The Story

In an effort to avoid taking my mother to the ER when she was clearly not feeling well, but her symptoms didn’t seem to match those of her previous bowel blockages, I took her to an urgent care instead. Diagnosis: dehydration. Cure: Gatorade. My mother always had a cup of hot water by her side, fooling both of us into thinking she was getting plenty of fluids; but she only sipped it. She began drinking quantities of Gatorade, then complained of stomach pain. A Google search confirmed that store-bought electrolytes drinks can indeed cause stomach upset, especially for sensitive stomachs. It is full of sugar and artificial dyes and sweeteners. So I started making it myself.

The Recipe

1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cups of water
3 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 pinch baking soda

Combine all ingredients in a blender container and blend well. Or You just combine ingredients into a jar with a lid and shake until blended. Lasts three days in the refrigerator.

And a bonus for you: Limoncello Vodka Collins

3/4 cup vodka
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/8 cup limoncello (or more)
3/4 cup cold club soda
Ice cubes
Stir all of the above together.
Serves two generously.