Summer is upon us. With the sun shining, the weather warming, and the additional hours spent outside, we need to stay hydrated. This hydrating lemonade is the perfect refreshing drink to naturally replenish electrolytes and safely hydrate us without added sugar, dyes, or chemicals. It is naturally sweetened with honey and has a tart refreshing flavor.
Drinking too much water can dilute the minerals in our bodies. These minerals are essential to keeping us hydrated because they are what help us hold on to the water we drink and use it in different bodily systems. (Isn’t that kind of funny? We need water to be hydrated but if we drink too much at once it can actually be what causes us to be dehydrated? How complex the human body is.)
That’s where this hydrating lemonade recipe comes in. We can make something as tasty and simple as this to provide the minerals we so desperately need.
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When electrolytes are the most important
Ya know how when you sweat it’s salty? Thats because sweat contains minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. This also means that we lose essential nutrients when we sweat. This is why sports drinks are so popular. They are meant to replace minerals, electrolytes, and often give a burst of energy through sugar. However, they often are filled with all sorts of chemicals and additives that can be harmful to health.
Drinking natural or homemade drinks like the hydrating lemonade will help to naturally replace those lost minerals. Drinking it when you are thirsty is always a good idea, but especially any time you are sweating. I like to make a big batch to keep in the fridge so I can reach for it after spending a lot of time in the sun, after a workout, if I’ve been breastfeeding a lot, or for when I haven’t consumed enough water that day.
Ingredients
Lemon-
A good source of vitamin C and citric acid. They also contain a bit of iron and vitamin B6.
Lime-
Rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin E.
Honey-
A natural sweetener. I much prefer to use honey in this lemonade, but maple syrup can be substituted instead.
Salt-
A great source of minerals. Salt contains essential nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium. I recommend using a high quality sea salt whenever possible. I like to use this brand because it has 84 trace minerals!
Cream of tartar-
This is to enhance the tartness of the citrus as well as add extra potassium.
Coconut water-
Naturally rich in carbohydrates and electrolytes. Get it in bulk here!
Water-
You can make this with just coconut water, but I prefer the flavor when it is diluted with some regular water. As always, filter your tap water with a high quality filter before using it!
Helpful Tools
These are not necessary but do make this recipe much easier.
Making hydrating lemonade
I usually just make this in a quart sized jar because it makes it easy to store in the fridge. Of course you can use whatever container or pitcher works best for you!
Start by juicing both the lemon and the lime. If you run them under warm water and then press them against the counter and roll them, they will produce more juice.
Add the citrus juices, honey, cream of tartar, and salt to the jar and stir well.
Pour in the coconut water then fill to the top with filtered water.
Store for up to a week in the fridge.
Enjoy!
Hydrating Lemonade
This refreshing lemonade is full of essential minerals which makes it perfect to keep with you for every day hydration. It is naturally sweetened with honey and has just the right amount of zing.
Ingredients
- 1 Lemon
- 1 Lime
- 2 Tbsp. Honey
- 1/8 tsp. Salt
- 1/8 tsp. Cream of tartar.
- 16 oz. Coconut water
- 14 oz. Water
Instructions
- Juice the lemon and lime and add into a quart sized jar or pitcher.
- Add in honey, salt, and cream of tartar and mix well.
- Stir in the coconut water and filtered water.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Best when served over ice. Enjoy!
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