Hear us out: Hydration powders make surprisingly great cocktail mixers. Especially when you鈥檙e in the backcountry and want to jazz up your space-saving flask of hard liquor.
Allen Lim, founder of Skratch Labs, says that turning the company鈥檚 lemon-lime mix was one of the first things his staff did after they perfected the stuff. 鈥淏asically, alcohol plus sugar plus salt plus fruit equals the best party ever,鈥 says Lim. Using a beverage formulated to keep you hydrated as the foundation of your cocktail has another benefit. 鈥淎lthough we didn鈥檛 design our to be the best hangover cure in the world, it鈥檚 the best hangover cure in the world,鈥 says Lim. And while we have some doubt (hangovers are complicated), you can鈥檛 argue with the space-saving benefits.
We asked the pros鈥攃hefs and hydration mix experts鈥攆or their favorite recipes.
Nuun Shandy
If you pass a store that sells only crappy macro light beer, this is a great way to make it slightly more enjoyable. Mix one light beer with a tablet of citrus fruit or lemonade . Be sure to mix a small amount of beer with the tablet in a pint cup before pouring in the remaining beer, say the gurus over at Nuun, otherwise you鈥檒l create a Nuun-splosion.
Trail Mojito
This recipe is courtesy of Adam Price, the executive chef at 聽in聽Utah. He uses a lemon-lime Nuun tablet, plus trailside mint and wild blueberries, to create backcountry mojitos. Use your hands to crush two mint leaves so you release the oils. Muddle (your pack may do this step for you) eight to 12 blueberries in your cup, and then add the rum or whatever liquor you packed in, a touch of cold water, and the Nuun tablet. Swirl and sip.
Hard Cider
Mix hot water with one scoop (26 grams) of Skratch Labs in a mug. Throw in a dash of bourbon. Feel all warm and toasty. Repeat as needed on cold nights.
Skratch Margarita
Originally, the Skratch margarita recipe called for fresh lemon and lime juice, but Lim says it works perfectly well without toting a backpack full of limes to your campsite. Mix a scoop of with cold water and a shot of tequila.
Clif Spiked Cocoa
Sure, a shot of whiskey probably won鈥檛 help your recovery efforts, but the protein and carbs in Clif鈥檚 could. The package directions call for cold water, but ignore that and mix yours with hot. Add a float of whiskey to your mug and call it a night.