As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and analyze a wide variety of beverages, including Mountain Dew. While Mountain Dew is labeled as a citrus soda and claims to contain actual orange juice, I must say that its taste does not strongly resemble that of orange juice.
When I first tried Mountain Dew, I was expecting a more pronounced citrus flavor, particularly from the orange juice component. However, what I experienced was something quite different. The taste of Mountain Dew can be best described as a unique blend of sweetness and tanginess, with a hint of citrus undertones. It has a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other citrus sodas on the market.
To me, Mountain Dew tastes more like what I would imagine “liquid electricity” to taste like. It has a bold and vibrant flavor that can be quite energizing. The sweetness is not overly cloying, but rather refreshing, making it a popular choice among those who enjoy a sugary pick-me-up.
While the presence of actual orange juice in the recipe may contribute to the overall flavor profile of Mountain Dew, it is not the dominant taste. The citrus notes in Mountain Dew seem to be more akin to lemon-lime rather than orange. The combination of different citrus flavors creates a unique taste that is unmistakably Mountain Dew.
It is worth noting that taste is subjective, and different individuals may perceive flavors differently. My personal experience and analysis of Mountain Dew lead me to conclude that it does not taste strongly like orange juice. However, others may have a different opinion based on their own taste preferences and perceptions.
While Mountain Dew is labeled as a citrus soda and contains actual orange juice, its taste does not strongly resemble that of orange juice. Instead, it offers a distinct combination of sweetness, tanginess, and citrus undertones, creating a flavor that is often described as “liquid electricity.”