Recipes by Olivia

Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink Recipe: A Simple Fix for Real Hydration

Posted on June 4, 2025

glass of cream of tartar electrolyte drink on countertop

Cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe — these are not the set of three words I ever thought would mean anything to me.

It began, however, after a long week of feeling off. My energy was dragging. I couldn’t focus. I was drinking water, but no matter how much I drank, I felt dizzy and weak. I thought I probably was just tired … until, one morning, I rolled out of bed with full-on muscle cramps in both calves. Not from exercise. Just from living.

A friend of mine—more of a kitchen witch than a doctor—texted me late that night:
“Try a cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe. One glass. Trust me.”

cream of tartar electrolyte crystal cup

And then something unexpected happened. The cramps faded. My energy lifted. And I felt… steady. That’s the way to talk about it.’ So it turns out this odd cousin to baking powder is loaded with potassium—one of the most important electrolytes your body needs, but which most of us never seem to get enough of.

Since then, I’ve been a post-workout devotee, a sick day fan, and, yes — even before my colonoscopy prep. It’s among my go-to hydration rituals now — and I’m revealing everything in this guide.

We’ll cover:

  • How cream of tartar helps with hydration and energy
  • How to make cream of tartar electrolyte drink Recipe This is to the detail on how to make a good electrolyte using cream of tartar.
  • When to drink it (and when it’s not to be touched)
  • And add some tips for customizing it to suit yourself

Ready to learn how one pantry staple could change your life, or at least your routine, without being the least bit showy about it?

Table of Contents

Understanding Electrolytes and Their Role in the Body

Why Electrolytes Matter More Than You Think

Let’s be honest most of us never think about electrolytes until we feel out of sorts. But if you’ve ever felt woozy after a workout, stiff for no reason or your legs and calves cramp up at night for apparently no reason, or have battled dehydration despite drinking ample water, you’ve very likely been deficient in these important minerals.

cream of tartar powder and sea salt for homemade electrolyte drink

Electrolytes are your internal wiring system that the body relies on to move messages and energy quickly, and they’re essential for your cells to work. They help keep your muscles firing, your heart beating regularly and your cells hydrated. The big players are:

  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium

And guess what? Most of us, especially in the U.S., are running low—especially on potassium, which is why a cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is such a smart daily habit.

The Role of Potassium in Hydration and Health

Potassium doesn’t receive nearly as much fanfare as sodium, but it’s the one that truly stands out when it comes to staying hydrated. It helps:

  • Balance fluids in and out of cells
  • Prevent muscle cramps and fatigue!
  • Regulate blood pressure
  • Take care of your kidneys and heart

And when you lose electrolytes through sweat, illness or, yes, fasting, potassium is one of the first things to leave.

And that’s precisely why chugging a potassium-rich drink — such as a cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe — can be a game-changer. That’s why a simple half-tsp of cream of tartar can give you a clean, pure potassium boost — without the sugar, dyes, and chemicals of store-bought sports drinks.

When Your Body Is Out of Balance

Ever feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep? Get bloated for no reason? Find yourself craving salt or sugar all the time? These are typically symptoms of wonky electrolyte levels.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what an imbalance might feel like:

SymptomPossible Electrolyte Deficiency
Muscle crampsPotassium or magnesium
Fatigue, brain fogSodium or potassium
Headaches, lightheadednessSodium or fluid imbalance
Bloating or constipationPotassium deficiency

And the kicker is that plain water on its own won’t fix it. And in an ironic twist, it’s possible for too much plain water without electrolytes to actually flush out the minerals your body needs. It’s that very tendency that makes so many people feel worse after “hydrating” the wrong way.

A simple homemade electrolyte solution such as this cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe replaces those lost minerals (especially potassium) but none of the junk your body really doesn’t need.

Why Natural Is Better

You could grab a bottle of sports drink off the shelf, but what you’ll also get is:

  • A load of added sugar
  • Artificial flavors and colors
  • Preservatives
  • And a crash a few hours later

On the other hand, nothing could be more natural than a homemade cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe : clean, targeted hydration with a handful of pantry ingredients, side effects not included.

And here’s the best part: Your body knows real minerals. It all knows its business. That’s why this drink is ho-hum.

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close-up of cream of tartar electrolyte drink in vintage crystal glass

Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink Recipe


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 3 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving (single glass) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is a quick, sugar-free, mineral-rich hydration solution you can make in under 3 minutes. Great for fasting, post-exercise recovery, colonoscopy prep, and keto flu relief. Naturally high in potassium with no artificial ingredients or dyes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt or Himalayan pink salt

  • 810 oz warm filtered water

  • (Optional) Juice from ½ lemon

  • (Optional) ½ teaspoon raw honey or a few drops of liquid stevia


Instructions

  • Heat filtered water until warm (not boiling).

  • Pour into a glass or crystal cup.

  • Add cream of tartar and sea salt. Stir until fully dissolved.

  • Mix in optional lemon juice or sweetener if desired.

 

  • Sip slowly, ideally in the morning or after a workout.

Notes

  • tart with ¼ tsp of cream of tartar if you’re new to it.

  • Best consumed on an empty stomach in the morning for absorption.

  • Skip lemon and honey if using for colonoscopy prep or fasting.

 

  • Store dry ingredients pre-mixed in jars for easy travel prep.

  • Prep Time: 3
  • Category: Beverage / Electrolyte Drink
  • Method: mixing
  • Cuisine: Wellness / Hydration / Fasting

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 0–5 kcal
  • Sugar: 0
  • Sodium: ~200–400 mg
  • Fat: 0
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 0
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 0
  • Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: cream of tartar electrolyte drink, natural electrolyte drink, potassium hydration, colonoscopy prep drink, DIY fasting electrolyte

How Cream of Tartar Works as an Electrolyte Booster

Why Potassium Is the Star

The secret to the cream of tartar electrolyte drink? Potassium. (One of the most crucial electrolytes for the body.) It’s essential for fluid balance, muscle support, and stable energy.

Many people don’t get enough of it (especially if they are low-carb, fasting, or simply not eating enough potassium-rich foods). That’s where cream of tartar does its magic — one-half teaspoon has approximately 250mg of potassium.

Better Hydration Starts with Minerals

But the fact is, drinking water isn’t always enough. Without minerals such as potassium, water will just travel through your gut, never really hydrating your cells. And that’s part of why this DIY electrolyte drink is so effective—it can help to make sure your body holds on to and makes the most of what it drinks.

When compared to a store bought electrolyte drink filled with sugar and chemicals, a cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is:

  • Sugar-free
  • Easy to make
  • Budget-friendly
  • Naturally rich in potassium

You get real hydration, without the crash or additives.

Homemade Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink Recipe

The Basic Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink Recipe

Creating your own cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and requires just a few simple ingredients. It’s clean, customizable, and easy to fit into your daily routine.

Ingredients Table

IngredientAmountPurpose
Cream of Tartar½ teaspoonPotassium source to support electrolyte balance
Sea Salt⅛ teaspoonSodium for hydration and fluid retention
Warm Filtered Water8–10 ozHelps dissolve minerals and hydrate the body
Lemon Juice (optional)Juice from ½ lemonAdds vitamin C, flavor, and digestion support
Raw Honey or Stevia (optional)½ teaspoonNatural sweetness for taste (optional for fasting)
mixing cream of tartar into warm water for DIY electrolyte solution

How to Make It:

  1. Heat filtered water until warm (not boiling).
  2. Pour water into your mug or glass.
  3. Add cream of tartar and sea salt, and stir until fully dissolved.
  4. Mix in lemon juice or sweetener if using.
  5. Sip slowly—best on an empty stomach or post-workout.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

ToolPurpose
Glass or MugFor mixing and drinking the solution
Measuring SpoonsFor accurate ingredient portions
Stirring SpoonHelps dissolve powders into warm water
Kettle or PotTo gently warm the water
Citrus Juicer (optional)For squeezing fresh lemon juice efficiently

You don’t need fancy gear. This drink is simple to make and easy to stick with.

Simple Variations for Specific Needs

Use CaseRecommended Adjustments
Keto or fastingSkip sweetener; use lemon only
Colonoscopy prepUse only cream of tartar, water, and sea salt
Post-workoutAdd a pinch of baking soda or magnesium citrate
Sensitive digestionStart with ¼ tsp cream of tartar and increase slowly

This cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe adapts to your health needs, whether you’re staying hydrated during keto, recovering from exercise, or managing a low-residue diet.

When Should You Drink It?

  • Morning: To rehydrate after sleep and jumpstart digestion
  • After sweating: To replace lost electrolytes post-exercise
  • During illness or colonoscopy prep: To stay hydrated with clean minerals
  • Midday slump: For an energy boost without caffeine or sugar

When to Use a Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink Recipe

A cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is more than just a one time shot. It’s an adaptable drink, high in minerals, that you can grab whenever your body could use hydration, balance, a reset — without sugar, caffeine or chemicals.

This is when it can be truly transformative:

Morning Hydration Boost

Drinking a cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe first thing in the morning:

  • Rehydrate following 6-8 hours of sleep
  • Replaces vital electrolytes including potassium
  • Supports digestion + mental clarity

After Workouts or Sweating

if you’re losing fluids through exercise or the heat, this homemade electrolyte drink recipe does the trick:

  • Naturally replace potassium and sodium
  • Prevent cramps and fatigue
  • Hydrate better than water doing more, more, More!

During Keto, Low-Carb, or Fasting

This Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink recipe is great for:

  • Relieving keto flu symptoms
  • Made to be even more fasting friendly (simply omit the honey)
  • Keeping your electrolytes balanced without ditching your routine

Before Colonoscopy Prep or Medical Fasting

An electrolyte drink concoction begging a low residue drink. Here’s a useful recipe (minus the lemon and sweetener):

  • Keep your system hydrated during colon prep
  • Minimize dizziness due to dehydration
  • Your body relies on natural minerals to help it function.

When You’re Feeling Dehydrated or “Off”

Water is not always enough. This homemade electrolyte solution is a natural way to recover from:

  • Sickness
  • Travel fatigue
  • Hot weather or high stress

How Often Should You Drink It?

Begin with one cream of tartar electrolyte drink each day, ideally in the morning. Repeat once if necessary — such as during exercise, illness or excessive heat.

Safety, Dosage, and Side Effects

A cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is simple and effective—but like anything health-related, it’s important to use it safely.

Safe Dosage

Stick to:

  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar per day

That gives you enough potassium to support hydration without overdoing it. If you’re new to it, start small and work up.

When to Be Careful

Avoid or consult your doctor first if you:

  • Have kidney issues
  • Take meds that affect potassium
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Too much potassium can be risky in those cases.

Possible Side Effects

Used correctly, side effects are rare. But taking too much may cause:

  • Upset stomach
  • Mild nausea
  • Loose stool (especially if combined with other minerals)

Play It Safe

  • Measure your ingredients
  • Drink it once a day (twice max if needed)
  • Don’t exceed 1 teaspoon daily
  • Always dissolve fully in warm water

When used properly, the cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is a safe, natural way to support hydration—without added chemicals or sugar.

Comparing Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink Recipe with Other Natural Hydration Hacks

Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink vs. Japanese Pink Salt Trick

Supplied The Japanese pink salt trick is a popular morning detox beverage that is much more appealing than doing a shot of ACV. It’s a good source of minerals except potassium, which it has less of than cream of tartar. Though both aid with hydration, cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is the front-runner when potassium loss is the focus — like after you’ve been sweating, if you are fasting, or in the name of colonoscopy prep.

FeatureCream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink RecipeJapanese Pink Salt Trick
Main MineralPotassiumSodium, magnesium
Best Use CaseMuscle cramps, colon prep, keto hydrationMorning cleanse, mild rehydration
Fasting/Prep Friendly?Yes (no honey or lemon)Yes (if unsweetened)
FlavorNeutral, slightly saltyEarthy, lemony if added
Colonoscopy Safe?YesYes

Learn more in our Japanese pink salt weight loss recipe .

Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink vs. John Hopkins Pink Salt Hack

The John Hopkins one is pink salt with apple cider vinegar and cayenne to rev your metabolism. It works well for incinerating fat, however, it’s not a good choice for medical prep,
or sensitive digestion. The cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe, however, is mild and also repairs hydration with potassium-rich tones.

FeatureCream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink RecipeJohn Hopkins Pink Salt Hack
Main FocusHydration, potassium supportMetabolism, digestion stimulation
Acidic or Spicy?NoYes (contains vinegar and cayenne)
Colonoscopy Safe?YesNo
TasteMild, mineralStrong, tangy, spicy
Use CaseFasting, colon prep, illness hydrationMetabolism boost, morning detox

Read the full John Hopkins Pink Salt Recipe here.

Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink vs. Japanese Mounjaro Trick

The Japanese Mounjaro trick calls for pink salt, mixed with matcha or green tea. It is a great choice for clean energy and antioxidant support, but may not be most appropriate for colonoscopy prep because of the caffeine and for its stimulating effect. This cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is caffeine free, clean, and low residue, which works great in sensitive systems.

FeatureCream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink RecipeJapanese Mounjaro Trick
Contains Caffeine?NoYes (matcha + green tea)
Best ForElectrolyte recovery, colon prep, cramp reliefEnergy boost, antioxidant support
TasteNeutralEarthy, green tea flavor
Fasting Friendly?YesYes
Colonoscopy Safe?YesNo

See details in our Japanese Mounjaro Recipe guide.

Comparing DIY Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink Recipe with Store-Bought Electrolyte Drinks

When you’re low on energy, recovering from illness, or trying to stay hydrated during a fast, it’s tempting to grab a brightly colored sports drink off the shelf. But before you do, it’s worth comparing what those bottles actually deliver versus a simple cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe you can make at home.

homemade cream of tartar electrolyte vs store-bought sports drink

Ingredient Quality: What’s Really in Your Drink?

Many commercial electrolyte drinks are packed with added sugar, preservatives, and artificial coloring. In contrast, a cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe uses only whole, real ingredients.

FeatureCream of Tartar Electrolyte DrinkStore-Bought Electrolyte Drink
Main ElectrolytesPotassium + SodiumSodium, sometimes potassium
SweetenersOptional (raw honey or stevia)High fructose corn syrup or sucralose
Artificial Colors/FlavorsNoOften included
PreservativesNoneCommonly added
Caffeine-Free?YesVaries

Effectiveness and Purpose: What Does Each One Do Best?

While store brands may help during high-exertion activities like endurance sports, they’re often overkill for daily hydration or medical needs. The cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is more balanced and ideal for gentle rehydration, colonoscopy prep, or keto flu relief.

PurposeCream of Tartar RecipeStore-Bought Drinks
Keto Flu ReliefExcellentInconsistent potassium support
Colonoscopy Prep SupportIdeal (low-residue, no dyes)Often not approved (contains sugar/dye)
Post-Workout RehydrationGood (add magnesium if needed)Good for heavy sweating
Daily Mineral SupportYes (gentle, clean)Usually too much sugar/sodium
Sugar-Free OptionYesLimited availability

Cost and Customization: Which One Fits Your Life Better?

Let’s talk value. One of the best parts about a cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is the low cost and flexibility. You control the ingredients, the flavor, and the dosage—without needing to stockpile plastic bottles.

FeatureCream of Tartar Electrolyte DrinkStore-Bought Electrolyte Drink
Estimated Cost per ServingLess than $0.10$2–$4 per bottle
Customizable?Yes (add lemon, skip sweeteners, etc.)No
Shelf-Stable?Yes (as a dry mix or fresh prep)Yes (but expires after opening)
Eco-Friendly?Very (no packaging waste)No (plastic bottles/pouches)

Final Thought

The cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe may not have flashy branding—but it gives your body exactly what it needs: hydration support, clean minerals, and no unwanted extras. For the price of pennies, you get a drink that works hard without the sugar crash.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cream of Tartar Electrolyte Drink Recipe

Can cream of tartar be used as an electrolyte?

Yes, absolutely. Cream of tartar is a rich natural source of potassium, one of the most essential electrolytes your body needs. When mixed with warm water and a small amount of sodium (like sea salt), it becomes a powerful natural electrolyte drink. That’s why the cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is often used to support hydration, muscle function, and recovery.

How much cream of tartar should I use in an electrolyte drink?

The ideal amount is ¼ to ½ teaspoon per 8–10 oz of warm filtered water. This gives you a gentle potassium boost—without overwhelming your system. If you’re new to it or have a sensitive stomach, start with ¼ teaspoon and increase slowly.

How do I make a homemade electrolyte drink?

It’s easier than you think. To make a homemade cream of tartar electrolyte drink, simply mix:
½ tsp cream of tartar
⅛ tsp sea salt or pink salt
8–10 oz warm water
Optional: juice from ½ lemon or a touch of raw honey
Stir, sip slowly, and enjoy clean hydration without the sugar or chemicals.

How do you make electrolyte drinks for colonoscopy prep?

You’ll want to keep it clear, sugar-free, and low-residue. Just mix warm water with:
¼ to ½ tsp cream of tartar
A small pinch of sea salt
Avoid lemon, honey, or any cloudy ingredients. This cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe version supports hydration during prep—without breaking the rules of a clear-liquid diet. Always double-check with your doctor first.

How do you make oral electrolyte solution?

For a simple oral rehydration drink at home, combine:
½ tsp cream of tartar
⅛ tsp salt
8 oz warm filtered water
Optional: lemon or stevia for taste
This basic DIY electrolyte solution helps replenish minerals lost through sweat, illness, or fasting.

How do I force myself to drink colonoscopy prep?

Colonoscopy prep drinks can be tough—but staying hydrated makes it easier. Sip your cream of tartar electrolyte drink before and after your prep solution (but never mix them). Using a straw, chilling the prep liquid, or rinsing with mint water after each sip can also help ease the process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid + Final Thoughts

Even though the cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe is simple, there are a few easy mistakes that can reduce its effectiveness—or even cause unwanted side effects. Let’s clear those up so you can start strong and stay safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeWhy It’s a ProblemWhat to Do Instead
Using too much cream of tartarCan cause nausea or diarrhea due to excess potassiumStart with ¼ tsp, max out at ½ tsp daily
Not dissolving ingredients fullyMay lead to stomach irritation or chalky textureAlways stir into warm (not boiling) water
Drinking it too quicklyCan cause lightheadedness or bloatingSip slowly over 5–10 minutes
Adding sweeteners during fastingBreaks your fast or slows fat-burning stateSkip sweeteners or use stevia if fasting
Using regular table saltMay contain additives or iodine that disrupt digestionUse sea salt or Himalayan pink salt

By avoiding these missteps, your cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe can deliver better results—and become a trusted part of your daily routine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a clean, reliable way to support hydration, balance electrolytes, or just feel a little more energized—without turning to sugar-filled sports drinks—this is it.

The cream of tartar electrolyte drink recipe offers:

  • Simple ingredients
  • Low cost
  • High potassium
  • Full control over what goes into your body

Whether you’re prepping for a colonoscopy, dealing with keto flu, recovering from a tough workout, or just trying to feel better in your skin, this humble recipe can help. No hype. No chemicals. Just real minerals doing what your body needs most.

It’s a small daily ritual that adds up to bigger wellness wins—one sip at a time.

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