Turn the bright yellow-green soda into tasty tipples with these Mountain Dew cocktails.
Did you know that Mountain Dew was originally created as a mixer to liquor?
Tennessee bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman developed the then non-caffeinated drink in the 1940s to improve the taste of whiskey.
In fact, Mountain Dew was Irish slang for moonshine or homemade whiskey.
That said, it only makes sense for this fizzy favorite to be a key ingredient to various cocktail recipes. And in this list, I’ll share with you the best of the best.
From classic libations that date back to the Prohibition era to newer variations, I have a lot in store. Cheers!
1. Mountain Dew Cocktail
Normally, I stay away from bright green-colored cocktails because, based on experience, they usually have a strange, artificial taste.
Not this one, though. I am happy to report that this Mountain Dew cocktail is surprisingly delicious.
A blend of melon liquor, triple sec, pineapple juice, and Mountain Dew, there’s really no other word to describe it other than refreshing.
Melon, pineapple, and orange for the win.
To add a vibrant pop of color, garnish the cocktail with Maraschino cherries and lime wedges. Bottoms up!
2. Italian Margaritas
Traditional Mexican margaritas contain tequila, orange liqueur (in the form of triple sec), and lime juice.
To give them an Italian twist, give it a splash of amaretto, an almond-flavored liqueur.
You won’t believe how incredible a transformation this little addition makes.
You’d think the nutty almond flavor of the amaretto would clash with the orange liqueur and lime juice.
But nope, it’s the complete opposite. The flavors work so well together, this version of margarita might just be your newest favorite.
Here’s another fantastic switcheroo: add some Mountain Dew!
This amps the sweetness of the margarita, so if you’re not a huge fan of sour cocktails, this recipe is worth a try.
3. Mountain Cider High
This cocktail drink is a combination of vodka, apple cider, and Mountain Dew.
If you’re not digging the sweet nature of Mountain Dew, you’ll surely find this tipple enjoyable.
You’ll appreciate how the apple cider counterbalances the sweetness of the Mountain Dew, such that the drink’s dominant flavor is actually apple, not Mountain Dew.
In fact, the only flavor you’ll get from the Mountain Dew is a subtle note of citrus.
Plus, with a 1:1 proportion among the three ingredients, this recipe couldn’t be easier to make and remember.
4. Peachy Dew Cocktail
Say hello to this cocktail so yellow it’s brighter than the sun. If you like Peach Schnapps, then this is a must-have in your cocktail repertoire.
Peachy Dew is a mix of 2 parts Mountain Dew and 1 part Peach Schnapps.
You’ll love how the citrus and fruity flavors come together to create one sensational drink.
Peach Schnapps is a low-alcohol spirit, so expect a mild and sweet cocktail from this recipe. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch with friends.
5. Rum and Dew
Quench your thirst with a glass of refreshing Rum and Dew!
It’s a delicious blend of spiced rum, orange juice, and Mountain Dew, and it is seriously, seriously delicious.
From the complex flavors of the spiced rum, the tangy citrus from the orange juice, and the sweetness of the Mountain Dew, this cocktail hits all the right notes.
Serve this to family and friends at your next summer cookout for a tasty thirst-quencher. I’m telling you, it’ll be a certified hit.
Pro-tip: Use freshly-squeezed orange juice for the best, most refreshing flavor.
6. Jungle Juice
Serve this delectable jungle juice at your next gathering for guaranteed party success!
If you’re unfamiliar, jungle juice is a super easy cocktail mix of alcohol and juice. For this recipe, all you’ll need are vodka, Mountain Dew, and Kool-Aid.
The great thing about this is you can use whatever flavor of Kool-Aid you like, although the recipe owner recommends lemonade and black cherry.
To make your drink extra fancy, serve it in a punch bowl and garnish it with sliced-up fruit. Pineapples, watermelon, grapes, apples – you name it.
7. Wrecked Pirate Cocktail
Say hello to the tropics with the Wrecked Pirate Cocktail! This Disney-inspired cocktail will surely be Captain Jack Sparrow-approved.
A blend of spiced rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, Blue Curacao, and Mountain Due, this drink is epic, to say the least.
You’ll get refreshing tropical flavors from the pineapple, Mountain Dew, and coconut rum. The spiced rum adds notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and fruit, to boot.
As if that wasn’t legendary enough, the cocktail is also garnished with Maraschino cherries and fresh pineapple slices.
How freakin’ awesome is that?
8. Pink Lemonade Vodka Punch
This punch had me at pink lemonade. I don’t know, there’s just something about pink lemonade that makes me smile.
Maybe it’s that washed-out pink hue. Or perhaps it’s the ridiculously refreshing taste. Whatever it is, I love it. And I love this spiked version even more.
A combination of pink lemonade concentrate, citrus vodka, Mountain Dew, and raspberries and lemon for garnish, this cocktail makes for a delicious thirst-quencher, perfect to beat the summer heat with.
9. Red Lobster Dew Garita
If you’ve never tried Red Lobster’s Dew Garita, you’re missing out. Luckily, you can easily remedy that by making yourself this homemade version.
This cocktail is famous for good reason. A blend of melon liquor, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, sour mix, and Mountain Dew, this cocktail is wickedly delicious.
Unlike a classic margarita which tastes mostly of lime, you’ll get a combination of melon, orange, and lime in this one. Is it tasty? Heck yeah!
10. Mojito
Combining vodka, lemon, mint, and Mountain Dew, this mojito is refreshing as can be.
It has just the right amount of sweetness as the Mountain Dew is balanced out by the tartness of the lemon and the coolness of the mint.
Best of all, you can easily turn it into a guilt-free drink! This recipe comes with low-carb, sugar-free, and keto-free alternatives.
This way, everyone gets to join in on the fun.