Mt. Dew Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 0.5 cups water and 0.5 cups granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is clear, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. This yields about 3/4 cup syrup; store in a sealed container in the refrigerator if not using immediately.

Prepare base mixture

In a measuring cup or small pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup (use 0.25 cups), 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 0.5 teaspoon food-grade citric acid, and (if using) 0.125 teaspoon sodium benzoate. Stir to dissolve. If adding caffeine powder, carefully dissolve 60 mg in a small amount of warm water first and then stir into the mixture until fully incorporated.

Add juices and flavor

Stir in pineapple juice (2 tablespoons), orange juice (1 tablespoon) and grapefruit juice (0.5 tablespoon, optional). Add 0.25 teaspoon natural citrus extract if using to deepen the citrus profile.

Color the syrup

Add 2 drops yellow food coloring and 1 drop green food coloring (optional) to the mixture and stir until uniform. Adjust with an additional drop of yellow or green as needed to reach a bright neon yellow-green typical of Mt. Dew. Taste and adjust acidity (add up to 0.25 teaspoon more citric acid) or sweetness (add small amounts of syrup) as desired.

Combine with carbonation

Fill a tall glass with 1 cup of ice (if desired). Pour 2 cups chilled carbonated water into a separate pitcher. Slowly pour the prepared flavored syrup mixture into the carbonated water while stirring gently (do not vigorously stir to avoid losing carbonation). Stir once or twice to combine; the ratio yields a bright citrus soda concentrated to approximate a single serving. Taste and adjust — for a stronger flavor use up to 0.33 cup syrup per 2 cups carbonated water; for milder use less.

Pour the finished soda over ice in a serving glass and garnish with a lime wedge. Serve immediately cold.