Red Lobster Dew Garita | Easy Mountain Dew Margarita

The first time I spotted Red Lobster’s vibrant green Dew Garita on their cocktail menu, I was skeptical. Mountain Dew in a margarita? It sounded like a college dorm room experiment gone wild. But curiosity got the better of me, and with one sip, I was utterly won over by this playful creation that somehow manages to be both whimsical and well-balanced.

After enjoying it during a night out with my husband, who insisted on trying a sip once they saw the eye-catching color, I decided to recreate it at home for our next gathering. The reaction was universal: raised eyebrows followed quickly by surprised smiles as everyone discovered this unconventional combination works beautifully.

two homemade Red Lobster Dew Garita cocktails and limes

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why This Recipe Works

This unexpected cocktail succeeds because it cleverly balances sweet, sour, and pungent elements—the three pillars of any good mixed drink. The Midori (melon liqueur) provides a fruity sweetness that harmonizes surprisingly well with the citrus notes in Mountain Dew, while fresh lime juice and sour mix bring the necessary acidity to prevent the drink from becoming cloying. Despite its playful appearance, the tequila and triple sec create a solid foundation that reminds you this is still a proper margarita. The small amount of Mountain Dew adds just enough of its distinctive flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients, creating a refreshing and balanced cocktail rather than sickly sweet.

Ingredients

  • Tequila – Forms the spirit base of this margarita (any variety works well)
  • Midori – Provides the signature melon flavor and vibrant green color
  • Sour mix – Delivers balanced sweetness and acidity
  • Triple Sec – Adds orange flavor and additional sweetness
  • Fresh lime juice – Contributes essential brightness and authentic margarita flavor
  • Mountain Dew – Creates the signature twist that defines this unique cocktail
  • Cocktail sugar – Adds sparkle and sweetness to the rimmed glass
Red Lobster Dew Garita ingredients

How to make the Red Lobster Dew Garita

New to cocktails? No problem. This is easy.

  1. Grab a margarita glass, rub a cut lime over the edge, and rim the glass with some cocktail sugar.
  2. Grab a shaker, and pour in the tequila, Midori, sour mix, lime juice, and fill it with ice.
  3. Shake for about 30 seconds, and pour this over ice in a margarita glass.
  4. Add an ounce or two of Mountain Dew, and stir with a straw.
homemeade Red Lobster Dew Garita
two homemade Red Lobster Dew Garita cocktails and limes

Red Lobster Dew Garita Copycat Cocktail Recipe

This fun, fruity Mountain Dew margarita from Red Lobster combines tequila, Midori, lime juice, and a splash of Mountain Dew for a refreshing twist on a classic.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Margarita, Mountain Dew
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 377kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces Tequila
  • 2 ounces Midori
  • 2 ounces Sour mix
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 1 ounce Triple sec
  • 1 ounce Mountain Dew

Instructions

  • Cut lime, and use lime to rim the glass.
  • Dip glass into cocktail sugar.
  • Fill shaker with Tequila, Midori, Sour mix, lime juice, Triple sec, and Mountain Dew.
  • Add a cup of ice.
  • Use a strainer, and pour over ice in a margarita glass.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 16mg | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin C: 4mg

Can’t get enough of the copycat Red Lobster recipes? Try some of these!

Get more popular restaurant cocktails like these!

Enjoy more restaurant cocktails and pair them up with more Red Lobster copycat recipes.

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2025

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Comments

5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2025

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS