How to Make an Energy Drink

Energy drinks of every color and flavor can be found in shopping aisles across the globe, but all of them contain roughly the same ingredients -- water, flavoring, and electrolytes. Luckily, making your own energy drink at home is remarkably easy, and you likely have all of the ingredients already.

EditIngredients

Base Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup unsweetened fruit juice -- (apple, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, grape)
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons natural sweetener (honey, cane sugar, agave nectar, etc.)

Additional Ingredients

Fresh fruit and berries
Chia Seeds
Caffeine tablet (200mg)
Coconut Water
Kale/spinach
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (helps regulate blood sugar)^[1]

Protein Drink Ingredients

1 whole banana, quartered
1 tablespoon wheat germ
1 cup of no-fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon of whey or artificial protein

EditSteps

EditMaking Simple Energy Drinks

Understand the benefits of different energy drinks. At their core, all energy drinks rehydrate your body and provide it with essential minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes to function at it's best. Some energy drinks are meant to wake you up, some replenish your body after exercise, and others help you get the most out of a workout. Knowing the parts of an energy drink will help you make the right one for you.
- Electrolytes: Natural chemicals that help your muscles communicate and work correctly, they are found in salts and fresh fruit like bananas and strawberries.^[2]
- Sugars: Humans need sugar to function, as sugars are the basic unit of energy that our muscles and cells need to survive. They are found almost everywhere, from honey and sugar to fruits and vegetables. Because they are simple, our bodies can use them for energy soon after being ingested.
- Protein: Most of the human body's functions are done by proteins, from using our muscles to fighting infections. After a hard workout we need to replenish proteins to heal muscles and promote growth. In most energy drink, protein is found in yogurt, milk, or special protein powders.
Mix together the water, fruit juice, salt, and sweater in a blender. Place all of your liquids in the blender and use a spoon to taste. If it is too diluted then add more juice; if it tastes too tart or sweet then add more water.
- Substitute coconut water for fresh water to add potassium and simple sugars to your drink naturally.^[3]
- Omit adding sugar if you are using sweetened juice or lots of fresh fruit.
- You can also use less water and instead add ice for a cooler drink.
Add fruit and berries for vitamins and sugar. Fruits are a natural source of energy, vitamins, and minerals, and your body can process them rapidly for quick energy. While by no means exhaustive, the following fruits can help give your drink specific properties:
- Watermelons, blueberries, and cherries have antioxidants that can relieve muscle soreness.^[4]
- Bananas, kiwis, and peaches are high in potassium, an essential electrolyte.^[5]
- Citrus fruits provide lots of vitamin C needed for cardiovascular and immune health, and will help wake you up.^[6]
Fruits and vegetables like kale, spinach, and apples (with the peel) are high in fiber and vitamin A.
Add in any supplements, like protein powder or caffeine. After you've created the base of your energy drink you can add supplements to get the most out of your drink. To make a thicker, more filling drink you can add yogurt and ice, for example.
- Protein powder and wheat germ are great for helping build muscle after a tough work-out.
- Chia seeds contain anti-oxidants, calcium, and omega-3's that may help boost energy levels and brain health.^[7]
- Powdered caffeine, and Taurine though dangerous at high levels, are a legal way to give your drink an energy boost similar to Red Bull or Rockstar Energy Drinks. Be sure to check the recommended amount before adding.
Blend everything together. If you are making a simple drink of water, juice, salt, and sugar, you can always mix by hand. However, if you add fresh fruit, yogurt, ice, or leafy greens like kale, you will need a blender to mix everything.