Sweat, Swig, Repeat: 4 Sports Drinks To Try

Published June 22, 2016 04:10PM

Stay hydrated and fueled during hot-weather workouts with one of these sports drinks.

GQ-6 Flooid

This powdered drink blends easily in water and utilizes three different carbohydrate sources (maltodextrin, glucose and fructose) for a total of 28 grams per serving. It scores originality points for its tasty green apple flavor, which is especially refreshing when cold. Bonus: This drink contains zero artificial flavors or colors. Each serving contains 115 calories and ranks high on the electrolyte scale. $40 for 30-serving canister, Gq-6.com

Invigorade Endurance Drink

Available in three fruity flavors, Invigorade comes ready to drink with a natural ingredient list that includes sea salt and pure cane sugar. The coconut flavor, which is made with coconut water, won over taste testers, thanks to its unique yet refreshing tropical taste (one tester requested a paper umbrella). The drink features three different carbohydrate fuel sources plus an amino acid that delays muscle fatigue, according to the company. Each bottle (two servings) contains 120 calories, 32 grams of carbs plus sodium and potassium. $2.49, Invigorade.com

PLUS for Nuun

This flavorless effervescent tablet contains a blend of carbohydrates and electrolytes and was designed to be used in conjunction with your favorite flavored electrolyte tablet. It contains 50–90 calories per serving, depending on how many tablets you choose to dissolve in water (12 tabs per tube), giving you control over your calorie intake without messy powders or scoops. While it can complement any electrolyte tablet, it pairs perfectly with Nuun’s popular Active or Energy electrolyte tablets, which come in more than a dozen flavors and have both just had their ingredients upgraded for certified vegan and non-GMO status. $6.99, Nuun.com

First Endurance EFS-Pro

This updated version of EFS (Electrolyte Fuel System) was created with both customization and optimal osmolality in mind, allowing you to adapt your calories and electrolytes to your workouts while avoiding GI distress. It’s available in two very mild flavors—testers preferred the lemon water, which tastes true to its name. At 40 calories per scoop, you can mix 2–4 scoops in 12 ounces of water, though it may take some rigorous shaking to fully dissolve. The drink has multiple carbohydrate sources plus a hefty serving of electrolytes. $50 for 25-serving canister, Firstendurance.com