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Get It NowThis homemade electrolyte drink will keep you cool and hydrated… kind of like an upgraded version of sugar free lemonade! While often considered a sports drink, it’s great for other reasons, too! Need a hydration boost? Drink electrolytes! Want a healthy drink besides water? DIY electrolyte drink! Working up a sweat and need to replenish fluids? Natural electrolyte drink to the rescue! Just don’t go overboard with it — and check with a registered dietitian or doctor if you’re not sure what’s right for you.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Electrolyte Drink
- Slightly sweet, tart, and refreshing taste
- Just a handful of simple, natural ingredients
- Just 8 calories and 1.5 grams of sugar per serving
- Whip it up in 5 minutes!
- Includes sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and chloride
- Fresher and tastier than Gatorade or other store-bought options
- Perfect workout drink, especially for athletes
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for making an electrolytes drink, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice tastes best, but you can use bottled for convenience, or even lime juice if you prefer.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – A great natural source of electrolytes! It also adds a tangy kick to the electrolyte beverage.
- Sea Salt – Provides sodium.
- Potassium Chloride – This is a natural electrolyte supplement, usually labeled as a sodium-free salt replacement like this.
- Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Let’s be real, a blend of lemon juice and ACV is going to taste pretty sour on its own! While many drinks like this have added sugar, I chose Besti to sweeten this homemade electrolyte drink. This natural sweetener has zero calories, is gentle on blood sugar, and unlike artificial sweeteners, it has no aftertaste. It’s also perfect for mixing into drinks (both hot and cold), because it dissolves effortlessly! You could use my zero sugar simple syrup instead, but I don’t recommend most other sugar substitutes because most don’t dissolve properly.
VARIATION: Add magnesium, with caution.
As written, this DIY electrolyte drink includes sodium and potassium as the primary electrolytes, though the ACV does add some magnesium as well. If you need extra magnesium (to help with muscle cramps or sleep), add a dash of magnesium glycinate powder (this is a good kind for effective absorption). Be careful though, because too much magnesium can have side effects, such as diarrhea or vomiting. [Source]
How To Make A Homemade Electrolyte Drink
This section shows how to make your own DIY electrolyte drink, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Making this drink is so easy! Simply combine all the ingredients together in a mason jar. Close the lid and shake, until the sweetener dissolves. Add more sweetener to taste if you like.
You can serve this homemade electrolyte drink as is, or pour over ice. So refreshing!
Flavor Variations
This recipe has a lemony flavor, but you can easily adjust it! Here are some ideas:
- Minty Watermelon – Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the homemade electrolyte drink and swap the tap water for watermelon juice.
- Citrus – Swap the lemon juice for a mix of citrus or fruit juices, such as orange, grapefruit, and lime, for a tangy and zesty blend.
- Berry Blast – Add 1/4 cup of mixed berry puree (blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries). This one is my favorite!
- Coconut – If you don’t mind a little natural sugar, replace the water with coconut water. (Be sure it has no sugar added!) This will add calcium and magnesium, but not a huge amount.
Common Questions
- What are electrolytes? Electrolytes are essential minerals that conduct electricity when dissolved in water, including sodium, potassium, chlorida, and potassium, among others. Correct electrolyte levels help with fluid balance, make sure the body’s PH levels are right, move nutrients and waste in and out of cells, and make sure that nerves, muscles, heart, brain, and bodily functions work the way they should [Source].
- What drinks have electrolytes? Coconut water is one of the best natural electrolyte drinks. Fruit juices, cow’s milk, and store-bought sports drinks also contain electrolytes, but have high amounts of sugar, so are not ideal sources for that reason. A homemade electrolyte drink without added sugar is a great alternative!
- Can I drink electrolyte water every day? It’s okay to have one electrolyte drink every day, especially if you are active or on a keto diet (to avoid keto flu), but more than that is not recommended. Ideal electrolyte levels are a balance, so just as you don’t want them too low, you don’t want them too high either. [Source]
Storage Instructions
You can make this natural electrolyte drink ahead and store in mason jars (I like these) in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Stir or shake before serving over ice.
More Healthy Drink Recipes
Homeamde Electrolyte Drink
Stay hydrated with this naturally sweetened, homemade electrolyte drink! It's refreshing, hydrating, and takes just 5 minutes to make.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Combine all ingredients (except ice) together in a mason jar. Close the lid and shake, until the sweetener dissolves.
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Adjust sweetener to taste, if desired.
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Enjoy as-is, or pour over ice.
Did You Like It?
Leave a rating to help other readers, or get the recipe sent to your inbox.
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 drink (entire recipe)
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂
54 Comments
Rickk
0I think I’m going to make this – hold the water – and bring it to work as a concentrate. Add a couple ounces to some soda water and boom – you got a real drink.
Jennifer
0I make this at least once a week and I’ve tried all the different flavors. Love it.
Zara
0This is such a great alternative to gatorade. I keep some in the fridge year-round since my kids play sports, but we all go through it particularly quickly in the summer!
Melissa
0I was so excited to make this! I have always hated store bought drinks like this. This drink was delicious, cannot wait to make it again!
Kristy
0Found my new workout buddy! This is so easy to make and tastes great. I’m really loving this, thanks.
Jackie
0I love how refreshing this drink was! I’m definitely going to try the other flavor variations you suggested!
Jellian
0Finally found my new hydration go-to. It’s quick to make, and the taste is so refreshing. I really appreciate all the natural ingredients.
jennifer
0I made the minty watermelon version with some leftover summer juice I had in the freezer — it was amazing. I definitely am a person who needs to pay attention to my electrolytes!
Christie
0It was kind of hard to find a few of the ingredients, but now that I have them making this simple drink is a breeze.
Candace
0Hi Maya, The drink is super tasty, but the Besti powdered monk fruit allulose blend says it is 3 grams carbs per 1 teaspoon serving. So, you would be drinking 36 grams of carbs at 1/4 cup? I am calculating something incorrectly?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Candace, Besti has 0 grams net carbs. The carbs in allulose are not metabolized by the body, so the net is zero. You can learn more about calculating net carbs here. Hope this helps!
lisa
0I made and drank this yesterday and have had the worst upset stomach since. Maybe I was already coming down with something but still not feeling right this morning.
Tyson Adams
0Tastes fine. Isn’t that a lot of lemon juice though in regards to the carbs?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Tyson, This drink has only 1.9g of net carbs.
Tracy Howard
0Thanks for this recipe. Would you be able to provide a link to where I can get potassium chloride? I’m very confused about this unfamiliar-to-me ingredient. Walmart seems to carry tablets, but I’m assuming I would need a powder. An online search for that produced an overwhelming variety of choices, and I’m not really sure they are all the same thing. Help? Thanks in advance.
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Tracy, this potassium chloride is what you’ll want to look for and is also linked in the post above. Enjoy!
Mim
0Very happy with the taste. Is the glass of this, sufficient for 1 day? Ia a young 70 yr old woman and drink about 1 gallon of water a day.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Mim, You can store the drink in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Ashley
0Taste kind like sprite👍
Thank you!
Jennifer Cook
0Hello! This tastes much better than I thought it would! I ordered the Wholesome Yum Allulose and monk fruit granulated blend and it dissolves just fine for me, even in cold drinks. I doubled your recipe, except the sweetener, and added 2 tsp of Calm Magnesium. My stomach is hurting. Is it the Calm, or one of the other ingredients? I don’t have any experience with potassium. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jennifer, I suggest making the recipe without the Calm to see if that is the issue.
Sharon
0Yes, that is a lot of magnesium! It will give you stomach cramps.
Esther
0HI Maya, I have a question! What, exactly, is necessary in this drink to serve as an electrolyte drink? I’m not keen on bitter flavors like ACV and lemon.
Thanks!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Ester, ACV and lemon are key ingredients in this electrolyte drink.
B
0I absolutely loved this recipe, but it did cause some stomach issues for me. Is it possible to substitute liquid monk fruit for the granulated blend? If so, what would the conversion be for 1/4 cup?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi B, if you are looking for a liquid substitute I suggest the Wholesome Yum Simple Syrup. Most people prefer 1-2 tablespoons of sugar-free simple syrup as a starting point. Adjust to your liking!
Suzanne
0Thanks for this. I had been dizzy and feeling faint for several days and went online to see if that was usual on Keto. I couldn’t believe it was due to dehydration as I drink LOTS of water. After a bit of investigating, I found that it wasn’t the water I might be lacking, but the electrolytes. I had some magnesium tablets, so I am just taking them and drinking your recipe. It’s very refreshing and I hope this cures the dizzies. So economical compared to other electrolyte choices.
Kathie Whiting
0Thank you for sharing the Sugar Free Keto Electrolyte Drink Recipe! I get migraines and whenever I cut out carbs I would have a terrible headache that seems to last for weeks, so it was difficult to stick to it. I saved your email on how to avoid the keto flu that you sent out in May and read it this morning because I had such a headache and I remembered the title. I’m so glad I did!! I mixed the drink recipe and drank it right away ( I prefer it unsweetened) and within the hour my headache went to just a mild headache!! I did not have any Potassium Chloride powder so I came home and made a salad with a bunch of Potassium rich veggies like you said and now I feel like I can do this and make it through this part!! What a game changer, Thank You so much for all your posts and emails, they drew me back to get on track again. Keep up the great work and thank you so much again!
Lorenia Mathews
0I Love your electrolyte drink recipe for keto flu !!! It tastes great !!! I used a liquid stevia/erythritol blend to sweeten. I hope it gets rid of this tiredness/no energy soon. How often do I need to drink it ?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Lorenia, As often as you feel you need it. If you are going through the keto flu phase, then drink it as needed.
JOY
0Hi. Can I make this without the lemon juice because i am sensitive with lemon or lime?
thanks.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Joy, Yes, the recipe will work fine without the lemon juice. Enjoy!
JamesR
0Hi, the main reason I’m commenting is to let folks know that the powdered Magnesium that was linked to is terrible about dissolving in water, and it tends to clump and it also tastes bad. I have a big bag of that product and take it separately (later in the evening to help me sleep).
FWIW I’ve been making my own variation of this drink for a while. I fill a tall cup mostly with water, add a packet of True Lemon or Lime, a little Tang powder, a splash of Orange Juice, and a few shakes of NoSalt (potassium) and table salt. This drink is pretty tasty, but the Mg powder would definitely ruin it.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi James, Thanks for the feedback. Those are great tips!
Yevonne
0I love this! Only, I use Lipton decaf ice tea and I don’t add sugar. For the salt, I use Redmonds real salt. I like to drink this in place of a snack mid afternoon. Keeps the cravings away.
Pat
0I’m on blood pressure meds. My meds require me to keed my potassium intake low. Is it okay for me to leave it out of the recipe?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Pat, Yes, the recipe will still work without the potassium.
Pat
0Thank you 🙂
Pat
0I tried the recipe with the sweetener and decided I might like it better without. I tried it without and I like it much better that way 🙂 I’m hoping that won’t affect the electrolyte properties of the drink 🙂
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Pat, The sweetener does not affect the electrolyte properties. Enjoy!
Yevonne
0I’m glad you said this, I’m on BP meds too! Thanks!
Diane
0Exactly how much potassium (K) is in this drink? What form does it come in? I believe cream of tartar is almost pure potassium, but is bitter I am told. Your thoughts….. Thanks
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Diane, This drink has 362 mg of potassium per serving.
Colleen
0I would love to be able to frequent your website more. However, you have so many ads on your pages that it takes forever to navigate. I really wish you would limit them. This is crazy. It is not even fun (or worth the effort) to try and support you. 🙁
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Colleen, Thanks for the feedback. You can get more information about the ad-free website experience here.
Jerome
0Hi, can I make a pitcher of this and drink from it for 2 days or so?
Thanks!
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Jerome, Yes that would work fine.
Synchrony
0I can’t even take 2 sips of this. It’s nothing against the recipe as some seem to really like it but the acv is so gross. I can’t have any of the fake sweeteners because I get so nauseous and a migraine. What exactly in this recipe is 100% needed as electrolytes?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Synchrony, Apple cider vinegar offers a lot of healthful perks, but if it’s not your taste, feel free to skip it.
Catherine
0Colleen, I took the plunge for the ad-free membership to this website. It’s a game changer. Not only do I get the ad-free web access, which makes the site a joy to use, but lots of extras and a members-only area with so many hints, tips and good advise! So glad I signed up. This really is one of the best sites for low carb and keto lifestyles.
Denay DeGuzman
0What a flavorful electrolyte drink recipe! Perfect for taking on bike rides, hikes and kayaking on the river. So enjoyable and refreshing!
Sandra Shaffer
0Very refreshing. Perfect for our hikes. I also keep a batch in the refrigerator to refill my water bottle that I keep by my Peloton.
Leah
0Hi! I’m not a fan of ACV. Is it a crucial ingredient for this?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Leah, Apple cider vinegar offers a lot of healthful perks, but if it’s not your taste, feel free to skip it.