Citrus Electrolyte Cooler
Sparkling water with fresh orange, lemon, and lime, a pinch of sea salt, and mint, poured over plenty of ice.
Why you'll love Citrus Electrolyte Cooler
This is the drink for a hot afternoon, a long walk, or a sweaty workout. Fresh orange, lemon, and lime juice go into cold sparkling water with a pinch of sea salt and a sprig of mint, and the result tastes like a light, barely sweet citrus soda.
The salt and citrus are what make it an electrolyte drink. You lose sodium and some potassium when you sweat, and a small pinch of salt replaces sodium without tasting salty, while the citrus juice brings potassium. The salt also makes the citrus taste brighter, the way a pinch of salt in a dessert makes it taste sweeter. Build the concentrate first, then add the sparkling water at the end so it stays fizzy.
A bottle of the citrus concentrate in the refrigerator means a glass is ready in ten seconds.
Quick overview: This Citrus Electrolyte Cooler comes together in 5 min and makes 4 servings, each 1 tall glass (about 1 1/4 cups).
Ingredients
- 1 orange, juiced, plus a few thin slices
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 4 sprigs fresh mint
- 2 tsp allulose, optional Label: allulose, and nothing else
- 4 cups cold sparkling water Label: carbonated water, and minerals if any, with no sweeteners
Instructions
- Make the concentrate: Stir the orange, lemon, and lime juices with the salt and allulose, if using, in a jar until the salt dissolves.
- Bruise the mint: Clap each mint sprig between your hands to release its oils and put one in each glass.
- Build the glasses: Fill four tall glasses with ice and an orange slice, and divide the citrus concentrate among them.
- Top it up: Pour the sparkling water over the top, give it one gentle stir, and serve.
Storage and leftovers
The citrus concentrate keeps for 3 days in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
Add the sparkling water only when you pour, so it stays fizzy.
Variations
- Still: Use cold still water in place of the sparkling water for a drink you can carry in a bottle.
- Grapefruit: Use the juice of half a grapefruit in place of the orange.
- Cucumber: Add a few cucumber ribbons to each glass.
- Ginger: Add 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger to the concentrate and strain it.
Notes and tips
- Use fine salt: Fine salt dissolves quickly in cold juice.
- Keep it to a pinch: The right amount of salt makes the citrus taste brighter; you should barely taste it.
- Chill everything: Cold sparkling water holds its bubbles longer.
- Check the sparkling water label: It should read carbonated water, and minerals if any, with no sweeteners or flavorings.
Nutrition and mindful eating
- Sea salt brings back the sodium you lose in sweat, and the citrus juice brings potassium.
- Fresh citrus adds vitamin C, and the small amount of juice per glass keeps the sugar low.
- Sparkling water makes plain water feel like a treat, which makes it easier to drink enough on a hot day.
- Mint gives a cooling sensation that makes it even more refreshing after exercise.
- As you sip, notice how the salt makes the citrus taste brighter, and check whether a glass after a sweaty walk leaves you steadier than plain water does.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this Citrus Electrolyte Cooler? Start here, with the questions people ask most.
Why is there salt in it?
You lose sodium in sweat, and a pinch replaces some of it. It also makes the citrus taste brighter.
Can I make it ahead?
Make the concentrate up to 3 days ahead and add the sparkling water as you pour.
Can I use bottled juice?
Fresh juice tastes far better and has no added sugar. Squeeze it fresh.
Is this a sports drink?
It does the same job for a walk, a workout, or a hot day, with far less sugar.
You might also like
Start with the free guide
The RESET360 starter guide walks you through the plate, the daily rhythm, and your first week, sent straight to your inbox.