Imagine you're on vacation away on a beach with a sweet fruity drink in your hand.
That's probably the feeling you'll get when you take a swig of Mountain Dew's Baja Blast.
The limited-edition tropical beverage was exclusively created for taco bell by PepsiCo.
However, due to high demand, it was made available to the public in 2014.
Nowadays, you can only find it when mountain dew releases it for a limited time.
With the drink being unavailable most times, it makes you wonder what does Baja Blast taste like?
What is Baja Blast?
The Baja Blast drink is an ingenious concoction developed by mountain dew to pair specifically with Taco bell's food.
Traditionally, taco bell's menu is heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine, as its name suggests, and the strong hint of lime goes well with the spicy dishes.
It was first introduced in 2004 as a collaboration between the two conglomerates, and they haven't looked back since its rise in popularity.
They've even made sip-off variations with different flavors, like pina colada, Mango Gem, and many more - including Star Blast Bang taste guide.
And they've expanded the franchise by marketing lip balms, costumes, and even sprays for rooms.
The drink gets its name from a real place, Baja California.
The city is the westernmost Mexican state in the US and is known for its scenic tropical beaches.
So, it only makes sense that Taco bell would name its signature beverage after this beautiful location.
The company also used the actual state for its advertising campaigns in 2018.
For ideas on pairing citrus flavors in sweets, see lemon dessert pairing ideas to adapt complementary tastes.
What Does Baja Blast Taste Like?
Like all Mountain Dew soda, the flavor was chemically developed, so if you prefer 'all-natural,' you better look the other way.
The frizzy drink has a powerful lime essence and a very catchy teal color that will attract the attention of every soda lover.
The refreshing citrus zing the drink provides makes it a good match for heavy meals like barbeque, nachos with many toppings, or even a bag of chips.
It may not come as a surprise that the beverage also pairs well with alcohol since there are intense flavors of lime which is commonly used in cocktails.
This pleasant drink is advertised as having a 'Tropical Lime Flavor' with the ingredients list containing the usual suspects like syrup, citric acid, carbonated water, caffeine, artificial flavors, and so on.
If you're an expert on all things dew, you'll immediately notice why PepsiCo used the word tropical to advertise the soda.
With noticeable flavors of pineapple, mangoes, lemons, and limes, it does make you feel like you've got a tropical cocktail in your hand.
Super fans of the drink will be happy to know that there are other variations as well.
After introducing an exotic twist to their soda, mountain dew took things to an even higher level by coming up with the Baja Flash, which has hints of coconut and pineapple, and the Baja Punch, which has accents of cherry and orange.
How to Drink and Serve Baja Blast?
The traditional way of having this beverage is in its soda form, chilled, of course.
Taco Bell does have a second way of serving this in-demand refreshment, and it's actually the best way to partake in this drink.
The Baja Blast freeze is a delicious upgrade for those looking for a change from your mundane soda drink.
People have also come up with their DIY versions since the drinkable is rarely found in the market.
If you're curious about how to make it, it's pretty simple.
All you've got to get is the regular mountain dew and blue Powerade.
The next steps will heavily depend on your taste preference.
Some suggest an 80% to 20% Powerade ratio, while others swear by a 70% to 30% ratio.
The proportions may defer, but most people have tried this dupe version and liked it.
It is good to note that drinking too much of any kind of soda is not recommended, and your favorite tropical beverage is no exception to this rule.
There's a moderate amount of caffeine, about 70 milligrams per serving, just enough to give you a kick to stay awake if you drink the recommended amount.
If using Baja Blast in adult beverages, compare formats like a Gibson vs Martini comparison for cocktails to choose appropriate garnishes and spirit styles.
Conclusion
Mountain Dew has been serving up great-tasting soft drinks and some not-so-great ones, too, for decades.
Luckily for Baja Blast lovers, the drink is a massive success.
However, the competition to obtain it is intense due to its affluence.
Discord servers have been created for the sole purpose of tracking the release of the beverage.
The drink may be available in a few Walmart or target stores too.
You'll have to check online to see which location has them in stock.
So, if you're craving this ocean-colored sensation and can't find it anywhere, these are a few ways to look for this unicorn drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the drink being unavailable most times, it makes you wonder what does Baja Blast taste like? If you're one of the few, who's yet to try it, read on to find out if it's a flavor for you.
They've even made sip-off variations with different flavors, like pina colada, Mango Gem, and many more.
Several foods share flavor notes with Baja Blast. Tasting similar items side by side is the easiest way to map out what you enjoy and find new favorites.
Can you adjust the intensity of the flavor?
Yes.
Pairing it with acidic, sweet, or fatty components shifts the perceived intensity.
A squeeze of citrus brightens mild flavors, while fats like butter or oil mellow sharper ones.
Avoid pairings that clash with its dominant flavor note. Competing intensities - very sweet with very sour, or heavy with delicate - tend to obscure rather than go with the taste.
Flavor comparisons can clarify preferences. Star Blast Bang taste guide breaks down a similar soda profile. Gibson vs Martini differences explained helps when considering cocktail formats.