The Surprising Soda That Was Created As A Whiskey And Bourbon Mixer

While not often associated with cocktails today, Mountain Dew was originally made as a mixer in the 1940s, and its name comes from a slang term for moonshine.

PepsiCo acquired the brand in 1964 and advertised it with mascot Willy the Hillbilly, which made it a hit with the Appalachian crowd that also loved American whiskey and bourbon.

Mountain Dew and whiskey is akin to a Jägerbomb in that it softens the burn, giving you all the warm feelings without an overpowering alcohol taste. It’s best served on the rocks.

Mixing honeyed liquor with citrus seems reasonable, but Mountain Dew has high-fructose corn syrup and not the pleasant tartness of real citrus juice, so many drinkers aren’t fans.