Mountain Dew & Whiskey: A Sip of Southern Brilliance

When you think of whiskey you probably picture something smooth, maybe a bit sweet or spicy, served neat, on the rocks, or mixed into your favorite cocktail. When Mountain Dew comes to mind, it’s all about that bright citrusy kick, an energizing soda tied to extreme sports and late-night gaming. On the surface, whiskey and Mountain Dew seem like they belong to two completely different worlds, but here’s the twist, Mountain Dew actually owes its origins to…… you guessed it, whiskey!

Yep, you heard that right! The story of Mountain Dew doesn’t begin in the neon-lit aisles of your local grocery store, but in the 1940s, deep in the hills of Tennessee—Knoxville, to be exact. Two beverage bottlers, Barney and Ally Hartman, were big fans of whiskey, but they had a dilemma. They couldn’t find a soda that paired perfectly with their favorite spirit. So, in true Southern fashion, they decided to create one themselves!… ( I Guess they thought it was time to “Do the Dew”)

Back in the day, “Mountain Dew” was a slang term for homemade moonshine, which makes perfect sense when you consider that the Hartmans were based in the southern Appalachian region, an area well-known for its moonshine tradition. The Hartmans’ version of Mountain Dew wasn’t anything like the soda we know today. It was a lemon-lime flavored mixer, meant to pair perfectly with whiskey, adding a bit of citrus zest to the strong, earthy taste of the spirit.

Their creation quickly became popular among friends and locals. The story could have ended there. A regional drink known only to a handful of people. But, It didn’t. Fast forward to the 1950s, when a beverage entrepreneur named William & Jones discovered it. Jones saw potential in the Hartmans’; creation, but he had a bigger vision for it. He tweaked the recipe, turning it into a standalone citrus soda with a kick, perfect not just as a mixer, but as a refreshing drink in its own right. That’s when Mountain Dew as we know it today was born.

Now, you might be thinking, “So, if Mountain Dew started as a whiskey mixer, do people still use it that way?” The answer is a resounding YES. In fact, the pairing of whiskey and Mountain Dew remains a beloved (if lesser-known) southern tradition. Known as a “Hillbilly Highball” or simply a “Mountain Dew cocktail,” this mix is an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy both the punch of whiskey and the zesty, sweet flavor of Mountain Dew.

The drink has a casual, laid-back charm to it. It’s not about high-end mixology or rare ingredients. It’s about combining two iconic beverages that both have roots in the southern U.S. culture. Like most things here in the South, it’s enjoyed best with good company, often at tailgates, bonfires, or just sitting around a porch on a hot summer day.

The flavor combination works surprisingly well. The bold flavors of a good 100 proof or higher bourbon are balanced by the bright, citrus sweetness of Mountain Dew, making it a simple yet refreshing cocktail. Because Mountain Dew has a decent caffeine content, it also adds an extra kick in the ….. tail….. to keep the party going. It’s not a pairing you’ll likely find at a high-end bar, but it’s one with deep roots in southern culture.

Mountain Dew has come a long way from its days as a humble whiskey mixer. In 1964, PepsiCo bought the rights to the soda and was rebranded as a drink for thrill-seekers and those who live life on the edge. It went from being a regional favorite to a national phenomenon, gaining a reputation for its high caffeine content and its association with extreme sports. Over the years, the brand expanded into a wide range of flavors, including Code Red, Baja Blast, and even limited-edition releases that send fans into a caffeine fueled frenzy.

Despite this, Mountain Dew never completely lost its connection to whiskey. While today it’s more often thought of as a standalone soda, people in the know still enjoy it the way the Hartmans intended—as a bold, citrusy complement to their whiskey.

If you’re intrigued by this pairing and want to try it for yourself, it’s easy to make. Simply mix about 1.5 ounces of whiskey (bourbon works particularly well) with 4-6 ounces of Mountain Dew, depending on your taste. Add ice, give it a quick stir, and you’ve got yourself a Hillbilly Highball. For an extra twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a wedge of lime to really amp up the citrus flavor.

This drink may not be fancy, but it’s fun, refreshing, and has that laid-back charm that’s perfect for casual gatherings. Whether you’re at a backyard BBQ or relaxing after a long day, it’s a great way to enjoy two iconic drinks with a story steeped in southern tradition.

THIS WEEK’S CONVERSATION TOPIC!

Have you tried the Hillbilly Highball? What are some other soda inspired cocktails that you enjoy? Let me know. I would love to know your thoughts, so comment below. You know I love conversation and will reply to you.

As always, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Until the next Whiskey Wednesday, if you’re going to enjoy a little smoke & oak, just remember, “Life’s too short, enjoy the good stuff…” and do it responsibly!