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Cucumber-Lime Energy Drink

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Cucumber lime drink in a glass garnished with mint.
Photograph by Travis Rainey, food styling by Micah Morton, prop styling by Tim Ferro

Tart, cooling, and indisputably refreshing, this DIY electrolyte drink is the perfect salve for the dog days of summer when hot weather has you craving extra hydration. Loosely based on the World Health Organization’s Oral Rehydration Solution—and taking cues from a cult classic Gatorade sports drink flavor—our own homemade electrolyte drink recipe strikes a calculated balance of liquid, salt (an essential mineral; table salt, sea salt, or kosher all work here), and sweetener. According to nutrition expert Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, “Sugar (glucose) facilitates the absorption of water and electrolytes...and helps to maintain fluid balance.” We call for granulated sugar. You can swap in potassium-rich molasses, maple syrup, or honey, but note that “calorie-free sugar substitutes [such as stevia], will not work for rehydration drinks.”

Rather than use electrolyte powders or other artificially flavored supplements, this energy drink recipe relies on the invigorating taste of fresh cucumber, mint, and citrus, and skips the neon dyes found in many store-bought electrolyte drinks. The key to its subtle, cooling flavor is smashing the cucumber and mint into pulpy, fragrant submission. We like to do this with a rolling pin, but you could use a muddler or break them down by hand. If lime juice isn’t your thing, feel free to switch it up with fresh lemon juice, orange juice, watermelon juice, or coconut water.

Served over ice, this electrolyte drink is the perfect way to prevent muscle cramps before a workout, restore your spirit after a grueling afternoon in the sun, or otherwise keep your electrolyte levels in check. If you're prepping it to take to the beach or on a hike, omit the garnishes—just pour the drink into a mason jar (or, okay, Stanley cup) as is.

More from Feller:

What are electrolytes? Electrolytes are essential nutrients your body needs to function properly, including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride ions. They work by regulating the balance of hydration in your cells and impact “everything from brain function to heart function to being able to walk.” You’ll typically get all of your necessary electrolytes from the food you consume throughout the day.

When do you need electrolytes? Most of the time you probably don’t need a rehydrating drink. It’s only after strenuous exercise (or severe illness) when restoring electrolytes is a priority.” When people sweat profusely, they’re losing all of those minerals. With an electrolyte solution, you’re quickly replenishing what was lost.” Still, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a glass on a hot sunny day or after a stroll; just balance it with plenty of plain water.

Note: If you believe you have an electrolyte imbalance, please check with a dietitian or your healthcare provider for guidance.

All products featured on Bon Appétit are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through the retail links below, we earn an affiliate commission.

What you’ll need

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    15 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes about 4¼ cups

Ingredients

1

cup fresh lime juice (from about 8 medium limes)

1

Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. sugar

½

tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt

1

large English hothouse cucumber (about 11 oz.)

1

cup coarsely chopped mint; plus sprigs for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine 1 cup fresh lime juice (from about 8 medium limes), 1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. sugar, ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and 3¼ cups water in a medium bowl and stir until sugar and salt are dissolved.

    Step 2

    Cut 1 large English hothouse cucumber (about 11 oz.) crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Set 1 quarter aside for serving. Place 1 cup coarsely chopped mint on top of remaining cucumber and smash with a rolling pin until mint is slightly wilted and cucumber is broken up into large pieces. (Alternatively, you can smash together in a large bowl with your hands.) Scrape mint and cucumber into lime juice mixture and let sit 10 minutes.

    Step 3

    Strain drink into a large pitcher, pressing on mint and cucumber to extract all of their juices; discard solids. Thinly slice reserved cucumber into rounds. Serve drink in ice-filled glasses garnished with sliced cucumber and mint sprigs. (Or, you can pour into a water bottle to take on the go and skip the garnishes.)

    Do Ahead: Drink (without cucumber slices and mint sprigs) can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

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