and even tacos.
A Transfusion of Flavor and Energy
Last summer, 5-hour Energy announced the release of a specialty energy shot based on one of the most popular and enduring cocktails in golf clubhouses around the US. The Transfusion is a mainstay of the post-links experience—it’s a refreshing, fizzy cocktail that combines vodka, ginger ale, grape juice, and lime juice. For decades, golfers have enjoyed kicking back and sipping Transfusions after playing a few rounds in the sun.
The 5-hour Energy Transfusion shot provides all of the flavor of the classic cocktail, but with a twist. Instead of alcohol, it has 5-hour Energy’s signature blend of caffeine, niacin, B vitamins, taurine, and other energizing ingredients.
A game of golf can last hours and demands constant focus, precision, and performance. Rather than waiting until after the 18th hole to enjoy a cocktail, golfers can enjoy 5-hour Energy Transfusion shots while working through a long day on the links—taking advantage of an extra boost of energy in a small bottle that’s easy to stash in a golf bag.
5-hour Energy Taps into the Golf Market
Golf has maintained its status as one of the most popular sports in the US, with 47 million people playing the game and 40% of the population either actively playing, watching, or reading about it. Golf’s demographics are changing, too—it’s no longer solely an older man’s game, and the 5-hour Energy Transfusion shot is capitalizing on this trend. Energy shots are already popular with young and middle-aged adults, giving the product natural appeal in a sport that is skewing younger and more diverse. The Transfusion energy shot also allows players of any age to enjoy a classic golf tradition in a non-alcoholic form.
“Golf is a marathon sport…and you need energy and endurance to do it right,” explains Jeff Sigouin, president and COO of Living Essentials, which makes 5-hour Energy. “As we continue to connect with fan communities and redefine what 5-hour Energy can be, we’re thrilled to debut a new flavor that harnesses a flavor golf fans know and love, while powering them through all the eagles, birdies, and albatrosses.”
Giveaways and Brand Activations
Adding even more hype to the Transfusion energy shot, 5-hour Energy partnered with TripCaddie to give away a dream golf trip to Pinehurst Resort in May 2025. Fans qualified for a chance to win by following 5-hour Energy on Instagram or TikTok and commenting with the hashtag #FORETheENERGYSweepstakes.
As a follow-up to the giveaway, 5-hour Energy partnered with Upper Deck Golf in July 2025 for the Fore the Win sweepstakes, with the winner receiving a trip for two to nearly any golf tournament in the US. Fans who buy a 5-hour Energy product between July 1, 2025, and October 31, 2025, can upload their receipt here for the chance to win.
Upper Deck Golf temporarily turns legendary stadiums and ballparks into golf courses, giving golfers and fans the opportunity to enjoy unique games and test their skills in iconic settings. Golfers play nine holes that tee off from a variety of locations within the stadiums and end on greens strategically located in the playing fields.
5-hour Energy products are available in three activation locations at each Upper Deck Golf event—a sampling booth, a sponsored hole (number five, naturally), and at the long drive challenge. Proceeds from the events benefit an excellent cause: Stand Up to Cancer, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and supports research to detect and treat cancer.
