Mountain Dew® Recipe

Make sweetener (if using simple syrup)

If you don't have chilled simple syrup, combine equal parts granulated sugar and hot water (not listed in ingredients) in a small jar, stir until dissolved, cool before using. For this recipe, use 2 teaspoons of chilled simple syrup or 2 teaspoons light corn syrup.

Place 1 cup of chilled carbonated lemon-lime soda in a tall glass. Pour gently to preserve carbonation.

Add 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice to the soda. Stir gently once with a bar spoon to combine.

Add 2 teaspoons chilled simple syrup (or light corn syrup) to reach the desired sweetness level. Stir gently to incorporate.

If you want the characteristic neon color, add 1 teaspoon yellow food coloring and 1 drop green food coloring. Stir gently until color is uniform. Adjust drops sparingly — a little goes a long way.

If you want to mimic the caffeine level of commercial Mountain Dew, add the optional caffeine concentrate or a carefully measured pinch of caffeine powder. WARNING: caffeine powder is highly concentrated — only use a safe, measured liquid concentrate or skip completely. Stir gently after adding.

Fill a serving glass with about 1 cup of ice cubes.

Pour the prepared lemon-lime beverage over the ice.

Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim, if desired. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.