Thirsty Thursday: Dehydrating Hydration

It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday, the series where we take a mystery drink, pair it with a piece of branded drinkware, and give our honest (and usually entertaining) reviews.

This week’s episode, titled “Dehydrating Hydration,” features the full squad: Jade Crider, Kirby Hasseman, and Briar Swigert. And while our drink may have left us scratching our heads, the drinkware was a total win.

Let’s break it down.

Watch the full episode here:


The Drinkware: Buddy 24oz Recycled Shaker Bottle from PCNA

We always say Thirsty Thursday is really about the branded merch—and this week’s drinkware did not disappoint.

We tried out the Buddy 24oz Recycled Shaker Bottle from our friends at PCNA.

Product Link:
Buddy 24oz Recycled Shaker Bottle – PCNA

Here’s what we loved about it:

  • Sustainable: Made from recycled materials, it’s a win for your brand and the planet.

  • Large capacity: 24oz gives you plenty of hydration throughout the day.

  • Built-in mixing ball: Whether you’re mixing water, supplements, or mystery drinks, this bottle gets the job done.

  • Clean design: It’s sleek, functional, and has a nice imprint area for branding.

  • Secure lid and flip top: No mess, no fuss—just smart construction that works.

This is the kind of branded merch that employees, clients, and event attendees actually want to keep—and use.

The verdict? All three of us gave it a big thumbs up.


The Drink: Light Strike Lemon Lime

So about that drink…

This week’s mystery beverage was Lemon Lime from Light Strike—a hydration drink that’s supposed to give you a boost without sugar, caffeine, or carbonation.

Product Info:
Lemon Lime – Light Strike

We had high hopes going in, but the reactions were… let’s just say mixed.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Kirby was intrigued by the flavor at first but wasn’t sure it delivered on the hydration hype.

  • Jade was immediately suspicious—and the first sip confirmed her doubts.

  • Briar was the most optimistic, but even he had a few moments of hesitation.

Overall, it felt like one of those drinks that talks a big game on the label—but doesn’t exactly win hearts at the table.

We get what they were going for, but this one might be more of a “try it and decide for yourself” situation. If you’re into lemon-lime hydration drinks with a strong kick, it might be up your alley. Otherwise… maybe not.


Why This Episode Is Classic Thirsty Thursday

This episode checked all the boxes:

  • One great drinkware piece

  • One questionable mystery drink

  • Plenty of laughs and strong opinions along the way

It’s a great reminder that branded merch has the power to elevate any experience—even when the beverage inside is… confusing. The Buddy Shaker Bottle handled it all with ease, and we could definitely see it becoming a go-to giveaway for fitness studios, health programs, or wellness initiatives.


Final Verdict

  • Drinkware: The Buddy Shaker Bottle from PCNA – Certified Thirsty Thursday Approved

  • Drink: Light Strike Lemon Lime – Mixed reviews, but worth a taste if you’re feeling adventurous

  • Vibes: 10/10 – Anytime we get Jade, Kirby, and Briar together, the energy is high and the laughs are plenty

Thirsty Thursday continues to be where great branded merch meets honest opinions and a little chaos.

And if you’ve got a drink or a drinkware product you think we should feature, let us know. We’re always up for the next sip—even when it leaves us dehydrated.  And if you want to learn more or order, head to our Thirsty Thursday shop here.

Written by: Kirby Hasseman

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications. Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. Kirby has published four books. His most recent is “Fan of Happy.” His book, called "Delivering Marketing Joy" is about doing “promo right” and is perfect for people in the industry and customers. He also wrote “Think Big For Small Business” and “Give Your Way to Success. All are available on Amazon.