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6 Homemade Electrolyte Drink Recipes

ByNatalie Battaglia Published: Updated:
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Looking for a natural way to stay hydrated without the refined sugar, dyes or additives? These homemade electrolyte drinks are refreshing, functional and surprisingly easy to make...and I've got SIX delicious recipes to get you started.
What started as one turned into a whole series...and I've been getting so many requests for more. So today I'm breaking down exactly what goes into a natural electrolyte drink recipe, and how to create your very own homemade sports drinks from ingredients you likely already have at home.

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Three tall textured glasses filled with colorful electrolyte drinks - green, blue, and pink - each garnished with edible flowers, fruit slices, and surrounded by scattered fruit and flower petals on a light surface.

If you've ever looked at those fluorescent bottles and thought 'there has to be a better way' - you're right! Creating your own hydrating electrolyte drinks is surprisingly easy with a few key ingredients. I also love knowing exactly what's going into my glass - no artificial colors, no excess sugar, just real ingredients that taste as good as they look.

Why you'll love these recipes

There are so many reasons to love these recipes, namely:

  • They're much easier than you'd think: everyone loves an easy mocktail recipe, and these recipes are as quick as blending, straining and serving.
  • They are nourishing as well as hydrating: with fresh fruits or vegetables and natural ingredients like coconut water and honey, these recipes are perfect for staying hydrated in Summer.
  • The whole family will love them: my kids LOVE these, so be sure to add them to your mocktails for kids list. Note: some ingredients (such as blue spirulina) might not be appropriate for kids. Be sure to check the packet for guidance.
Three colorful tropical drinks in textured glasses. The left drink is yellow with lemon and pineapple garnish. The middle is deep red with edible flowers and berries. The right is yellow fading to red, topped with a flower and pineapple leaf.

Key Ingredients

First, let's quickly talk about what makes these drinks 'electrolyte friendly'. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients I like to use and why:

  • Salt: a small pinch is a key ingredient in many natural electrolyte drinks. It provides sodium , which plays a role in fluid balance and helps with water absorption.
  • Coconut water: often referred to as 'natures energy drink', coconut water is a popular base because it contains potassium and small amounts of other minerals. Tip: don't forget to check out my coconut water mocktail too.
  • Honey or maple syrup: did you know a little glucose can actually help the body absorb fluids and electrolytes more effectively? Plus it adds a touch of sweetness..win-win!

You'll find these are the staple ingredients in each recipe, then each has its own twist with a base fruit of vegetable, and some have optional extras like herbal teas or aloe vera juice.

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Building a homemade Electrolyte Drink

  1. Choose your base ingredient and add this to your blender. Below in the recipe card you'll see plenty of options, from strawberry and watermelon to pineapple and passionfruit.
  2. Add your salt. A Pink Himalayan or Celtic Sea Salt are my favorite choices, primarily because they are mineral-rich, unrefined and naturally sourced.
Side-by-side images show a blender cup filled with chopped watermelon and strawberries. In image 2, salt has been sprinkled on top of the fruit. Colorful flowers and strawberries are in the background.
  1. Add your sweetener. I prefer using honey or maple syrup as these are both natural sweeteners that taste great. You can opt for your preferred sweetener if you wish. If you're using juices, you might be able to leave the sweetener out completely.
  2. Optional step: add a chilled herbal tea or another mixer such juice or aloe vera juice.
Side-by-side images of a blender cup filled with chopped strawberries and watermelon. On the left, honey is being poured in; on the right, a red liquid is being poured over the fruit.
  1. Add the coconut water. Coconut water is THE very best choice for homemade electrolyte drinks due to the naturally occuring minerals it contains. I know there are plenty of people who are not a fan of the taste, but trust me - once the other ingredients have been added, you can barely taste the coconut water! IIf you really want to avoid it, use filtered water or herbal tea.
  2. Blend: blend all ingredients together until smooth.
Step 5: Water is poured into a blender cup filled with watermelon and strawberries. Step 6: A hand holds the blender upside down as the fruit mixture blends into a smooth liquid.
  1. Strain: fill your glass with ice and strain the mixture in. You 'can' skip this step if you wish, but I prefer it strained. You can use the leftovers in tomorrows smoothie!
  2. Garnish: obviously optional, but we do love a pretty garnish around here! Have fun.
Two side-by-side images show a textured glass filled with a pink iced drink. In the first image, liquid is being poured in. In the second, the drink is garnished with lime slices, strawberries, and edible flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular water instead of coconut water in homemade sports drinks?

Yes! Coconut water adds natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium so it is the very best choice, but plain filtered water works too. I would boost it with a pinch of salt for added minerals.

Which salt is best for electrolyte drinks?

Unrefined sea salt or pink Himalayan salt are best because they contain trace minerals. Regular table salt is generally not recommended because it is highly refined and stripped of trace minerals that make salts like Himalayan or sea salt beneficial. Having said that, if table salt is all you have, it's fine to use. It still provides sodium, it's just not as nutrient-rich as the others.

Can I make these ahead of time?

For sure! These recipes will keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days, just make sure they are in a sealed container, like a bottle or jar. Note that natural separation can occur with fresh ingredients, so you might need to give them a shake before drinking.

Are homemade electrolyte drinks good for kids?

Absolutely, these drinks are the perfect replacement for the artificial, fluorescent sports drinks found in stores. My kids LOVE them. Some ingredients you will want to check prior to giving your kids are the blue spirulina, aloe vera juice and the herbal teas.

Do I have to use the honey or maple syrp?

No, these are completely optional and most of the time you'll find the drinks are naturally sweet enough. I like to add these as optional ingredients because some fruits (like strawberries, mango, blueberries) can vary in sweetness depending on the season.

And that's it...this is how you make your own electrolyte drinks at home! I bet it was easier than you thought. Whether you're feeling a little sluggish, recovering from a workout or just trying to stay cool on a hot day, these drinks are my go-to. I hope you love them as much as I do!

A vibrant blue homemade electrolyte drink in a textured glass, topped with crushed ice, lemon slices, and a pink orchid flower. Blue hydrangea flowers and a lemon wedge sit nearby against a light background.

6 Homemade Electrolyte Drink Recipes

Learn how to make a homemade electrolyte drink with real ingredients. This Nature’s Gatorade series shares 6 natural electrolyte drink recipes for hydration.
5 from 3 votes
Author: Natalie Battaglia
Print Pin Rate
Servings: 2

Equipment

  • Large tumblers (Featured in this post: my go-to glasses for electrolyte drinks - they come with lids + straws! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Ingredients

Pink: Strawberry + Watermelon

  • 5 strawberries
  • 1 cup diced watermelon
  • 1.5 cups coconut water (see Note 1 for substitutions)
  • ½ cup chilled hibiscus tea (sub for extra coconut water)
  • 1 peeled lime (toss the whole thing in or squeeze out a tablespoon for a milder lime flavor)
  • ⅛-1/4 teaspoon salt (see Note 2 for recommendations)
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

Green: Cucumber + Apple (or Grape)

  • 4 inches cucumber
  • 1 chopped apple (sub for 10 green grapes)
  • 1.5 cups coconut water (see Note 1 for substitutions)
  • ⅛-1/4 teaspoon salt (see Note 2 for recommendations)
  • ½ cup aloe vera juice (sub with extra coconut water)
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup

Orange: Orange + Mango

  • ½ cup mango
  • 1 orange, peeled and chopped
  • 1.5 cups coconut water (see Note 1 for substitutions)
  • ½ teaspoons honey or maple syrup
  • ½ cup pineapple juice (sub with extra coconut water)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ⅛-1/4 teaspoon salt (see Note 2 for recommendations)

Purple: Blueberry + Lemon

  • ½ cup blueberries
  • ½ cup chilled butterfly pea tea (sub for extra coconut water)
  • 1 cup coconut water (see Note 1 for substitutions)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ⅛-1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup

Blue: Green Tea + Blue Spirulina

  • 1 cup coconut water (see Note 1 for substitutions)
  • ½ cup chilled green tea
  • ⅛-1/4 teaspoon salt (see Note 2 for recommendations)
  • ½ cup pineapple juice (sub for extra coconut water)
  • ½-1 teaspoon powdered blue spirulina
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup

Yellow: Pineapple + Passionfruit

  • 1 cup pineapple
  • 2 tablespoons passionfruit pulp (about 1 passionfruit)
  • 1.5 cups coconut water (see Note 1 for substitutions)
  • ⅛-1/4 teaspoon salt (see Note 2 for recommendations)
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup

Video

Instructions

  • Blend all ingredients for about 30 seconds until smooth. Strain over ice and garnish if you wish. I've included a handy video below if you'd like to see this in action.

Notes

Note 1 (coconut water substitutions)
I know coconut water isn't everyones cup of tea, but if you can, I'd really encourage you to give it a go in these electrolyte drinks. Once it's blended with the other ingredients, I assure you the coconut flavor is barely noticeable!
If it's still a no for you, feel free to swwap it for filtered water and add a small extra pinch of salt. Herbal teas also work SO well in these drinks, so feel free to experiment. I would avoid using juices if you can, because it will increase the sugar content massively.
Note 2 (salt)
I highly recommend using a pink himalayan salt or a celtic sea salt due to their high mineral content.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE CARBS FROM SUGAR ALCOHOLS.

Did You Make This Recipe? Please leave a rating below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course: Drinks
5 from 3 votes

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6 Comments

    1. Oh great question, I'll be sure to update the post! They would be fine for 3-4 days in the fridge. You might need to give them a shake or stir prior to drinking. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  3. 5 stars
    Oh my gosh these recipes are so incredible! I'm making my way through all of the flavour options and i just love enjoying a healthy alternative to sports drinks!

    Reply