Powerade Recipe

Dissolve salts

Pour 4 cups of cold water into a large pitcher. Add 1 teaspoon table salt and 1 teaspoon potassium chloride. Stir vigorously until both salts are completely dissolved.

If you are using a blender, combine water and salts in the blender and pulse 5–10 seconds to ensure full dissolution.

Sweeten for energy

Add 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon dextrose (optional) to the salted water. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved. Taste; the mixture should be mildly sweet but not syrupy. Adjust sugar by up to 1 tablespoon if needed.

Balance flavor

Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons orange juice (if using) to provide acidity and brightness. Stir to combine.

Add 1 tablespoon blueberry or grape juice concentrate (or other concentrated juice) to impart color and additional flavor. If you prefer a specific sport-drink flavor, instead add 1/2 teaspoon natural fruit flavor extract of your choice and skip the concentrate.

Taste the drink. If you want it sweeter without adding more sugar, add up to 1 teaspoon stevia (optional). Adjust salt very minimally — the electrolyte balance is important for effectiveness.

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to chill and let flavors meld, or serve immediately over ice.

If desired, pour into a blender with 1 cup of ice and blend briefly for a cold, slushy texture. Serve cold.