Kiwi Citrus Homemade Gatorade (Natural & Easy)
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Craving a clean way to hydrate without the fake dyes and syrupy sweetness of store-bought sports drinks? This homemade Gatorade is a natural electrolyte drink that actually works—no artificial ingredients, no neon blue needed. Made with coconut water, fresh fruit, and sea salt, it’s perfect for sweaty workouts, hot summer days, or when you need to bounce back fast.
Whether you’re replenishing after a run, recovering from the flu, or just trying to hydrate more naturally, this easy DIY sports drink has you covered. It’s my go-to for post-workout recovery, hydration after being sick, or when my kiddos need a clean electrolyte boost.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Sports Drink
Let’s face it—store-bought sports drinks often miss the mark. They’re usually packed with sugar, artificial colors, and flavorings that don’t feel great in your body. This natural sports drink skips all of that in favor of real, functional ingredients you probably already have on hand.
It’s a hydration solution that’s:
- Made with natural ingredients like coconut water, citrus juice, and fruit
- Easy to prepare in just 5 minutes
- Genuinely effective for post-workout recovery or hot summer hydration
- Naturally sweetened and gentle on sensitive stomachs
It pairs perfectly with light meals like my High Protein Chicken Salad or these High Protein Breakfast Bowls—ideal for busy days when you’re prioritizing wellness without the overwhelm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each of these ingredients brings a hydration superpower to the table:
- Coconut water: Rich in potassium and natural electrolytes
- Aloe vera juice: Supports gut health and hydration. Sub with decaf green tea or more coconut water
- Kiwis (with skin): Full of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants—plus, they add natural sweetness and vibrant color
- Lime juice: A zesty source of flavor and electrolytes
- Salt: Replenishes sodium lost through sweat. Sea salt or pink Himalayan both work well
- Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that add quick-digesting carbs for recovery
- Ice + garnish: Because hydration should feel as good as it tastes
Want to keep it super simple? A basic version with just coconut water, lime juice, and a pinch of salt still does the job.
How to Make This Homemade Gatorade
Step 1: Add coconut water, aloe vera juice, whole kiwis, lime juice, salt, and your sweetener of choice to a blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp. Pour over ice and garnish with a wedge of lime or kiwi.
And just like that—you’ve got a homemade electrolyte drink recipe that tastes good and feels even better.
Mac’s Pro Tip
Recipe Tips for the Best Homemade Gatorade
- Adjust salt to taste. Start small and increase for heavy workouts or hot weather. Too much salt can overwhelm the flavor
- Use ripe kiwis. Softer kiwis blend easily and offer more natural sweetness
- Strain if needed. If pulp isn’t your thing, strain after blending for a smoother sip
- Chill ingredients in advance. Cold coconut water and aloe help you skip ice if you’re on the go
- Customize flavors. Add fresh mint, frozen berries, or a splash of orange juice for fun variations
- This is also a great recipe to have on hand when your family needs a natural hydration boost—especially after the flu or tummy bugs.
For more clean-eating kitchen tips, check out my Homemade Mayo—another real-food staple that keeps it simple and nourishing.
Recipe FAQs
Liquid (like coconut water), salt for sodium, and a sweetener or fruit juice for flavor and energy. Potassium sources like kiwi or banana are a big plus.
Yes! Omit the sweetener or try stevia or monk fruit. It won’t be as sweet, but still does the job.
Totally. Just reduce the salt slightly and go heavier on the fruit for a kid-approved flavor. My girls love it with a splash of orange juice!
Keep it in a sealed bottle or mason jar for up to 3 days. Shake well before serving.
Filtered water, decaf green tea, or even cucumber juice can work—just add a potassium source if possible.
This homemade gatorade is proof that better hydration doesn’t have to come in a plastic bottle. Whether you’re fueling a workout, supporting your immune system, or just tired of synthetic stuff, this DIY citrus blend gives you everything you need—and nothing you don’t.
Try it, tweak it, and tag me if you make it your own! And if you’re looking for more naturally energizing ideas, don’t miss my Pineapple Mango Smoothie Delight—a tropical treat that’s both satisfying and hydrating.
More Delicious Drink Recipes
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Kiwi Citrus Homemade Gatorade (Natural & Easy)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups coconut water
- 1 cup aloe vera juice
- 2 kiwis
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Ice
- Lime or kiwi wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Add the coconut water, aloe vera juice, kiwis (skin on), lime juice, salt, and honey or maple syrup to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp.
- Pour over a glass of ice and garnish with a kiwi wedge. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust salt to taste. Start small and increase for heavy workouts or hot weather. Too much salt can overwhelm the flavor
- Use ripe kiwis. Softer kiwis blend easily and offer more natural sweetness
- Strain if needed. If pulp isn’t your thing, strain after blending for a smoother sip
- Chill ingredients in advance. Cold coconut water and aloe help you skip ice if you’re on the go
- Customize flavors. Add fresh mint, frozen berries, or a splash of orange juice for fun variations
- This is also a great recipe to have on hand when your family needs a natural hydration boost—especially after the flu or tummy bugs.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
