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30 Minutes or Less

Homemade Lemon-Lime Gatorade

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homemade gatorade in a large mason jar with lemons and limes on the side.

I’ve seriously struggled to stay hydrated this summer! I spent the first half of the summer very pregnant, not the second half newly postpartum. So when water alone doesn’t do the trick, I love to whip up this homemade gatorade. I make a huge glass of it in the morning, then blend together one of my favorite healthy smoothies – and I head into the day feeling fueled and hydrated (despite a total lack of sleep thanks to my newborn – ha!).

What Makes This Homemade Gatorade Better Than Store-Bought

  • It cuts out artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives, giving you a refreshing drink made from wholesome ingredients while providing essential electrolytes.
  • Coconut water acts as a natural base, offering potassium and hydration without added sugars. I like to buy my coconut water in bulk – this is the case I buy on Amazon, totally organic for a great price.
  • You control the sodium with a pinch of high-mineral salt (linking to the one I buy on Amazon HERE) – crucial for electrolyte balance – but can easily tailor it to your health needs!
homemade gatorade in a large mason jar with ice and lime slices

I love sipping my homemade gatorade out of this 32 ounce mason jar (available on amazon!) and always use the Redmond’s Real Salt in this recipe – also available on amazon!

The Importance of Electrolytes

  • Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are vital for hydration, muscle function, and fluid balance – especially after sweating or exercise.
  • Dietitians note that homemade versions help you stay hydrated and replenish lost electrolytes without the added sugars found in commercial sports drinks.

Switch Up The Flavors of This Homemade Gatorade

Looking for variety? Swap in different flavor profiles with these easy twists:

  • Fruit Boosts: Add fresh watermelon juice, unsweetened cranberry, or tart cherry juice for natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Herbal Infusions: Stir in mint, cucumber, or a slice of ginger for added freshness and digestive support.
  • Sweetener Options: Use maple syrup, agave, or even stevia to control sweetness without compromising taste.
homemade gatorade in a large mason jar with lemons and limes on the side.
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Homemade Lemon-Lime Gatorade

Stay hydrated the healthy way with this refreshing homemade lemon-lime gatorade recipe. Made with coconut water, fresh citrus juice, raw honey, and mineral-rich salt, it’s a clean alternative to store-bought sports drinks. Perfect for post-workout recovery, hot summer days, or anytime you need a natural electrolyte boost!
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Prep Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 minute
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 large glass

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 1 cup plain filtered water
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey or agave
  • 1/4 teaspoon high mineral salt I used Redmond's Real Salt

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a large glass and stir to combine, then add in ice and enjoy!
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30 Minutes or Less

Mom’s Watermelon Paloma

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watermelon paloma in a glass with a lime slice and a small slice of watermelon.

A few weeks ago, my mom had her first watermelon paloma while out to lunch, and she was hooked! She even texted me about it, and almost immediately got to working on recreating it. I feel like now’s a good time to mention, especially if you’re new around here, that my Mom is the cocktail queen! Last year she shared her BEST-ever daiquiri recipe with us, and she makes a mean aperol spritz. And guess what? Her version turned out even better than the one she had a brunch!

It’s a refreshing blend of watermelon and tequila, finished off with fizzy grapefruit soda. But not just any grapefruit soda, Mom tested a few and found her favorite, which I outline in the ingredients below! This watermelon paloma is a must, especially as the warm weather lingers. It’s perfect for sipping with brunch, or at your next summer party. I’ll surely be cheers-ing to the last days of summer with this refreshing cocktail in hand!

overhead image of watermelon paloma with fresh mint for garnish.

What Makes this the BEST Watermelon Paloma

This Watermelon Paloma stands out because it perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. The use of fresh watermelon juice brings a vibrant, natural sweetness, while the lime juice adds a necessary tartness. Tequila is the perfect base, and the Fever Tree grapefruit soda takes it over the top! The salted rim is the final touch, and my favorite part, but feel free to leave it out if that’s not your thing. Mom actually doesn’t include a salted rim in her original recipe, she prefers no salt.

What You’ll Need to Make It

  • Fresh Watermelon Juice: The star of the show! Use ripe, juicy watermelon for the best flavor. You can find watermelon juice at some grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s!
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a tangy kick, and is signature to a classic paloma recipe. Mom always recommends using fresh limes rather than bottled juice for maximum flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: Easily made at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. You can also purchase it from most grocery stores, or use agave instead!
  • Tequila: The quality of your tequila matters. Opt for a good silver tequila, like Patron Silver or Casamigos Blanco, for a smooth finish.
  • Fever Tree Grapefruit Soda: This soda is light, fizzy, and not too sweet, making it a perfect addition to the cocktail. You can find it at specialty grocery stores, most liquor stores, or online. However, if you can’t find Fever Tree grapefruit soda, feel free to use whatever grapefruit soda you can get your hands on.

How to Make Fresh Watermelon Juice

Making fresh watermelon juice is simple. Cut your watermelon into chunks, removing the seeds. Then, blend the chunks until smooth. Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp, and you’re ready to go! Fresh watermelon juice can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

watermelon paloma in a glass with a lime slice and watermelon slice.

How to Make It

  1. Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim in salt, then fill the glass with ice.
  2. Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila. Add ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to a minute until the drink is well chilled.
  3. Pour and Serve: Pour the mixture into your prepared glass, then top it off with Fever Tree grapefruit soda. Garnish with a lime wedge or a small watermelon slice.

Switch Up the Flavor

  • Use Vodka Instead of Tequila: If you’re not a tequila fan, swap it out for vodka for a lighter, less intense flavor.
  • Experiment with Other Juices: While watermelon is Mom’s favorite (mine too!), you can try other fresh fruit juices like pineapple, strawberry, or peach for a different twist.
  • Make it a Mocktail: Simply leave out the tequila for a light and refreshing non-alcoholic watermelon paloma mocktail!

By following these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll create the perfect watermelon paloma that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see how you enjoy this drink!

watermelon paloma in a glass with a lime slice and a small slice of watermelon.
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Mom’s Watermelon Paloma

This easy watermelon paloma recipe was developed by none other than my Mom! Consider her our resident bartender, and the only person I trust to make a really REALLY good drink. With fresh watermelon juice, a splash of lime, and a fizzy finish, this watermelon paloma will become your go-to summer cocktail!
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Ingredients

  • 3 ounces watermelon juice
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce simple syrup, or agave
  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 2-3 ounces grapefruit soda (Mom recommends Fever Tree grapefruit soda)

Instructions

  • Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a glass, then dip the rim of the glass in salt and fill the glass with ice.
  • Add the watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila to a cocktail shaker with ice. Secure the shaker with a lid, then shake for 30 seconds to a minute, or until the drink is very cold.
  • Pop the lid off the shaker and pour the drink into your prepared glass. Then, fill the glass the rest of the way with grapefruit soda.
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30 Minutes or Less

Ground Beef Taco Bowls with Cilantro Lime Crema

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overhead image of taco bowls with cilantro lime crema drizzled on top

Before my husband and I started dating, he ate chipotle everyday. And when I say everyday.. I mean, EVERY single day! The chipotle employees by his office knew him and his order by heart. Ya, it was pretty bad. So when things between us got more serious, I urged him to quit his chipotle habit and enjoy homemade tacos bowls instead!

Now, for the last 3 years, these ground beef taco bowls have been a staple in our weekly dinner rotation. These, along with my healthy teriyaki chicken and rice bowls and my blackened salmon and coconut rice bowls (SO GOOD!). We love any meal in a bowl. Can you tell?? We also require lots of protein (my husband’s chipotle order included “double protein”), and LOTS of flavor. These ground beef taco bowls with cilantro lime cream check all those boxes!

taco bowls with cilantro lime crema on top and chips on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make These Taco Bowls

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to both the cilantro lime rice and crema, enhancing the overall taste of the dish! If you don’t like cilantro, feel free to leave it out of this recipe altogether. But, if you’re like me, you can totally add extra fresh cilantro to suit your cravings.
Fresh Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten up the cilantro lime rice and crema. It adds a refreshing zing that complements the savory components of the dish. And if you don’t have fresh limes, bottle lime juice works too.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Browned to perfection and seasoned with taco seasoning, it forms the hearty base of these taco bowls. Or, if you prefer, use ground turkey instead!
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning infuses the ground beef with rich, savory flavors and spices, taking these bowls to the next level!

Tips and Tricks

  • For extra flavor, char the frozen corn in the skillet until it’s tender and slightly charred. This adds a delicious smoky off-the-grill type flavor to the dish!
  • Allow the seasoned ground beef to simmer in the taco seasoning sauce for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and creates a rich, saucy texture. YUM!
  • Get creative with your toppings! Add your favorite garnishes such as sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole to personalize your taco bowls.
overhead image of cilantro lime crema in a bowl prepped for taco bowls

Can You Meal Prep These Taco Bowls?

Of course you can! Prep these taco bowls ahead of time and divide everything except the cilantro lime crema between four large containers. Store the crema separately, then when ready to eat, reheat your bowls for 30 seconds in the microwave and drizzle the crema on top.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply replace the Greek yogurt in the cream with your favorite non-dairy Greek yogurt or non-dairy sour cream! I’ve used Kite Hill non-dairy sour cream to make this recipe and it turned out great.

Make it Vegan: For vegan taco bowls, take the dairy-free option above and swap out the ground beef for either a can of drained lentils, crumbled tofu, or finely chopped mushrooms. These are also great high protein vegan swaps!

Make it Paleo: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice and substitute the Greek yogurt in the cilantro lime crema for 1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise instead.

overhead image of taco bowls with cilantro lime crema drizzled on top
5 from 2 votes

Ground Beef Taco Bowls with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fresh, flavorful, and fully loaded ground beef taco bowls with a cilantro lime crema! Ditch the takeout this week and make this delicious and healthy meal at home. Cilantro lime rice, seasoned ground beef, sautéed corn and veggies, and an irresistibly creamy and tangy cilantro lime crema – YUM!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the cilantro lime rice:

  • 1 cup uncooked long grain rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the ground beef:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (1/4 cup)

For the bowls:

  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 bell peppers, cored and sliced
  • 1 onion, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • pico de gallo

For the cilantro lime crema:

  • 1 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Make the cilantro lime crema by adding all ingredients to a bowl and mixing it together. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
    cilantro lime crema in a bowl
  • Cook the cilantro lime rice by adding all ingredients to a medium pot and placing it over high heat. Bring the rice to a bowl, then as soon as it’s boiling reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Leave the rice to cook with the lid on for 15 minutes, then remove the lid, remove it from the heat, and set the rice aside.
    cilantro lime rice in a saucepan
  • Place a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet then add in the frozen corn. Sauté corn for 3-5 minutes, or until it’s tender and slightly charred. Remove corn from the skillet and set aside.
  • Next, add the sliced peppers and onions to the hot skillet (still over medium heat), and sauté those for 5-7 minutes or until soft and cooked to your liking. Remove the peppers and onions from the skillet and set aside.
  • Last, add the ground beef to the hot skillet with a big pinch of salt. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces with a large spoon as it cooks.
  • Once the beef is cooked through, add in your packet of taco seasoning and 1/3 cup of water. Reduce the heat to low and let the ground beef simmer for 5 minutes, or until the taco seasoning sauce has thickened.
  • Assemble your bowls by adding chopped lettuce to 4 bowls, then diving up the cooked corn, peppers and onion, ground beef, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado between four bowls.
  • Finish off each bowl with a drizzle of cilantro lime cream and enjoy!

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Drinks

4-Ingredient Pineapple Margarita

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Pineapple margarita in a glass with a pineapple slice on the side.

There are few things as good as an ice cold pineapple margarita! Shake up one of these fruity, but not-too-sweet drinks with just 4 ingredients. Best enjoyed on a hot summer day or at your next party!

pineapple margarita in a glass with lime wedges on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make a Pineapple Margarita

Tequila – Good quality tequila goes a long way in a homemade margarita! I love a good “middle shelf” tequila – not the cheapest but also NOT the most expensive. Casamigos and Espolon are my two current favorites, and taste delicious in this recipe!

Pineapple Juice – Either fresh or canned pineapple juice will work! I used canned pineapple juice because it’s easier. But if you really want to get crafty with these cocktails, make your own pineapple juice instead.

Lime Juice – Unlike the pineapple juice, fresh lime juice is best. I can almost always tell the difference between fresh and bottled lime juice. Fresh lime juice can turn a good cocktail into an incredible cocktail!

Triple Sec – Want to make this a skinny pineapple margarita? Replace the triple sec with orange juice. Triple sec has more sugar, which sweetens up this drink. Though if you don’t mind it a little less sweet, opt for the lower-calorie orange juice option instead.

Overhead image of pineapple margarita in a glass with pineapple and lime on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • Shake up these pineapple margaritas for your next themed party (cinco de mayo, perhaps?!). Simply juice the limes ahead of time, and have all ingredients set out. Then, add to a cocktail shaker and serve when guests arrive.
  • I like lining the rim of my margarita glass with a combo of sugar and salt. However, you can totally skip that first step of the recipe if that’s not your thing.
  • Make it a frozen margarita! To do this, add all margarita ingredients to a blender with a small handful of ice. Then, blend until slushy and enjoy immediately – extra refreshing!

Make a Pineapple Margarita Pitcher

For a whole pitcher of pineapple margaritas, use the measurements below:

  • 2 cups pineapple juice
  • 2 cups tequila
  • 1 cup triple sec (or orange juice)
  • 1 cup lime juice
Pineapple margarita in a glass with a pineapple slice on the side.
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4-Ingredient Pineapple Margarita

There are few things as good as an ice cold pineapple margarita! Shake up one of these fruity, but not-too-sweet drinks with just 4 ingredients. Best enjoyed on a hot summer day or at your next party!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • lime wedge

For the margarita:

  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 2 ounces pineapple juice
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 1 ounce triple sec (or orange juice to make it a skinny margarita)

Instructions

  • Mix sugar and salt together on a small plate. Run lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip rim into sugar and salt mixture. Fill the glass with ice.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add in the tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and triple sec. Secure lid and shake for 30 seconds, then strain into glass and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal

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30 Minutes or Less

Watermelon Margaritas (just THREE ingredients!)

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frozen watermelon margaritas in two glasses with a watermelon slice on the rim.

These watermelon margaritas will be your new favorite summertime cocktail! With just three ingredients and a blender, you’ll have the most delicious and refreshing frozen drink. Frozen watermelon, lime juice, and a splash (or two) of good quality tequila come together to make this best-ever, easy summer cocktail!

two frozen watermelon margaritas with limes on the side.

I’m a BIG margarita girl, we know this by now. I absolutely gushed over my love for margaritas in my Skinny Blackberry Margarita post, so I’ll spare you from all of that this time around. Though what I will say is that this particular margarita recipe includes my all-time favorite summer fruit – WATERMELON. I’ve honestly never met anyone who ever had a bad thing to say about watermelon. It’s naturally oh-so sweet, crazy refreshing, and is really only available in the warmer months, making it all the more special. I plan on enjoying a lot, and I mean A LOT of this coveted fruit over the next few months. And there’s nothing anyone can do to stop me! You know what I also plan on enjoying a lot of this summer? These watermelon margaritas.

Your typical margarita has its fair share of added sugars. Though thanks to watermelons natural sweetness, this refreshing cocktail has NO added sugar! And like I mentioned before it only requires three ingredients (plus ice). Which means it’s the easiest and healthiest alcoholic beverage of all time. That’s right – of. all. time. I highly recommend you blend up a batch of these watermelon margaritas for your next summer barbecue or party. Maybe even for the 4th of July, perhaps?! This recipe yields about 4 margaritas, but can easily be doubled or even tripled if you’d like. Cheers to SUMMER and cheers to WATERMELON MARGARITAS!

overhead image of two frozen watermelon margaritas

What You Need To Make Watermelon Margaritas

Frozen Watermelon – To freeze watermelon, start by slicing it into 1 to 2-inch chunks. Need help slicing your watermelon? Check our my How to Cut a Watermelon blog post! Then, transfer the chunks to a parchment lined baking sheet, in a single layer, and place in the freezer. Freeze the watermelon for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid. Once frozen, you can go straight into using it in this recipe, or transfer to an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months!

Now, let’s backtrack for a second. There are a few things you want to look for when picking out your watermelon. A perfectly ripe and ready to slice watermelon will have a decently-sized yellow spot where it once laid on the ground right before it was picked. If that spot is more white than yellow, it’s not ripe – the more yellow it is, the better. Another thing to check for when looking for a ripe watermelon is the sound. Pick up the watermelon and give it a few taps. If it sounds deeply hollow that means it’s exploding with juicy flavor and is ready to enjoy!

Tequila – A good quality tequila will make all the difference in the enjoyment and smoothness of these watermelon margaritas. I highly recommend a blanco silver tequila, which is most often used in margarita recipes. I use and love Don Julio tequila for its smoother taste, without being outrageously priced.

Lime Juice – Fresh is always best, though bottled lime juice would also work in this recipe! The lime juice gives this cocktail its signature taste while also bringing out the freshness of the watermelon. If you’re feeling fancy, save a few lime slices to garnish your drinks with!

Make it a Mocktail

  • Replace the tequila with 1/4 cup of water for an alcohol-free, refreshing watermelon margarita mocktail!
Watermelon Margaritas (just THREE ingredients!)
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Watermelon Margaritas (just THREE ingredients!)

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Samantha Russo Course: DrinksCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Total time

5

minutes

These watermelon margaritas will be your new favorite summertime cocktail! With just three ingredients and a blender, you’ll have the most delicious and refreshing frozen drink. Frozen watermelon, lime juice, and a splash (or two) of good quality tequila come together to make this best-ever, easy summer cocktail!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen watermelon, see Notes

  • 1/2 cup tequila

  • 1/2 cup lime juice

  • 1 cup ice

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until no chunks of watermelon or ice remain.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Frozen Watermelon: To freeze watermelon, cut a fresh watermelon into chunks and then spread into an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Transfer baking sheet to the freezer for 2-3 hours or until watermelon is frozen solid.

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