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Mad Dog 20/20 Blue Raspberry: Your Complete Guide to the Sweet Blue Spiked Punch

Mad Dog 20/20 Blue Raspberry: Your Complete Guide to the Sweet Blue Spiked Punch

Blue raspberry was created in a flavor lab back in the 1970s, when scientists mixed raspberry flavoring with electric blue dye. Then, suddenly, bright blue drinks hit the shelves of wine shops, and Mad Dog 20/20's Blue Raspberry Spiked Punch quickly rose to the top.

Residents of Pueblo, CO can find this "Bling Bling" blue raspberry wine at both Big Bear Wine & Liquor locations: our South store at 2037 S Pueblo Blvd and Pueblo West location at 940 Hailey Lane.

What Makes Mad Dog Blue Raspberry's Flavor Profile Unique?

Mad Dog Blue Raspberry's aroma is a mix of artificial raspberry with subtle citrus and stone fruit notes. The first taste is intensely sweet with blue raspberry flavor, and this sweetness gradually changes into tartness alongside gentle citrus elements. The beverage contains 13% ABV, but the sweetness balances the alcohol warmth so well that it's barely noticeable in each sip.

Most fruit wines feel thin on the tongue, but Mad Dog Blue Raspberry offers a thicker, more substantial texture. The complete absence of carbonation allows its pure, sweet flavor to take center stage and creates an experience that has become the brand's hallmark.

Mad Dog Blue Raspberry's Production Process & Ingredients

While it's assumed that malt makes up Mad Dog 20/20's base, it actually starts with grape wine. This wine undergoes thorough filtration until all grape characteristics disappear, leaving a clean slate for flavoring. Through fortification, the alcohol content reaches 13% ABV, surpassing regular wines that usually stop at 11-12%.

The signature blue raspberry taste comes from methyl benzoate and ethyl butyrate, the same ingredients that give raspberry candies their flavor. For its memorable blue color, the drink uses Brilliant Blue FCF (FD&C Blue No. 1), a standard beverage industry coloring.

The production facility maintains a steady temperature of 65°F throughout the mixing process, which ensures the flavors distribute evenly in the liquid. Before moving to bottles, the liquid remains still for 72 hours, allowing any remaining particles to settle at the bottom. This settling period is the reason behind the clear, particle-free appearance in every bottle.

Buy Mad Dog 20/20 Blue Raspberry at Big Bear Wine & Liquor

Blue Raspberry is generally considered a summer-only sipper. But this electric blue spirit also works surprisingly well during the fall season. Serve it slightly warmer than usual, around 60°F, to enjoy deeper fruit notes that pair well with fall activities.

You can also mix it with apple cider for a fall festival blend, or stir it into hot chocolate on crisp November nights. Pack it in a thermos with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for harvest festivals and bonfires.

Mad Dog Blue Raspberry Serving Temperature & Storage Tips

The best temperature to serve Mad Dog Blue Raspberry at is between 45-50°F, just above typical refrigerator settings. This temperature sweet spot lets you experience both the sweetness and fruit notes in perfect balance. Serve it too cold and the sweetness disappears. Too warm and you'll taste more artificial elements and alcohol than intended.

The manufacturer chose dark glass bottles deliberately to shield the contents from UV light. Store your bottles standing up in a cool, dark place between 45-65°F. Though the official shelf life reaches 18 months, the drink tastes best within its first year. After that, the flavors begin to fade.

Once opened, your bottle will stay fresh for 5 days in the refrigerator. Watch for changes in smell. When the blue raspberry scent fades and artificial sweetener notes take over, the drink has moved past its peak. You can still drink it safely, but both flavor and color will continue to weaken as air exposure increases.

Best Food Pairings for Mad Dog Blue Raspberry

While it's tempting to drink Mad Dog Blue Raspberry straight, the flavor experience is much better when used with food. It makes some unexpected pairings very tasty. It goes exceptionally well with spicy Asian foods. The wine's sweetness cools the heat from Szechuan dishes and Korean fried chicken. For snacks, salty potato chips and pretzels balance the sweet punch, and surprisingly, barbecue flavors are enhanced by artificial notes of blue raspberry.

Some foods completely alter the drinking experience. Citrus fruits bring out the hidden tartness, and vanilla ice cream makes it a creamy dessert drink. Chocolate should not be paired with the artificial berry notes, as they produce an odd metallic aftertaste.

Mad Dog Blue Raspberry Nutrition Facts & Health Information

A 12-ounce serving of Mad Dog Blue Raspberry contains 230 calories. This is primarily from its high sugar content of 26 grams. The calorie count is high from the alcohol added to this blue raspberry drink. Every serving contains 24 grams of carbs, which are all from added sugars rather than natural fruit.

If you have dietary restrictions, Mad Dog Blue Raspberry contains no gluten, dairy, or nuts. However, it does include FD&C Blue No. 1, which some people avoid. The drink provides no nutritional benefits beyond calories - there's no vitamin C or other nutrients that might be expected in a fruit-based beverage.

Mad Dog Blue Raspberry Cocktail Recipes

Blue Lightning

Ingredients:

4 oz Mad Dog Blue Raspberry
2 oz coconut rum
2 oz pineapple juice
1 oz lime juice
Ice cubes

Method: Fill a shaker with ice. Pour in Mad Dog Blue Raspberry, coconut rum, and both juices. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice. The drink should turn a tropical turquoise color.

Electric Lemonade

Ingredients:

3 oz Mad Dog Blue Raspberry

3 oz lemonade
1 oz citrus vodka
Fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes

Method: Muddle two mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, Mad Dog Blue Raspberry, lemonade, and vodka. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Tropical Blue Blast

Ingredients:

4 oz Mad Dog Blue Raspberry
2 oz white rum
4 oz Sprite
1 oz fresh lime juice
Ice cubes

Method: Fill a large glass with ice. Pour Mad Dog Blue Raspberry and rum over ice. Add lime juice and top with Sprite. Stir gently to combine. The carbonation creates a subtle fizz while maintaining the bright blue color.

Blue Thunder Punch

Ingredients:

3 oz Mad Dog Blue Raspberry
2 oz vanilla vodka
3 oz cream soda
1 oz heavy cream
Ice cubes

Method: Combine Mad Dog Blue Raspberry and vanilla vodka in a shaker with ice. Shake until cold. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Float cream soda on top. Slowly pour heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.

Party Planning with Mad Dog Blue Raspberry

For a party of 10 guests for 3 hours, order one bottle per two people. The 750ml sizes contain approximately six 4-ounce servings each when used in cocktails. You must also refrigerate the bottles at least 8 hours prior to the party for optimal serving temperature.

Stock the bar with complementary mixers such as pineapple juice, lemonade, and cream soda. Be sure to have enough ice; get one bag per five guests. Collins glasses are appropriate for most cocktails. However, tropical variations look great in hurricane glasses.

Complete Mad Dog 20/20 Flavor Collection

Red Grape Mad Dog

Red Grape Mad Dog balances authentic grape juice with a milder 13% ABV content. Each sip starts with fresh grape sweetness, followed by subtle tannins reminiscent of traditional red wines. The finish brings gentle warmth without the harsh alcohol notes found in stronger varieties.

Best for:
Perfect for those transitioning from sweet wines to stronger beverages. The familiar grape flavor makes it approachable for newer drinkers.

Food pairings:
The grape notes complement pepperoni pizza and spicy Italian sausages. Sharp cheddar cheese brings out the wine-like qualities, while dark chocolate enhances the natural grape sweetness.

Orange Jubilee

At 13.9% ABV, Orange Jubilee combines mandarin and valencia orange flavors. The initial burst of citrus mellows into smooth vanilla undertones. Unlike artificial orange drinks, this blend captures the natural tartness of fresh oranges.

Best for:
Summer gatherings and brunch events. The bright citrus profile works well in morning cocktails, while the higher alcohol content suits evening celebrations.

Food pairings:
Chinese takeout, especially sweet and sour dishes. The citrus cuts through greasy foods while complementing Asian spices. Also pairs surprisingly well with vanilla ice cream for a creamsicle effect.

Banana Red

This 13% ABV blend pushes boundaries with artificial banana candy notes layered over red fruit punch. The initial sweetness gives way to unexpected tartness. The artificial banana stays prominent throughout without becoming overwhelming.

Best for:
Experimental drinkers and those who enjoy unique flavor combinations. Makes an excellent conversation starter at parties due to its distinctive taste.

Food pairings:
Salty snacks balance the artificial sweetness. Works particularly well with butter popcorn and salted peanuts. Avoid pairing with actual bananas - the contrast between natural and artificial flavors clashes.

Electric Melon

A premium 13.9% ABV offering featuring natural watermelon extract and honeydew notes. The melon flavor tastes authentic rather than candy-like, with subtle sweetness and a clean finish. Light carbonation enhances the fresh fruit experience.

Best for:
Hot summer days and poolside drinking. The natural melon flavors provide refreshment while maintaining sophistication.

Food pairings:
Fresh salads and light appetizers. Prosciutto-wrapped melon brings out the honeydew notes. Grilled chicken with fruit salsa creates a complementary summer meal.

Peaches & Cream

This 13.5% ABV variety combines natural peach puree with vanilla flavoring. The texture stands out - creamy and smooth rather than syrupy. Real peach notes dominate the start while vanilla smooths out the finish.

Best for:
Dessert drinks and frozen cocktails. The creamy texture holds up well when blended with ice, making excellent slushies.

Food pairings:
Angel food cake and vanilla-based desserts enhance the cream notes. Fresh berries provide pleasant contrast to the peach flavor. Avoid citrus-based foods which can curdle the cream elements.

Shop Mad Dog Blue Raspberry in Pueblo

Looking to try Mad Dog Blue Raspberry or stock up for your next party?

Visit Big Bear Wine & Liquor in Pueblo, CO. Our staff at both the South location (2037 S Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81005) and Pueblo West store (940 Hailey Lane, Pueblo West, CO 81007) can help you find exactly what you need.

Call (719) 547-1786 for availability, or check out our website at www.bigbearwine.com. We maintain proper storage temperatures to ensure your Mad Dog Blue Raspberry tastes exactly as intended.