Homemade Electrolyte Drink

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Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN

Stay hydrated with this family-friendly homemade electrolyte drink recipe using real ingredients – perfect for sick days or natural health routines.

If you’re like me, there are some days when plain water or seltzer just doesn’t cut it. After a few babies, my blood pressure has decided that it’s going to run on the low end of the scale – especially first thing in the morning. This is quite ironic considering I was hospitalized with severe postpartum preeclampsia after having my son.

My cardiologist recommended that I add more salt to my breakfasts and incorporate extra electrolytes. For quite some time, I relied on those store-bought IV Hydration powder packet things that you mix into water.

They were tolerable but so unbelievably sweet that I would have to dilute one packet meant for 16oz into 40 or 50oz of water. Not the end of the world but they were so expensive, took forever to drink, and bothered my stomach most days.

A lightbulb finally went off that I could easily make my own homemade electrolyte drink at home with simple ingredients I already had in my pantry. So…I dug through a few Amish books I have, spoke to a few relatives, and thumbed through a few more books to finally land on the recipe I’m sharing with you today.

This homemade electrolyte water has become part of my daily morning routine and allows me to feel energized without any stomach discomfort or water retention. It’s as old-fashioned as it gets, but it works. I’ve also noticed a significant improvement where I don’t feel lightheaded or dizzy in the mornings (unless, of course, I forget to drink my electrolytes).

Homemade Electrolyte Drink Recipe

You’ll only need a few pantry staples and 40 ounces of water. I say 40 ounces because I usually use a large Stanley travel cup to bring with me on errands. You can also use a quart sized glass mason jar to measure 24oz of water and cut the measurements in half.

How to Make It:

1/4 teaspoon real sea salt: Celtic, Redmond, or whatever good mineral salt you have. This is your sodium source, but it also brings a host of trace minerals your body quietly depends on.

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: This is your potassium. It sounds fancy, but it’s probably in your spice cabinet already.

Juice of half a lemon: I sometimes use the entire lemon if I want a stronger citrus flavor. This will add brightness, a little vitamin C, and help support the body’s natural detox pathways.

1 tablespoon of raw honey or maple syrup: Takes the edge off of the salt and gives your body a quick shot of energy, especially if you’re feeling weak or extra tired.

Mix it all up, and it’s ready. That’s it!

No powders, no plastic bottles, and no need to adjust your family’s grocery budget.

Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink Recipe Variation

If you’re watching your sugar or don’t want that blood sugar spike, leave out the honey or syrup. The lemon juice gives it enough flavor to be enjoyable on its own.

If you still want a bit of sweetness, you can add a few drops of pure stevia or monk fruit extract. I don’t usually keep those in the house, but I know some people who do.

Sick Day Variation

When someone in our house is sick (fever, stomach bug, or a cold that has lingered around way too long) this drink is a stable home remedy. I’ll double the citrus for extra vitamin C and add a splash of orange juice if I have it.

For a sore throat or dry cough, I always use raw honey over maple syrup. It coats the throat and soothes in a way nothing else can.

Homemade Electrolyte Drink Recipe for Toddlers

My son is currently a full-blown toddler, and I make this for him whenever he’s going through teething fevers or has a cold.

I skip the cream of tartar and just do a tiny pinch of sea salt in 8 oz of water. Add a splash of lemon and a drizzle of honey right into their normal daily thermos or sippy cup. Do not add honey unless they’re at least 1 year old.

If your toddler isn’t big on drinking from a cup, you can mix this with coconut water or offer it through a straw cup chilled like a treat. They don’t need much – just a few sips here and there to replenish what’s been lost.

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This information is intended for educational purposes only. The content created for www.naturalhomeapothecary.com has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider for personal healthcare decision-making guidance. 

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