How to Make Your Own Electrolyte Drink
Making your own electrolyte drink at home is an easy, tasty way to stay hydrated. Whether you're an athlete looking to maintain proper hydration during your workouts or an everyday person looking for a refreshing beverage to stay hydrated, making your own electrolyte drink is a smart decision.
Below you’ll find a guide to everything you need to know about homemade electrolyte drinks, including two recipes. We'll also highlight some of the best electrolyte drinks and mixes in case you need to replenish and hydrate while on-the-go.
- Elm & Rye Electrolyte Mix
- Prime Hydration Drink
- Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix
- BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink
- Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are essential for many bodily functions. These minerals, which include sodium, magnesium, and potassium, are key for brain, muscle, and even digestive function. Without them, the body wouldn't be able to function.
Problems can also arise when your electrolyte levels aren’t balanced. An electrolyte imbalance is often caused by fluid loss. An imbalance of these minerals can cause all sorts of symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Muscle cramps
- Irregular heartbeat
- Changes in blood pressure
- Weakness
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to drink water or an electrolyte drink ASAP.
What Are the Benefits of a Homemade Electrolyte Drink?
Pre-made electrolyte drinks are extremely convenient, especially when you’re on the go. But if you want to enjoy a hydrating beverage at home, it’s best to make them yourself.
There are many benefits to making your own electrolyte drink, including:
- 100% control over the ingredients
- No harmful ingredients like additives, preservatives, or dyes
- Flavors are totally customizable
Homemade electrolyte drinks are also much cheaper. Did you know that some pre-made drinks cost upwards of $4 a bottle? Buying ingredients and storing your drink in mason jars keeps more money in your pocket.
How to Make Your Own Electrolyte Drink at Home
There’s nothing better than a homemade electrolyte drink. Make a large batch and keep it in the refrigerator so that you can enjoy a glass whenever you’re feeling a little parched. The best part is that you only need a few ingredients to create something that tastes amazing.
Both of these recipes work quickly to combat dehydration while also replenishing electrolytes so that you can feel refreshed and energized.
Citrus Electrolyte Drink (8 servings)
If you’re a fan of tart yet sweet drinks, this electrolyte drink is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh orange juice
- 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 8 cups of water (or coconut water)
- 8 tbsp of raw honey (or your preferred sweetener to taste)
- ½ tsp Himalayan salt
Directions
Mix all ingredients into a blender or pitcher. Pour over ice and enjoy! This drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade Electrolyte Drink (8 servings)
This electrolyte drink is perfect for those hot summer days when you need a tasty way to cool off and rehydrate.
Ingredients
2 cups of watermelon
2 cups of frozen strawberries
1 cup of fresh lime juice
8 cups of water (or coconut water)
8 tbsp of raw honey (or your preferred sweetener to taste)
½ tsp Himalayan salt
Directions
Mix all ingredients into a blender until it’s a smooth consistency. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy with a fun straw.
Best Electrolyte Drinks and Mixes
If you’re looking for something you can take when you’re on the go, making a homemade electrolyte drink isn’t an option. Thankfully there are plenty of great tasting pre-made electrolyte drinks as well as powdered mixes to keep you hydrated when you’re at work, in the gym, or exploring outdoors.
Here are the top products that we recommend.
1. Elm & Rye Electrolyte Mix
Elm & Rye Electrolyte Mix is formulated to help people hydrate faster. This drink mix is made with key electrolytes like potassium along with added vitamins. It’s available in many flavors, including watermelon, lemon lime, and strawberry kiwi.
2. Prime Hydration Drink
Prime Hydration Drink provides all of the benefits of electrolytes, B vitamins, and antioxidants. These pre-made drinks don’t contain any caffeine, making them suitable for all-day use. Enjoy flavors like cherry freeze, lemonade, and blue raspberry.
3. Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix contains electrolytes along with five essential vitamins to hydrate the body faster than water alone. These single-serving packets are perfect for traveling or using at the gym and come in great flavors like grapefruit, seaberry, acai berry, and guava.
4. BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink
BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink are low calorie and don’t contain any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. These electrolyte drinks are formulated with potassium, coconut water, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Choose from tasty flavors like dragon fruit berry, tropical coconut, and strawberry banana.
5. Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix
Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix is a daily performance drink that’s made with electrolytes and other minerals for all-day hydration. Each packet contains potassium, magnesium, salt, zinc, and other key nutrients. This powdered mix comes in fun flavors like peach bellini, pink lemonade, and passionfruit.
Is There an Ideal Time to Consume an Electrolyte Drink?
There’s no wrong time to drink an electrolyte drink. It’s perfectly fine to sip on them throughout the day. However, there are times when you’ll definitely want to have an electrolyte drink on hand. This includes:
- During and after working out
- After any kind of intense activity
- After spending time in hot weather
- When you’re sick
It’s also important to drink an electrolyte drink if you’re experiencing any symptoms of dehydration such as fatigue, dizziness, and/or muscle cramps.
Final Thoughts
Dehydration poses significant risks to your well-being. Having low fluid levels in the body can cause all sorts of adverse effects, some of which can be severe. That’s why maintaining hydration throughout the day is crucial.
Whether you choose to prepare your electrolyte beverage or opt for a ready-made or powdered mix, you can have peace of mind that you’re actively protecting your health.