Can You Put Liquid IV in Something Other Than Water?

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Mixing Liquid IV with something other than water can change its taste. However, the original formula works best with water to maximize hydration. Learn about other options.

Quick Summary

This article discusses whether you can mix Liquid IV with liquids other than water. It explores different mixers and their effects on hydration and taste. It also covers the pros and cons of using these alternatives.

Key Points

Water is Best: Liquid IV works best when mixed with water.
Juice adds sugar: Juice improves taste but adds sugar.
Coconut water for electrolytes: Coconut water has electrolytes but also sugar.
Sparkling water creates fizz: Sparkling water adds fizz. Mix powder with water first to avoid foam.
Mix with coffee: Coffee is only recommended for Energy Multiplier products, and requires managing caffeine intake.
Mix with caution: Other liquids may change how the product works.

Understanding Liquid IV and Hydration

Liquid IV uses Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to hydrate faster than water. This technology works best when mixed with water. Mixing with other liquids can change the balance and how well the body absorbs it.

Alternatives to Water: What Can You Mix with Liquid IV?

Although Liquid IV recommends water, consumers often experiment. It is important to know how each mixer affects the drink. Here are some options:

Liquid IV and Juice

Juice makes the drink sweeter.

Benefits: Adds flavor and vitamins.
Considerations: Juice has sugar and calories, which can affect the hydration profile. The added sugar can interfere with the glucose ratio. Use juices without added sugars and use them sparingly.

Liquid IV and Coconut Water

Coconut water has electrolytes and potassium.

Benefits: More electrolytes and a tropical flavor.
Considerations: Coconut water contains sugar and calories. Do not take too many electrolytes.

Liquid IV and Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is a choice for a drink without sugar.

Benefits: Adds fizz. Has zero calories and sugar.
Considerations: Can cause foaming. Mix the powder with water first, then add sparkling water.

Liquid IV and Coffee

Mixing Liquid IV in coffee is an option, for the Energy Multiplier products, which contain caffeine.

Benefits: Can help with caffeine's dehydrating effects. Combining caffeine with hydration can be beneficial for sustained energy.
Considerations: Coffee may overpower the Liquid IV flavor. Be careful with caffeine intake, because some Liquid IV energy products already contain caffeine. This is not recommended for the standard Hydration Multiplier.

Comparison Table: Liquid IV Mixers


Mixer	Pros	Cons	Best Used For
Water	Best hydration; fast absorption; intended use; no extra calories/sugar.	Can be plain for some.	Everyday hydration, after exercise or illness.
Juice	Better taste; vitamins; tasty.	Adds sugar and calories; may slow absorption; alters the formula.	To make hydration more appealing.
Coconut Water	Extra electrolytes, especially potassium; tropical taste.	Added calories and sugar; risk of too many electrolytes; may affect absorption.	After workouts; extra hydration.
Sparkling Water	Fizzy and refreshing; no added calories/sugar.	Can foam; may not mix perfectly.	Replacing soda.
Coffee	Helps with caffeine's effects; works with Energy Multiplier.	Not for regular Liquid IV; taste clash; watch caffeine intake.	For energy.

Potential Issues and Best Practices

Altering the liquid you mix with Liquid IV can lead to potential issues. The CTT system, which works best with water, may be affected. Mixing with sugary drinks can disrupt the glucose-to-sodium ratio. If mixing with alternatives, it is best to mix the powder into a small amount of water first to ensure it fully dissolves before adding the other liquid.

Consider the total nutrition when adding caloric or sugary mixers. Water or unsweetened sparkling water remains the best option if you are watching your sugar intake or have dietary restrictions. Using water is the most reliable way to achieve the maximum hydration benefit the product is designed for.

Conclusion: Mix with care.

Mixing Liquid IV with something other than water can improve the taste of the drink. Common options include juice for sweetness, coconut water for electrolytes, or sparkling water for fizz. However, using liquids other than water may affect how well Liquid IV works. To rehydrate quickly, especially during workouts or illness, using the water mix is best. Experiment with care, pay attention to added sugars and calories, and listen to your body to find a balance between flavor and function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mixing Liquid IV with juice can change the glucose-to-sodium ratio the product uses. It may not hydrate as well as water.

Mixing Liquid IV with hot liquids is generally not recommended for the standard Hydration Multiplier. The Energy Multiplier is occasionally mixed with coffee, but care should be taken to monitor caffeine intake.

It is not recommended to mix Liquid IV with milk. The manufacturer recommends mixing with water. Dairy may interfere with absorption.

Do not use less water than recommended, as it affects how well it works. A more saturated mixture may not be as effective for absorption. You can use slightly less water but it may affect performance.

To prevent foaming, mix the Liquid IV powder with a small amount of water first. Then, add the sparkling water.

Drink Liquid IV within 24 hours of mixing for best taste and benefits. Refrigerating can help.

Mixing Liquid IV with a sports drink like Gatorade is not necessary. Both drinks have electrolytes and sugar, so this could lead to too many ingredients.