Herbal Lemonade Electrolyte Drink (No Coconut Water)
Lemonade is a summer staple, but this version is infused with two powerhouse herbs—nettle and hibiscus—to turn it into a beautiful, functional drink that helps you actually stay hydrated. This herbal lemonade electrolyte drink will be our summer go-to for a boost of hydration that tastes great (without all the yucky ingredients in store-bought options).
Ultra-Hydration Without the Coconut Water
Most hydration drinks call for coconut water, which is absolutely hydrating! However, whether its the taste, an allergy, or if you simply don’t have coconut water on hand, you might want a great tasting recipe without it! With no coconut water, no synthetic additives, and no refined sugars (unless you want them), this homemade herbal lemonade electrolyte drink is sweet-tart, mineral-rich, and easy to make in big batches for sipping all day long.
Why You’ll Love This Herbal Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (for steeping herbs)
- 1 tbsp dried hibiscus
- 1 tbsp dried nettle leaf
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 2–4 tbsp raw honey (to taste)
- Lemon slices & ice for serving
Other herbs to make this recipe your own: raspberry leaf, oat straw, chamomile, lemon balm, mint.
How to Make It
- Steep the herbs
Bring 1 cup of water to a near-boil. Remove from heat and add hibiscus and nettle. Cover and steep for 5 minutes (or longer for stronger flavor). You can use either a tea kettle or an infuser for this. - Strain & sweeten
Strain the tea into a pitcher or quart jar. While still warm, stir in sweetener of choice (start small—you can always add more later). This helps it melt into the drink. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes. - Add lemon & water
Squeeze lemons into fresh glass over ice. Then add the tea infusion. Give it a quick stir and taste test—adjust if needed. Sprinkle salt on top. - Chill & serve
Serve over ice with lemon slices or a sprig of mint. Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days.
Make It a Mocktail
Swap in sparkling water for a fizzy treat, or shake with ice and serve in a fancy glass with lemon zest and a salted rim. No one will guess it’s a functional herbal drink.
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Why It Works
- Nettle provides magnesium, calcium, and iron
- Hibiscus adds vitamin C and a refreshing tang
- Lemon juice brings potassium and brightness
- Sea salt delivers sodium and trace minerals
- Honey/maple syrup gives optional sweetness without the crash
What’s So Great About Nettle?
Nettle (yep, the same plant that can sting you in the wild!) becomes a gentle, nourishing herb when dried. It’s packed with essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium, making it a fantastic natural addition to any electrolyte drink. While it is technically a diuretic herb, its nourishing electrolytes benefit this recipe.
This herbal lemonade is one of those feel-good recipes that’s as pretty as it is practical. Whether you’re sipping it after a day in the garden, pouring it into your kids’ cups, or serving it at a summer gathering, it’s a beautiful reminder that hydration doesn’t have to be boring—or full of additives.
FAQ About This Recipe
Did you make this recipe?
Mention @brittanylgibson so I can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below! Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how you make it your own! 💛
More Herbal Hydration Ideas:
- Cooling Electrolyte Strawberry Hibiscus Herbal Iced Tea Recipe
- Blueberry Butterfly Pea Tea with Marshmallow Root for Gut Health + Hydration
- Soothing Marshmallow Root Tea Recipe
- Blackberry Rosehip & Marshmallow Root Herbal Drink
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About the Author
Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.
Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.
Herbal Lemonade Electrolyte Drink (No Coconut Water)
Equipment
- 1 Tea Kettle or Infuser
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp Dried Hibiscus
- 1 tbsp Dried Nettle Leaf
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 2-3 lemons
- 1-4 tbsp honey to taste
- Lemon slices and ice for serving
Instructions
- Steep the herbs. Bring 1 cup of water to a near-boil. Remove from heat and add hibiscus and nettle. Cover and steep for 5 minutes (or longer for stronger flavor). You can use either a tea kettle or an infuser for this.
- Strain & sweeten. Strain the tea into a pitcher or quart jar. While still warm, stir in sweetener of choice (start small—you can always add more later). This helps it melt into the drink. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes.
- Add lemon & water. Squeeze lemons into fresh glass over ice. Then add the tea infusion. Give it a quick stir and taste test—adjust if needed. Sprinkle salt on top.
- Chill & serve. Serve over ice with lemon slices or a sprig of mint. Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days.
