Vodka Mountain Dew is exactly what it sounds like – Mountain Dew soda mixed with vodka. It’s a popular cocktail that combines the citrus, sugary taste of Mountain Dew with the added kick of alcohol from vodka. Some people enjoy vodka Mountain Dew as a fun, sweet cocktail for parties or gatherings. Others use it as an easy mixer drink to get a buzz. And some may even see it as an unhealthy binge drink if consumed excessively. Regardless, vodka Mountain Dew has developed a reputation as a iconic cocktail over the years, especially among college students and younger crowds.
History
No one knows exactly when or where the first vodka Mountain Dew cocktail was created. Mountain Dew soda itself was invented back in the 1940s and originally marketed as a mixer for whiskey. The earliest known printed recipe for vodka Mountain Dew appeared in the 1971 Southern folklore cookbook “Hillbilly Cookin'” by Edna Tate, which called for mixing Mountain Dew with vodka and orange juice.
This early published recipe suggests vodka Mountain Dew was likely already popular in the American South by the 1960s or earlier. It gained wider recognition by the 1970s and 80s, frequently mentioned in pop culture and the news media as a favorite of college parties and youth drinking culture. For example, multiple articles in the 1980s described it as a popular “frat house” cocktail across American universities.
The vodka Mountain Dew shot or cocktail surged further into mainstream awareness in the 1990s and 2000s, adopted as an iconic drink of youthful excess and party culture. It developed an outlaw image similar to other cocktails like Sex on the Beach or Tequila Sunrise that experienced a reputation as lowbrow party staples. Despite its associations with binge drinking, vodka Mountain Dew remains popular today at college parties, bars, and other social gatherings as a nostalgic throwback cocktail.
Pop Culture References
As a widely known cocktail, vodka Mountain Dew has been referenced many times in films, TV shows, songs, and other pop culture:
- The 1998 film The Wedding Singer features a scene where Adam Sandler’s character mocks a boy for drinking vodka Mountain Dews.
- In the 1999 film Varsity Blues, a character played by James Van Der Beek is mocked for vomiting up vodka Mountain Dews.
- The cocktail is referenced in the 2002 Blink-182 song “Stay Together for the Kids.”
- In the 2007 comedy Superbad, a cop tries to impress high schoolers by referencing vodka Mountain Dews.
- The 2008 Kid Rock song “All Summer Long” contains the lyrics “…two six packs and a bottle of Vladimir/A bottle of Vladimir, mmhmmm”
- Characters in the TV show How I Met Your Mother are seen drinking vodka Mountain Dew in several episodes.
These are just a few examples out of many more, showing how vodka Mountain Dew secured a place in American drinking culture and party beverage lore.
Making Vodka Mountain Dew
The basic vodka Mountain Dew recipe is simple and requires just two ingredients:
- Mountain Dew soda
- Vodka
The most popular ratio is approximately 1 part vodka to 2 parts Mountain Dew. Some recipes call for equal 1:1 ratios of vodka and Mountain Dew, but the drink becomes very strong and intensely sweet this way.
Ingredients
– Mountain Dew: Use normal, chilled Mountain Dew. Diet Mountain Dew can also work if avoiding sugar. Some recipes suggest using other citrus sodas like Mello Yello as well.
– Vodka: Most recipes call for an inexpensive vodka like Smirnoff, but you can use mid-range or premium brands too. Flavored vodkas like citrus or cherry could also substitute for added flavor.
Equipment
Vodka Mountain Dew is easy to mix using basic equipment:
– A rocks, highball, or pint glass
– Shot glass or jigger for measuring vodka
– Long mixing spoon
– Ice cubes if desired
You can scale up ingredients and serve in a pitcher for parties. Use a bartending shaker if mixing large batches.
Instructions
1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 1-2 ounces (1-2 shot glasses) of vodka over the ice.
3. Fill the remainder of the glass with Mountain Dew.
4. Stir gently with a spoon to combine.
5. Taste and adjust vodka or Mountain Dew to preference.
6. Enjoy!
Variations
Vodka Mountain Dew serves as a basic template for many related cocktail recipes. Some popular variations include:
Bomb Pop
– 1 part vodka
– 1 part Mountain Dew
– 1 part blue curacao liqueur
Mix vodka, Mountain Dew, and blue curacao in a glass over ice. Gives a red, white, and blue layered effect.
Grape Vodka MD
– 1 part grape vodka
– 2 parts Mountain Dew
Use flavored grape vodka and Mountain Dew. Garnish with grapes or a lemon wedge.
Long Island Dew
– 1 part vodka
– 1 part rum
– 1 part gin
– 1 part triple sec
– 1 part Mountain Dew
– Splash of lemon-lime soda
Mix all ingredients over ice and stir. A twist on a Long Island Iced Tea.
Vodka Dew Driver
– 1 part vodka
– 1 part amaretto
– 3 parts Mountain Dew
Mix vodka, amaretto, and Mountain Dew. Garnish with an orange slice.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the basic nutrition facts for vodka Mountain Dew:
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 oz Mountain Dew | 170 | 46g | 46g |
| 1.5 oz vodka | 105 | 0g | 0g |
| Total per Serving | 275 | 46g | 46g |
As you can see, a serving of vodka Mountain Dew delivers a heavy dose of sugar. The 46g of sugar is equivalent to 11.5 teaspoons worth.
The calories in a vodka MD are also significant at 275 per serving. The vodka component accounts for 105 calories, while the Mountain Dew provides 170 calories.
So while vodka Mountain Dew provides a big hit of sugar to power through parties and nights out, it does pack quite a caloric punch as well. Moderation is key with this fun but heavy cocktail.
Drinking Responsibly
Like many sweet, fruity cocktail favorites, vodka Mountain Dew goes down smooth and can lead to unintentionally excessive drinking. It’s important to stay aware of your personal limits and remain responsible if choosing to consume this drink. Useful tips include:
– Pace yourself – sip vodka Mountain Dews slowly rather than gulping them down.
– Add extra ice to make the drink last longer without watering down the taste.
– Alternate with glasses of water to stay hydrated.
– Eat food with healthy fats or protein to slow absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
– Avoid drinking games or peer pressure that push you past your limits.
– Designate a sober driver, take public transportation or a ride share home after drinking.
– Don’t drive after consuming any amount of alcohol until you are completely sober.
– Avoid mixing different alcoholic drinks, which increases impairment.
Stay safe and be responsible if indulging in vodka Mountain Dew cocktails! Know your personal tolerance levels.
Conclusion
Vodka Mountain Dew is an easy-drinking classic cocktail that combines sugary soda with a potent punch of alcohol. It surged to popularity as a drink of youth culture and college parties starting in the 1970s. The basic recipe calls for mixing Mountain Dew and vodka in a 1:2 ratio over ice. But the drink has sprouted many variations like Bomb Pops with blue curacao or Long Island Dew. While enjoyable as a fun cocktail, vodka Mountain Dew does contain a heavy dose of sugar and alcohol. So always remember to drink responsibly and in moderation when partaking in this party favorite.