Inspired by friends training for the St. Jude Marathon, Brooks Lowrance, Co-Founder of The Liquor Cabinet, wanted to understand what runners rely on most to support performance and recovery.
“I asked my friends what they typically use during their prep to get the best performance and recovery benefits,” Lowrance says.
The consensus from Brooks’ friends? Hydration and fueling are key. “Almost all of them mentioned electrolyte-rich ingredients,” Brooks says. He adds, “Six specifically emphasized that coconut water is a great substitute for regular water because of its natural hydration properties.” Brooks also notes that some runners recommend honey as a natural energy booster, since it gives quick-release carbohydrates without causing a crash.
When Lowrance started testing recipes, he noticed something else. “We also realized that having a post-run mocktail is just as important as having a pre-run option,” he says. “While pre-run drinks help energize the body, what runners consume post-run is essential for replenishing nutrients, restoring electrolytes and rehydrating after the workout.”
Each recipe is simple enough to mix at home yet purposeful in its support for the body before and after exercise.
Citrus Electrolyte Refresher
Pre-Run or Mid-Run Sip
This drink is light, a little salty, and absorbs quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold water or coconut water
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Juice of ½ orange
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave
Instructions
Shake or stir until everything is mixed. Add ice if you plan to drink it before a hot run.
Why it’s good for runners
Electrolytes and simple carbohydrates help you hydrate quickly without making your stomach feel heavy.
Ginger Lime Sparkling Hydrator
Ingredients
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Ginger ale or sparkling water
- Optional: sprinkle of chia seeds
Instructions
Mix the lime juice and honey first, then pour in the ginger ale or sparkling water.
Why it’s good for runners
This drink can settle your stomach and quickly replace lost fluids.
Orange Creamsicle Hydrator
Ingredients
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup coconut water
- Tiny splash of vanilla extract
- Ice
Instructions
Shake or stir to combine the ingredients.
Why runners love it
It tastes like a creamsicle but hydrates like a sports drink, making it perfect for post-run recovery.