How to Make Sports Drinks at Home

Homemade sports drinks allow you to control the sugar, salt and flavor consumed during exercise while replacing electrolytes lost through sweat, according to Leslie Bonci of Pittsburgh-based Active Eating Advice and co-author of Bike Your Butt Off.

Use powdered drink mix to create tasty frozen treats suitable for kids and adults of all ages, using popsicle molds or freezing in a shallow pan, scraping and stirring frequently until granita forms; or add Jello-style gelatin for cocktails with no alcohol content.

Add citrus flavors to warming winter drinks such as spiced ciders and mulled wines using drink mixes. Make batches without alcohol for family-friendly post-winter-sports warmers or make larger quantities and serve them at an apres ski party!