Most people associate the brand Mountain Dew with the unique citrus-flavored fizzy soft drinks. Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer has built on the popular carbonated beverage and offers an alternative with a bit of a kick.
The brand has been around since 1940 and was a favorite for many. It was only in 2022 that the Hard Seltzer was released.
Many readers will have fond childhood memories of the unique original beverage. They went on to make a range of different flavors. Most were caffeinated as well. This, in part, lead it to be touted as a popular hangover cure.
A Brief History of Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer
Before we look at the history of the Hard Seltzer it is important to look at the rise of the parent brand, Mountain Dew. Barney and Ally Hartman, Tennessee-based bottlers created the original unique formula. This was back in 1940.
In 1958, one Bill Bridgforth made some changes to the original recipe. More changes were to follow when the Tip Corporation acquired the rights to the brand. They went on to launch the latest iteration of the brand in 1961.
The powerful Pepsi-Cola company purchased the rights from Tip in 1964. This gave production and distribution a massive boost. Over time they experimented with and introduced several variations.
It was only in 2022 that a partnership between the Boston Beer Company and PepsiCo that the “Hard” range of Mountain Dew was developed.
The Boston Beer Company has been around since 1984 and has a wide range of products. They know what they are doing when it comes to hard seltzers, so it was arguably a good match.
If you are not familiar with hard seltzers, they are carbonated alcoholic beverages, generally with a fruity flavor. They are becoming fashionable and popular in many markets. As you would expect, the Mountain Dew Hard Seltzers have bold flavors. They are available in four varieties, more on that later.
To avoid confusion, note that Mountain Dew is often written as “Mtn Dew”. The standard is 5% alcohol by volume (abv).
Their catchphrase encourages people to “Freak out Responsibly” Now that they are pushing the marketing the brand is sure to grow even faster. According to this press release from Boston Brewing, sales are already growing steadily.
Prices, Variations & Sizes
Mountain Dew Hard Seltzers are available in 4 varieties and if you do not know which one to try, they also have a multi-pack that will allow you to experiment with the various flavors.
Available Sizes
- 12oz Can
- 24oz Can
Available Packs
Single Serve Can (Limited availability)
Variety 12 Pack – From $ 16.99 to roughly $18.99
Hard Mtn Dew Flavors
- Watermelon
- Black Cherry
- Baja Blast
Alternatives
If Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer is not your thing, there are many alternatives to consider. We take a look at a few popular options.
Flying Embers seltzer
While the brand is best known for its kombucha, also hard, they have a great-tasting seltzer that many enjoy. That being said, quite a few people do not enjoy the flavors. They are fairly new to the seltzer market so might well refine the taste over time.
They use only natural ingredients which is a big plus for many. Their processes include natural fermentation which is an added bonus. Sadly, this does not always translate into a taste that appeals to all. The drinks contain few carbs and no sugar.
They have flavors that include pineapple/cayenne and guava/jalepeño. This makes them a niche brand. They also donate 1% of profits to local communities and first responders.
Pricing
| Flying Embers Seltzer Variety Pack | 12pk-12oz cans | From $19.99 |
Hornitos
Another option is the Hornitos Hard Seltzer. The upside here is that they use agave tequila, the real deal. They also do not have the malt flavor found in many hard seltzers. Sadly, many people find the flavor unpleasant.
Many tasters found the seltzer to be too sweet. The added flavors simply do not appeal to the average person although some might enjoy them.
Pricing: Hornitos Tequila Seltzer Variety Pack – from $22.99
White Claw
This is one of the more popular and appealing hard seltzers. It is available in most areas and is a good alternative to try if you are looking for a hard seltzer. White Claw Hard Seltzer is made by the Mark Anthony Group and has been around since 2016. It has gained a decent portion of the seltzer market since then.
They offer a range of unique flavors including Lime, Mango, Watermelon, and Black Cherry. Unlike many competitors, most agree that the taste is good.
Pricing: White Claw Hard Seltzer Variety Pack – Check price
How To Drink Mountain Dew Hard Seltzers
The first thing to note is that you want to drink it cold. The colder, the better. You can drink it straight from the can, with a bit of ice, or even add some fresh fruit into the mix. Just ensure it is well chilled.
If you do add fruit, match it to the flavor. You can use pineapple, watermelon, mango, cherries, and a host of other fresh fruits to add to the taste and texture of the beverage. There are a few other options:
Enjoy With Fruit Juice
You do not have to add fresh fruit. Quality juice is another option. You can mix any quality juice, even the carbonated options, with your seltzer.
This could be a good mix for your taste. Cocktails are fun, tasty, and enjoyable. Seltzers make a good mix for a range of cocktails. Here are a few options. As they are not “official” cocktails, they do not have names.
Gin option
- Gin – Two ounces
- Lime Seltzer – One can
- Finely sliced cucumber
- Half a lime
Pineapple option
- Diced pineapple – a single cup
- Lime juice – three tablespoons
- Lime – a single-zested lime
- Lime or Lemon- flavored seltzer
- A dash of fresh mint
FAQ’s
What is the alcohol content of Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer?
The ABV or alcohol by volume for Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer is roughly 5%.
Is it high in calories?
No, one of the benefits of Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer is that it is low in calories. This makes it a bit healthier than many other alcohol options.
It also has zero added sugar. It does, however, contain, Sucralose as well as Ace-K (Acesulfame Potassium)
Can you get a hangover from Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer?
If you drink too much you can get a hangover. Fortunately, it does not contain any cogeners, something that is guaranteed to give most people a rough hangover.
Does Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer Contain Caffeine?
No, there is no caffeine in this beverage.
Is Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer Available Everywhere?
Not yet, no. It is available in many states and certain other parts of the world but as a relatively new beverage, some areas do not stock it yet. As the popularity grows, they will increase distribution.
Are Kegs of Mountain Dew Hard Available?
Not at this stage no. It could well happen in the future as the brand grows in popularity.
Is Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer Gluten Free?
The process used to make the beverage is similar to beer so no, it is not gluten-free.
What is the average shelf life?
Depending on how you store it, Mountain Dew Hard Seltzer is good for roughly six months. While it will not go bad it will lose flavor with time. Keep it stored out of direct sunlight for best results.
