Mountain Dew Recipe

Prepare simple sweet base

In a small bowl, mix the high-fructose corn syrup (or prepared simple syrup) with the fresh lime and lemon juices until fully combined.

Add the citric acid powder to the syrup-citrus mix and stir until dissolved. This provides the bright tartness characteristic of the drink.

Stir in the orange extract and, if using, a scant 1/4 teaspoon lemongrass (or a few drops lemon oil) and 1/8 teaspoon lime extract. These concentrated flavorings build the layered citrus profile similar to Mountain Dew. Taste and adjust: add up to another 1/4 tsp orange extract total if you prefer stronger orange notes.

Carefully add yellow food coloring one drop at a time, then add a single drop of green to create the neon yellow-green hue. Stir to integrate and check color under good light; adjust with more drops if needed, but add sparingly—a little goes a long way.

In a chilled tall glass (or mixing pitcher if making multiple servings), add ice to chill the vessel. Pour in the chilled carbonated water (2 cups) and then add the prepared flavored syrup mixture. Stir gently once to combine without flattening the carbonation too much.

If the drink needs extra fizz or to reach desired volume, top with up to 1/2 cup cold club soda or seltzer. Stir very gently to retain carbonation.

Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim and serve immediately while cold and fizzy.