12 Exciting Hydration Options That Outshine Plain Water

Drinking enough water can feel like a challenge, and plain water can sometimes be lackluster, making it less appealing during meals or throughout the day. But hydration doesn't have to be boring. It can be tasty—and even enjoyable!

There’s a wide array of hydrating, flavorful drinks that can refresh you, satisfy your thirst, and help you reach your hydration goals. Keep reading for some of the top picks from nutrition experts to give your hydration routine a healthy boost beyond a basic glass of water.

How Much Water Should We Consume Daily to Stay Hydrated?

1. Green Smoothies

Blend your preferred leafy greens into a hydrating smoothie, ideal as a post-workout breakfast or a refreshing afternoon snack that’s packed with nutrients.

Start by gathering spinach, kale, and lettuce, as recommended by Amanda Sauceda, M.S., R.D. These greens are naturally rich in water. Next, choose your favorite type of milk—whether cow’s, almond, cashew, or oat—and enhance it with a scoop of protein powder or nut butter for an extra boost. This combination provides both hydration and protein in a single glass.

2. Bone Broth

As a child, when you stayed home from school with a cold, did your parents offer you chicken soup, miso soup, or really any type of soup? When we’re under the weather, dehydration is common, and bone broth can help rehydrate and restore our bodies to aid in recovery, says Eduardo Dolhun, M.D., family physician in San Francisco and founder of DripDrop. According to Dolhun, "Clear-broth soups are often rich in sodium while also offering a solid hydration foundation through water, making them an excellent choice."

3. Watermelon Juice

Watermelon, as the name suggests, is a highly hydrating food, consisting of 92 percent water, according to Tara Tomaino, R.D., nutrition director at The Park. While you can enjoy watermelon on its own, for a refreshing summer indulgence, blend watermelon with ice, water, and a splash of lime juice to create a cool, homemade slushie—no sugar necessary. (For a fruit-focused, anytime hydration option, skip the alcohol and sugar in this recipe.)

"Watermelon is also a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant found in red fruits and vegetables, and studies have linked lycopene intake to lower blood pressure along with other health advantages," adds Tomaino.

4. Milk

Believe it or not, a glass of milk can be incredibly hydrating. Tomaino points out that the combination of carbohydrates, protein, and electrolytes in milk makes it an excellent option for rehydration after exercise.

"For replenishing and recovery after a workout, milk offers both fluids and nutrients that support muscle repair," she explains. If you've had a particularly intense workout or spent time under the scorching sun, chocolate milk can also be beneficial, but be cautious as it contains more sugar than regular milk.

5. Coconut Water

Whether you grab a liter from the store or pick up a fresh one from the beach, coconut water serves as a natural source of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and manganese, according to Hayley Miller, M.S., RDN, L.D., senior registered dietitian nutritionist at Persona.

Our bodies require regular replenishment of these electrolytes, particularly after significant fluid loss (such as heavy sweating or post-party dehydration). "When you work out or go about your usual activities, you naturally lose electrolytes through sweat, making it harder for your body to retain water," she explains. "Coconut water can help restore those electrolytes and bring your body back into balance."

Be cautious when choosing coconut water and always check the labels, as many store brands add extra sugar for flavor. According to Miller, coconut water high in sugar can have the opposite effect and cause dehydration. Be sure to read the labels carefully.

Try incorporating coconut water into this anti-inflammatory mango-turmeric smoothie for a nutritious and hydrating boost.

6. Tea (or Iced Tea)

It’s no surprise that both hot and iced tea are fantastic for hydration—after all, tea is a water-based drink! Even those with caffeine can still keep you hydrated.

7. Agua Fresca

Craving a more hydrating alternative to those (unfortunately) dehydrating cocktails? Turn happy hour into a hydrating experience with an agua fresca, a popular drink from Mexico and Central America, suggests Sauceda. This simple beverage is made by blending fruit and water, sometimes with a little sweetener like sugar, agave, or honey.

Blend your favorite fruit, a splash of water, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of flavor. 'You can make this even more beneficial for your digestive system by adding chia seeds for a bit of fiber or sweetening it with honey, which is a prebiotic food,' she notes.

8. Homemade Frozen Yogurt Pops

This may not technically be a drink, but it’s too tasty to leave off the list. On hot summer days, you might find yourself wanting something cold and sweet. Instead of grabbing a sugary cocktail or heading to the ice cream truck, Sauceda suggests making homemade yogurt pops. Packed with probiotics and water, this healthy treat not only supports gut health but also helps with hydration and provides some protein.

9. Refreshing Cucumber Juice

Cucumbers are packed with hydration, containing an impressive 96 percent water, making them the most hydrating food! Slice them for a quick snack or infuse them into water, blend them into smoothies, or even juice them for a revitalizing drink. 'A vegetable that hydrates you more than a typical glass of water is an ideal snack,' says Kristel de Groot, a certified plant-based health coach and cofounder of Your Super.

10. Electrolyte Blends

Instead of opting for sugary electrolyte drinks that are packed with empty calories and insufficient hydration, try a powdered alternative.

Simply add a pack or tablet to cold water (or coconut water), let it dissolve, and enjoy. Tomaino notes that many of these powders combine electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, along with other nutrients, to help speed up the absorption of water into the bloodstream, making it more effective than just drinking water alone.

When choosing this type of product, review the ingredient list for natural sugars and make sure to follow the recommended mixing instructions to achieve the optimal balance of electrolytes to water, Tomaino advises.

11. Beet Juice

Beet juice is known for its excellent hydration properties, thanks to its high water content. It also contains a variety of essential nutrients and compounds, such as electrolytes and nitrates, which the body turns into nitric oxide to enhance blood flow and circulation. This, in turn, aids in hydration and supports overall bodily functions.

Beet juice is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation. Additionally, beets have an alkalizing effect on the body, assisting in the balance of pH levels. Beyond its hydrating properties, beet juice offers numerous health benefits, including a great taste.

12. Carbonated Water

Studies indicate that carbonated water can hydrate just as effectively as still water, offering a little extra. It's also an excellent substitute for soda, as it’s free from calories and sugar but provides that same bubbly sensation.

You can enhance your carbonated water by infusing it with fruits. Frozen fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries, not only chill the drink but add a burst of flavor. A twist of lemon or lime also adds a refreshing zest. It's a healthy, enjoyable option compared to a regular glass of water.