I’m hooked on this homemade “Gatorade”—a clean, natural sports drink made with hydrating coconut water, fresh fruit, a pinch of salt, and a touch of honey. It has all the replenishing electrolytes I need after workouts or hot days, without any artificial colors or excess sugar
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love that it delivers real hydration and flavor without the artificial stuff in store-bought versions. Coconut water provides potassium, salt gives sodium, lime and kiwi add brightness, and a little honey adds just enough sweetness. Plus, I can mix up the flavors—orange, peach, blueberry, or raspberry—depending on what’s fresh and feels good.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1½ cups coconut water
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1 cup aloe vera juice (or decaf green tea)
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2 ripe kiwis (peeled)
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1 tbsp fresh lime juice
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¼ tsp salt (sea salt or pink Himalayan)
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1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
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Ice (optional)
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Optional garnish: kiwi or lime wedge
directions
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In a blender, I combine coconut water, aloe vera juice, peeled kiwis, lime juice, salt, and honey.
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I blend until perfectly smooth.
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If I prefer a pulp-free drink, I strain it through a fine mesh sieve.
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I pour over ice, garnish with a kiwi or lime wedge, and enjoy immediately.
Servings and timing
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Makes 2 servings
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Total time: 5 minutes
Variations
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Orange flavor: Blend coconut water, orange juice, lime, salt, and honey for a bright citrus drink.
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Peach-blend: Add fresh peach slices with coconut water, lime, salt, and sweetener.
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Blueberry or raspberry: Swap kiwis for berries—blue or raspberry blends make lovely, antioxidant-rich options.
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Substitute aloe vera: Swap aloe vera juice for green tea or add more coconut water if desired.
storage/reheating
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To store: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 48 hours.
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To serve later: Stir before pouring over ice or dilute with chilled coconut water if too concentrated.
FAQs
What does aloe vera juice do in this recipe?
I add it for gut-soothing benefits, but if I don’t have it, I skip it or use green tea instead—either works well.
Can I skip the strain step?
Yes—if I don’t mind a bit of pulp, I skip straining. For smoother texture, I always strain it.
How much salt should I use?
The recipe calls for ¼ tsp of salt, but I adjust it based on how much I sweat or how hot the day is — it’s easy to tweak.
Is this suitable for kids?
Definitely—it’s a milder, natural alternative to sports drinks. Just use less salt and honey.
Can I batch-make this?
Yes—I make a pitcher and keep it in the fridge. I stir and pour over ice when I’m ready to drink.
Conclusion
I reach for this homemade Gatorade on sweaty workouts, hot afternoons, or whenever I want a refreshing hydration boost that’s real and simple. With natural electrolytes, fresh fruit flavors, and no artificial ingredients, it’s become my go-to drink—one I feel great about drinking and sharing.
Print
Homemade Gatorade
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A refreshing, electrolyte-packed sports drink you can make at home with simple pantry ingredients—perfect for rehydration during workouts, hot days, or after illness.
Ingredients
4 cups water, divided
2 tablespoons sugar (or honey or maple syrup)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
Optional: pinch of baking soda for extra electrolytes
Optional: 1/2 cup 100% fruit juice (orange, grape, or berry) for flavor variety
Instructions
In a pitcher, combine 2 cups hot water with sugar (or honey) and salt, stirring until fully dissolved.
Add lemon juice, lime juice, and optional baking soda and fruit juice.
Pour in remaining 2 cups cold water and stir well to combine.
Taste and adjust sweetness, salt, or citrus to your preference.
Chill in the refrigerator until cold, or serve immediately over ice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
