If you're like me and love LMNT or other hydration drinks—but don’t love the price—good news: you can make your own version at home for pennies on the dollar. It’s super simple, totally customizable, and honestly tastes so close to the real thing.

I’m walking you through exactly how I make my DIY electrolyte mix, using high-quality ingredients and a little lemon juice powder for that refreshing citrusy kick. Let’s jump in!

⚠️ Quick note: I'm not a doctor and this isn't medical advice. Please talk to a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your diet.

This blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate, I will make a small commission on purchases made from links in this blog.

What You’ll Need for Your DIY Hydration Mix

To make your own homemade electrolyte drink, here’s what I used:

A kitchen scale (precision is key!)
Redmond Real Salt (or any high-quality sea salt)
Potassium chloride
Magnesium malate
Optional: organic lemon juice powder or other natural flavoring
Mason jars or small to-go containers for storage

You can easily find these ingredients online or at supplement stores—I'll link the ones I use here.

Measuring the Electrolytes

I followed the same ratio that LMNT shares right on their website, so this is pretty much a homemade dupe. I made a 30-serving batch and stored it in a jar to scoop out as needed, but you could easily scale it down.

DIY Element-Style Electrolyte Mix (30 Servings)

75g Sodium Chloride (aka salt – I used Redmond Real Salt for its added minerals)
37.5g Potassium Chloride
11.7g Magnesium Malate

Just weigh each ingredient on a digital scale (make sure to zero out the jar before each one), and combine them into one container. Give it a really good shake or stir to make sure it’s evenly mixed.

Pro tip: Shake the jar again before each use to make sure everything’s still well-blended.

How to Use the Electrolyte Powder

When you’re ready to hydrate, here’s what I do:

Scoop 3.3g of the mix into a glass or water bottle.
Add flavoring—I use a scoop of organic lemon juice powder, but there are other options like lime, orange, or watermelon.
Fill with water (16 oz for salty flavor, dilute more for less salty tase) and stir or shake well.

That’s it! It mixes up with that cloudy look, just like the store-bought stuff.

My Honest Thoughts

I was honestly so surprised by how good this turned out. I used Redmond salt, so it does have a salty kick, but in the best way. The lemon powder totally adds to the flavor. It tastes super close to the lemon Element flavor—and for a fraction of the cost.

If you’re on a budget (like me!), but still want to stay hydrated and feel good, this DIY version is such a great option. Plus, you can portion it into individual to-go containers and have it ready whenever you’re on the run.

Flavor Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun flavor ideas:

Lime juice powder + a splash of stevia for a tangy twist
Watermelon powder (great in summer!)
Orange zest powder for a sunny citrus vibe

You can add the flavor directly to the mix, but I prefer keeping it separate so I can customize each glass.

Let’s Chat!

Have you made your own electrolyte mix before? Planning to try this one? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turns out or what flavor combos you come up with!

If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out my other budget-friendly recipes and from-scratch kitchen tips. I share lots of homesteading and homemaking content, and I’d love to have you stick around!

DIY Electrolyte Drink – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an electrolyte drink and why do I need it?
Electrolyte drinks help replenish minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost through sweat, exercise, or even daily activity. They support hydration, energy, and muscle function—especially important if you're active, breastfeeding, or on a low-carb diet.

2. Is this DIY electrolyte mix the same as LMNT or Element?
This recipe is a homemade version inspired by LMNT's public formula. While it's not an exact copy, it mimics the same electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) without the price tag.

3. Can I make this electrolyte drink without a scale?
Using a scale ensures accuracy, especially when dealing with minerals. But if you don’t have one, you can find approximate teaspoon conversions online—just know that the ratios may not be as precise.

4. Can I customize the flavor of this DIY electrolyte mix?
Yes! You can add natural flavor powders like lemon juice powder, lime, watermelon, or even a splash of fruit juice. I prefer to keep the base mix unflavored and add flavor per serving.

5. Is it safe to take this every day?
This recipe is made using food-grade supplements, but everyone’s mineral needs are different. Always check with your doctor—especially if you have kidney issues, high blood pressure, or are on medication.

6. How much of this mix should I use per serving?
Each serving is about 3.3 grams of the dry mix, added to 16–24 oz of water. Adjust to taste or hydration needs, especially if you're sweating a lot or doing a low-carb/keto diet.

7. Where can I buy the ingredients for this homemade electrolyte drink?
You can find Redmond Real Salt, potassium chloride, magnesium malate, and lemon juice powder online (Amazon, bulk supplement sites) or at some health food stores. I link my favorite brands in the post above!

8. Can I pre-mix it with water and store it?
Yes! You can make a batch in a water bottle or jar and refrigerate it for 1–2 days. Just shake well before drinking, as some settling may occur.

DIY LMNT-Style Electrolyte Drink (For Pennies a Serving!)