Although conventional electrolyte drinks, otherwise known as sports drinks, seem innocent enough, their ingredients are not. Most of them contain a lot of unnecessary chemicals like food coloring, artificial flavors, and processed sugars. The main purpose of electrolyte dinks is hydration, replenishing electrolytes, and energizing the body. These drinks are great to have with you during sweaty workouts. If you want all the amazing benefits without all those extra additives, try this delicious, healthy DIY homemade electrolyte drink recipe! You’ll never buy your sports drinks again.
I used this recipe to make my own electrolyte drink for when I went into labor with my son, and let me tell you—that drink helped me out a lot during my labor. I was never into sports drinks of any kind, but my sister-in-law inspired me to make my own after allowing me to try a sip of some she made. It was so delicious and refreshing! It tasted similar, yet better than the ones you usually purchase at the store. It was from there that I starting looking at different kinds of recipes to try and create my very own recipe. Although there were a lot of different recipes provided on the internet, I felt they either lacked a certain taste or had two much of one ingredient. Finally, after experimenting, I came up with the perfect recipe worth sharing.
Homemade Electrolyte Sports Drink Recipe
You'll need a small sauce pan or pot, a 24-ounce Mason jar, and a wooden spoon, in addition to the ingredients listed below.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup organic fresh, squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups raw coconut water
- 2 cups white tea
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions
- Place the water honey, and sea salt into the small sauce pan. While stirring the honey, sea salt, and water with the wooden spoon, heat the sauce pan at medium temperature for 3-4 minutes, or until mixture is dissolved together.
- When the mixture is ready, pour it into the 24-oz. mason jar.
- Pour the 2 cups of white tea into the mason jar, and stir with the wooden spoon. (You can choose to home brew your own white tea, or purchase a bottle of it.)
- Next add in the 4 cups of coconut water, or you can just simply fill the rest of the jar up to the top with coconut water. Stir well, and there you go!
Storage Notes
- If you are going to drink your electrolyte drink within ten days, you can store it in the refrigerator. Beyond 10 days, I would recommend storing it in the freezer, where it can last up to about three months.
- If you decide to freeze your drink, make sure to fill up your jar only about 3/4 of the way with coconut water. When you freeze your drink, the liquid will expand, so to avoid the jar breaking, do not fill it up all the way.
- Be sure to stir it before drinking it, as the honey will settle on the bottom.
I have seen people use all kinds of different teas, juices, and sugars for making this recipe, but I want to explain to you why I chose these specific ingredients for this drink.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds great natural flavoring, and it is high in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and copper.
- Coconut Water: Coconut water is not only delicious, it contains electrolytes and minerals that are wonderful for replenishing dehydration in the body.
- White Tea: White tea is full of antioxidants, it has a great taste, it is antifungal and antiviral, and it provides a natural form of energy. It is often used for lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and promoting strong teeth and bones and healthy skin.
- Honey: Honey is antibacterial, antifungal, and full of flavonoids and antioxidants. It is sweet and works well when used as a natural form of energy.
- Sea Salt: The minerals contained in sea salt are said to be in natural ratios, which helps keep the electrolytes of the body in balance.
Another great thing about these ingredients is that they complement and blend well with each other. You can always step things up with your electrolyte drink by adding mint, lemon balm, strawberries, or other kinds of herbs and sliced fruit. So ditch the unhealthy, conventional electrolyte drinks, and try making your own.
