You may associate isotonic drinks with marathon runners and athletes due to their ability to rehydrate and replenish lost nutrients through intense exercise. If you’re already planning on running more as part your New Year’s resolution then these recipes from Charlie Watson’s book, Cook Eat Run, with definitely come in handy! Plus, they’re homemade and not full of artificial ingredients that are often found in shop-bought isotonic drinks. But… if you’re suffering from a festive hangover, or want to be prepared for your New Year’s Day hangover, then these recipes will also serve you well! Alcohol causes all sorts of negative effects on the body, but dehydration is a big one. So, for that quick hangover cure, have some of these homemade isotonic drinks stashed in your fridge for the morning after!

Grapefruit Electrolyte Drink – Serves 2 (makes 500ml/generous 2 cups)

1 Tbsp raw honey or manuka honey
100ml (7 Tbsp) fresh grapefruit juice (about ½ grapefruit, squeezed)
pinch of sea salt or Himalayan salt

Method

Bring 3½ Tbsp of water to the boil and stir in the honey until dissolved. Stir in the grapefruit juice, then add another 350ml (1½ cups) cold water. Stir in a pinch of salt and chill until ready to drink. It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Lemon Ginger Drink – Serves 2–3 (makes 560ml/21⁄3 cups)

A thumb-sized piece of fresh root ginger, finely grated
juice of 1 lemon
2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
2 Tbsp agave nectar
pinch of sea salt or Himalayan salt

Method

Combine the ginger and the lemon and orange juices in a large jug. Add the agave nectar, salt and 500ml (generous 2 cups) water and stir until the agave nectar and salt have completely dissolved. Sieve (strain) the mixture into a large bottle or glass and chill until ready to drink. It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Orange Drink – Serves 2 (makes 50ml/generous 2 cups)

juice of 1 large orange (about 100ml/7 Tbsp)
1 tsp maple syrup (or honey)
250ml (8½fl oz/generous 1 cup) coconut water
pinch of salt (optional)

Method

Squeeze the orange juice into a large jug, then stir in the maple syrup until dissolved. Mix in the coconut water and a pinch of salt (if using), then dilute with 150–200ml (5–7fl oz/2⁄3–scant 1 cup) cold water, to taste. Chill until ready to drink. It will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Recipe courtesy of Cook Eat Run

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