Diet Mountain Dew Recipe

Prepare flavor mix

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the citric acid solution (1 tsp), lemon-lime flavor concentrate (1 tsp) and orange flavor concentrate (1/4 tsp). Stir until homogenous. This will be the concentrated flavor syrup for the drink.

If using food-grade caffeine and it is in powder form, dissolve the measured 100 mg into a teaspoon of warm water. If using a premade caffeine solution, add directly to the flavor mix. Stir to incorporate. (Skip caffeine if you want a caffeine-free version.)

In a separate small bowl, dissolve the erythritol (1 tbsp) and powdered high-intensity sweetener (0.25 tsp aspartame or sucralose) in 1 tablespoon of warm water to help them incorporate. Add 2 drops of liquid stevia if using and mix well. Taste and adjust sweetness carefully: add a few more granules/drops if you prefer sweeter, but keep additions small — these sweeteners are concentrated.

Combine the sweetener solution with the flavor mix and stir until fully incorporated. This creates a low-calorie syrup resembling Diet Mountain Dew flavor.

Fill a glass with 1 cup of ice. Pour in 2 cups of cold carbonated water (club soda or seltzer).

Measure the prepared flavor-sweetener syrup (from previous steps) and add it to the carbonated water. Stir gently once or twice — avoid vigorous stirring to preserve carbonation.

If desired, add 1 drop of yellow-green food coloring and stir gently to achieve the characteristic hue. Taste and adjust: add another drop of sweetener solution or a pinch of citric acid dissolved in water if it needs more brightness.

Garnish the glass with a lime wedge if desired and serve immediately chilled.