It’s true. I have an addiction. It rhymes with “Fountain Blue.” Despite the fact the drink includes a generous portion of orange juice, it also contains a few less healthy ingredients. Some I can’t pronounce, don’t know what they are, and aren’t sure what they contribute. Would the taste not be as delicious if they eliminated Erythorbic Acid or Sodium Citrate? I’m pretty certain the reason I covet this beverage is “dew” to the inclusion of caffeine and possibly sugar.
I’ve pondered how this nectar of the gods is created. How do you get 14 ounces of sugar into a 12 ounce can? What does caffeine look like? If the yellow dye # 5 weren’t added, what color would it be?
I hear other addictions are associated with certain places or activities, making it difficult to quit unless you avoid those things. My addiction is the same. I know which restaurants have the sweet nectar, and which fountain machines are best at producing the proper blending of syrup and carbonation. Taco Bell- YEA, KFC- BOO! I know that Styrofoam cups not only keep the drink at the desired temperature longer, but they also maintain the best flavor. I know how long an opened 2-liter will survive before going flat. Tipping the bottle before returning it to the refrigerator will buy you a couple additional hours of carbonation. I know the Detroit Tigers switched from Coke products to Pepsi in the year 2000. Burger King did the reverse in May of 1990. The restaurant BARELY survived my 12-month boycott. I now stop at Speedway for my beverage before hitting the BK drive through. I secretly hope the window attendant notices my enormous foam cup in the cup holder as she hands me my Whopper, certain she will tell management, who will pass the information up until it gets to the owner of the company. BK will rue that fateful day they caved in 1990.
As far as the activities I associate with my beverage of choice, they include, but are not limited to, the following: Driving, watching sports, listening to sports, hanging out with my son, lunch, dinner, the time between lunch and dinner, occasionally breakfast, teaching, painting, drawing, drumming, fishing, breathing...
I know my addiction is not a healthy one. I still aim to quit for the last time again soon. I just need to eliminate the activities I associate with enjoying a nice, cold Mountain Dew. Until then, my mom, and a few brave friends, will remind me of the need to end my affair with MD. They may even resort to sending a caterpillar to get in my way.