This homemade electrolyte drink, lovingly known as "Nature's Gatorade," is a refreshing, energizing way to hydrate using just clean, nourishing ingredients. It delivers key minerals your body needs to support hydration at the cellular level without any refined sugars, dyes or additives. Simple to make, totally customizable and absolutely delicious, this is a natural solution that truly works!

Four flavors of homemade nature's gatorade in mason jars with a white background.

Over the last couple years, I've been paying closer attention to what really supports my energy, and I've found that hydration is one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) factors. It's not just about drinking more water - it's about getting the right kind of hydration that actually fuels your cells. Once I began focusing on minerals and electrolytes, I noticed a real difference in how I felt throughout the day.

Yet, many of the popular drinks marketed for hydration and energy (i.e. Gatorade, and similar electrolyte beverages) are loaded with ingredients I try to avoid - artificial dyes, natural flavors, refined sugars and preservatives. Yes, they technically hydrate, but they also include a lot of extras I'd rather skip. My recipe below is also a great alternative to Pedialyte.

So, when "Nature's Gatorade" started to go viral on TikTok, I was intrigued. It's been around in various forms (sometimes called adrenal mocktails) but TikTok gave it a catchy name and new life. Everyone seems to have heir own spin (even athletes like Bryce Harper got in on it) and it inspired me to start experimenting with my own clean, effective and refreshing version made from real ingredients.

Watermelon lime "nature's gatorade" being poured from a glass pitcher into a glass of ice with a white background.

Why Make Your Own Electrolyte Drink?

Our bodies need both water and minerals to stay properly hydrated. Coconut water provides natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, while a good quality mineral-rich salt (containing sodium and trace minerals) helps support fluid balance and optimal absorption. This is why, especially during times of heat, stress, or physical activity, plain water alone sometimes just isn’t enough to keep you feeling your best!

Personally, I’ve never loved the taste of plain coconut water, so pairing it with the right flavors was key for me. Blending it with fruit and a splash of citrus completely transforms the taste and makes it something I can sip any time I need a hydration boost.

Cucumber lime "nature's gatorade" in a glass served with ice and a glass straw with a white background.

The Simple Formula Behind Nature’s Gatorade

I provide four drink flavors in the recipe card, and honestly, it's super easy to create even more! The base recipe is the same - coconut water, mineral salt, maple syrup, filtered water, and your choice of lemon or lime - then just add in different fruits or veggies to change up the taste and color.

Ingredients of "Nature's Gatorade" with a white marble background.

Why These Ingredients Work

Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes, especially potassium and magnesium. I personally love Harmless Harvest (not sponsored) - it’s pink (naturally!), organic, fair trade, and contains just one ingredient.
Mineral Salt: Not all salts are created equal! Skip the standard white table salt and choose an unrefined mineral-rich option like Redmond Real Salt (also not sponsored). These salts contain trace minerals that support hydration and electrolyte balance.
Fresh Fruits and Veggies: Not only do they add flavor and beautiful color, but many fruits and veggies like watermelon, cucumber and citrus also contribute additional hydration and natural electrolytes. The possibilities here are endless and using fresh produce will sneak in other nutrition benefits beyond hydration.

How to Make Nature's Gatorade

I recommend using a high-speed blender and straining the drink over ice for the best flavor and texture. This gives you that smooth, refreshing consistency without any pulp.

Simply add all the ingredients except the ice to your blender. Blend for a full minute in a high speed blender to get the smoothest texture - this helps avoid waste and gets all those nutrients into your glass!

Ingredients of "nature's gatorade" in a blender prior to blending.

Wild blueberry nature's gatorade in a blender after blending ingredients.

Then pour the contents over ice through a mini strainer above the glass to filter out any remaining chunks. Stir and enjoy!

Pouring wild blueberry nature's gatorade from a blender through a mini strainer over a glass of ice with a white background.

A hand holding a mini strainer as wild blueberry lemon nature's gatorade strains through into a glass of ice.

Tip: It really is best served ice-cold. Let it chill for 30 seconds before sipping. Room temperature just doesn't hit the same!

Wild blueberry lemon "nature's gatorade" in a glass served with ice and a glass straw with a white background.

Lemon or Lime?

Each recipe calls for a citrus boost, and both lemon and lime work beautifully. They’re interchangeable - just choose based on your flavor preference or what you have on hand. Use the juice from 1 lemon or 2 limes (about ¼ cup total) per batch.

Pouring nature's gatorade from a glass pitcher into a glass of ice with a white background.

Customization & Flavor Notes

The best part about this recipe is how customizable it is. The ratio of ingredients stays consistent, but the flavor combinations are nearly endless. Try kiwi with lime, pineapple with lemon, or a refreshing cucumber-watermelon mix. I also love adding fresh herbs like mint or parsley for a little extra brightness and a pretty finish!

Here are my faves that are in the recipe card:

Wild Blueberry Lemon - you only need ½ cup of blueberries for this one because their flavor is so concentrated.
Watermelon Lime – Naturally sweet (my kids' favorite) and watermelon provides additional electrolytes as well to make it extra energizing.
Cucumber Lime – Ultra-refreshing with a clean green color. The cucumber adds to the overall hydration since cucumbers contain so much water.
Green Apple Lime – Tart and perfectly sweet (my personal favorite flavor!).

You can also use fresh or frozen berries like cherries, blackberries, strawberries, or raspberries - just be sure to blend well and always strain the mixture over ice before serving. The ice makes a big difference in taste (similar to traditional sports drinks) - it needs that chill to hit just right.

Four flavors of "Nature's Gatorade" in glass mason jars with a white background.

Pro Tips as you Experiment

Start with ⅛ teaspoon salt and work your way up to taste.
Adjust the maple syrup to your sweetness preference. My kids like to add a touch more to the cucumber flavor.
Add more lemon or lime if you love citrus. I usually do!
Remember: This drink isn't meant to taste exactly like Gatorade. It's about hydration, nourishment and feeling good!

Hydration is a small act of self-care that makes a huge difference. I hope you love these clean, energizing and colorful homemade drinks!

If you try it, tag me @eatingbyelaine. I'd love to see your creations and favorite combos!