Summer Mocktails: Hydrating and Kidney-Friendly
- Macey Thompson
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Written by Macey Thompson RDN student, Reviewed by Danielle Gersmehl, RD LDN
Summer is the time to enjoy backyard barbecues, lake trips, and family get togethers! Beat the heat by trying out some delicious kidney-friendly mocktails. These recipes will provide plenty of hydration and electrolytes through fresh seasonal fruit while being low in added sugar.
Things to Consider
Swap the cocktail for a mocktail
Alcohol is a diuretic causing increased water loss through urine production, which can lead to dehydration. Since normal fluid regulation is altered, adequate hydration is essential for those with kidney disease. Alcohol may also increase blood pressure and interfere with electrolyte balance, which can put extra strain on the kidneys.
Added sugar
Most cocktails and mocktails can be high in added sugars, like syrups, fruit juice, and sparkling sodas. High consumption of sugary beverages can cause blood sugar spikes. This is no problem for healthy kidneys that are able to filter and process blood sugar within a healthy range. Frequent blood sugar spikes, especially for those with diabetes, can start to damage the kidneys. The recipes down below use fruit juices and focus on lower sugar mocktail alternatives!
Phosphorus and Potassium
There are certain nutrients that individuals with kidney disease may need to monitor. Their kidneys cannot process and excrete these nutrients adequately. During the later stages of kidney disease, potassium is one of these minerals that can build up in the body. Some fruits, like banana, avocado, and oranges, are high in potassium. Individuals that are restricting potassium as recommended by their doctor or dietitian, may want to swap excessive consumption of high potassium fruits with lower potassium fruits. Similarly, phosphorus is another mineral that those with chronic kidney disease may need to monitor. Phosphorus is in most sodas as a preservative and flavoring agent. Those monitoring their phosphorus consumption, may want to check if beverages added to their mocktails have phosphorus ingredients on the nutrition facts panel.
Kidney-Friendly Mocktail Recipes
These mocktails are kidney-friendly recipes low in added sugar, potassium, & phosphorus!
Peach on the Beach
Ingredients:
sparkling water, low in added sugar
1 peach
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp honey
1-2 tbsp water
2-3 mint leaves
Recipe:
Blend peach with 1-2 tbsp of still water. Add mint and lemon juice to peach puree.
Microwave 1/2 tsp of water with 1/2 tsp of honey in microwave-safe dish.
Pour peach puree over ice. Add desired amount of sparkling water. (Note: the peach puree can be strained over the ice for a lighter consistency.)
Stir and enjoy!
Sleepy Strawberry Lavender
Ingredients:
4 strawberries, fresh or frozen
1 tbsp water
6 tbsp (3oz) chilled lavender tea
2 tbsp lemon juice
sparkling water
lemon, lavender, or strawberry for garnish
Recipe:
Brew tea according to packet instructions and put in fridge to chill.
Blend strawberries and water together in a blender to puree.
Combine chilled tea, strawberry puree, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. (Note: Can use a sealable jar to shake or simply stir ingredients together.)
Add a little sparkling water for a fizzy version. Stir, add garnish, and enjoy!
Minty Mango Lime
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of mango, fresh or frozen
2 tbsp water
juice of one lime
sparkling water
mint for garnish
Recipe:
Blend mango and water to create a puree.
Add lime juice and mint. Pour over ice.
Add splash of sparkling water and a garnish!
Citations
Enjoy these mocktail recipes for some summer fun! To get more guidance about how to enjoy travel, food, and life while supporting your kidneys, get connected to a registered dietitian. Click this link to book a consultation with a registered dietitian today!
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