Mountain Dew Recipe
Make Mountain Dew Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Mountain Dew (homemade copycat)
Method
Mountain Dew (homemade copycat)
Make simple citrus syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the cold water, light corn syrup and granulated sugar. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar and corn syrup are fully dissolved and the mixture is clear (do not boil). Remove from heat.
Add acids and juices
Stir the citric acid into the warm syrup until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice and the orange juice. Taste and adjust: add up to 1/2 tsp more citric acid if you want a brighter tang.
Add caffeine and coloring (optional)
If using caffeine powder, carefully weigh 25 mg and whisk into the syrup until fully dissolved. Add the yellow food coloring (and a imperceptible drop of green if a more neon hue is desired) and mix until uniform.
Chill and carbonate
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour 2 cups of cold carbonated water over the ice. Add about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the prepared citrus syrup (start with 3 tbsp and increase to taste) and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust: add more syrup for sweetness and flavor or more citric acid for tang. This recipe yields a bright citrus soda reminiscent of Mountain Dew.
Serve immediately cold. Store leftover syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 7 days. Shake or stir before use. Note: when handling caffeine powder, use accurate scales and follow safety guidance — omit if unsure.