Homemade Sports Drink

I think I've posted about this before, but this time of year, I think it's a good recipe to post again.

This drink comes in handy for Shane, who works outside in the heat all summer long. He takes batch of it to work every day when it's hot outside. Kat and I enjoy it, too. Kat enjoys the fruity flavors, and like it because it's caffeine-free (I try not to drink caffeinated drinks after about 5:00 p.m. if I want to sleep well).

Not only is this homemade sports drink cheaper than Gatorade or the other brands, it allows you to use real sugar (if you're concerned about corn sweetener) and there are a lot more flavors that can be made.

Don't be tempted to use all table salt instead of salt substitute or to use any of the sugar substitutes instead of the sugar. According to my doctor, it's the combination of the salt, potassium chloride and sugar that help with rehydration.

I figure that 2 quarts of this drink costs about 35¢ tops. That's if you buy Kool-Aid brand drink mix at a 6/$1 non-sale price, sugar at 40¢ a pound and allow 5¢ for the salts (which is probably on the high side). If you find the drink mix on sale, or use a different brand such as Wyler's or a store brand, it can be made for closer to 25¢ for 2 quarts. You do have to buy the container of salt-substitute up front, but one small container lasts a very long time.

Two more things to note: If you use sea salt like I do, instead of regular table salt, you might want to cut back to 1/4 teaspoon so that your drink doesn't taste too salty. And finally, when mixing flavors, I don't recommend mixing grape with anything green, yellow or orange. It will taste great, but will look like swamp water.


Homemade Sports Drink

1 packet unsweetened drink mix (Kool-Aid)
2/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute (potassium chloride)
3/8 teaspoon table salt
2 quarts of water

Combine all ingredients until dry ingredients are well-dissolved. Serve chilled or over ice.

Recipe can easily be doubled, using two drink mixes (same flavor or different flavors).