What Can You Drink When Fasting for Ramadan? The Ultimate Hydration Guide

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Millions of Muslims worldwide fast from dawn until sunset during Ramadan, requiring careful hydration during non-fasting hours. To support spiritual focus and physical well-being, understanding what can you drink when fasting for Ramadan is essential for replenishing fluids and preventing dehydration.

Quick Summary

During Ramadan, focusing on smart hydration is vital, with a strategic approach to drinking water, healthy juices, and electrolyte-rich beverages between Iftar and Suhoor. Avoid diuretic and sugary drinks that can increase thirst, and instead choose nourishing fluids that provide sustained energy and hydration.

Key Points

Strategic Hydration: Hydrate gradually between Iftar (sunset) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) by drinking 8-12 glasses of water.
Start with Water: Break your fast with water and dates to rehydrate and get a natural energy boost, following the Sunnah.
Choose Hydrating Drinks: Opt for water, coconut water for electrolytes, milk-based drinks like lassi, and fresh fruit juices (watermelon, orange) to stay replenished.
Avoid Dehydrating Beverages: Steer clear of caffeine (coffee, tea) and sugary drinks (soda, sweetened juices), as they act as diuretics and cause thirst.
Incorporate Hydrating Foods: Supplement your fluid intake by eating water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumber, melon, and lettuce at Iftar and Suhoor.
Pace Yourself: Avoid drinking large quantities at once, as this can lead to bloating and inefficient absorption.

Proper Hydration is Key for a Healthy Fast

During Ramadan, the absence of food and drink during daylight hours makes strategic fluid intake between sunset (Iftar) and the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) critically important. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and impaired concentration, which can be avoided with proper planning. Rather than consuming a large amount of fluid at once, health experts recommend spacing out your intake of 8 to 12 glasses of water throughout the non-fasting period.

Refreshing and Rehydrating Iftar Drinks

Breaking the fast is a time for gentle rehydration and nourishment. Following the Sunnah, many Muslims begin with a date and a glass of water. This replenishes lost fluids and provides natural sugars for a quick energy boost. Beyond plain water, several drinks are excellent choices for Iftar:

Coconut Water: Rich in natural electrolytes like potassium, which are vital for rebalancing fluid levels after a long day of fasting.
Milk-Based Drinks: Options like buttermilk (chaas), almond milk (badaam doodh), or lassi are soothing and provide protein, which aids in satiety and sustained energy.
Fresh Fruit Juices: Naturally hydrating fruits like watermelon, melon, and orange are perfect for fresh, unsweetened juices. Avoid commercial juices loaded with added sugars.
Soups and Broths: A warm, light soup or broth is gentle on the stomach and a flavorful way to replenish fluids and minerals.

Nourishing Drinks for Suhoor

The pre-dawn meal, Suhoor, is your last opportunity to hydrate for the day. The goal is to consume drinks that will keep you hydrated for as long as possible. Here are some ideal choices:

Smoothies: A blend of fruits like dates and bananas with milk or yogurt and oats provides fiber and potassium, helping to retain water and provide sustained energy.
Water-Rich Fruits: Consuming fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and oranges as part of your meal helps increase your body's water stores.
Plain Water: It remains the best choice for hydration. Sip a few glasses of water alongside your Suhoor meal to top up your fluid levels effectively.

Drinks and Beverages to Limit or Avoid

To have a successful and comfortable fast, it is just as important to know what drinks to avoid as it is to know which ones to consume. Some beverages have a dehydrating effect or cause spikes in blood sugar that lead to increased thirst.

Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, strong black tea, and energy drinks are diuretics, meaning they increase urination and cause fluid loss. It's best to reduce or avoid these altogether during the non-fasting hours.
Sugary Drinks: Sodas, heavily sweetened juices, and concentrated syrups contain excessive sugar. This can cause a sharp rise and fall in blood sugar, increasing thirst and leading to dehydration.
Salty/Spicy Drinks: Though less common as a beverage, preparing drinks with excessive salt or consuming spicy beverages will exacerbate thirst and should be avoided, especially at Suhoor.

Hydration Strategies for a Comfortable Fast

Effective hydration during Ramadan extends beyond just what you drink; it also involves how you drink it. Adopt these practices to minimize discomfort:

Gradual Water Intake: Instead of drinking a large volume of water in one sitting, sip water consistently between Iftar and Suhoor.
Infused Water: For a flavor boost, add slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint to your water. This encourages more frequent sips without adding sugar.
Herbal Teas: Caffeine-free herbal teas can be a soothing, hydrating alternative to coffee or black tea.

A Comparison of Drinks for Ramadan Hydration


Drink Type	Benefits	When to Drink	What to Avoid	Why
Plain Water	Essential for all bodily functions, zero calories, most effective rehydration.	Iftar, Suhoor, and throughout non-fasting hours.	N/A	The cornerstone of healthy hydration.
Milk & Lassi	Protein, calcium, and sustained energy; soothing for the stomach.	Iftar and Suhoor for energy and satiety.	Sugary flavorings, excess sugar.	Protein and fats help retain fluids and curb cravings.
Fresh Fruit Juice	Vitamins and natural sugars for energy.	Iftar to replenish energy.	High-sugar, processed juices.	Replenishes natural sugars and fluids quickly.
Coconut Water	Rich in electrolytes like potassium for rapid rehydration.	Iftar or Suhoor to restore minerals.	Added sugars.	Restores electrolytes lost during the day.
Caffeinated Drinks	Temporary alertness.	Best avoided.	Regular intake, especially at Suhoor.	Acts as a diuretic, increasing fluid loss and dehydration.
Sugary Sodas	Quick sugar rush.	Avoid entirely.	All carbonated and sugary options.	Leads to increased thirst and offers little nutritional value.

Conclusion

Navigating hydration during Ramadan requires a mindful approach, concentrating on the limited non-fasting hours to replenish fluids and maintain optimal health. By prioritizing water and incorporating nutrient-dense, hydrating drinks like milk-based beverages, coconut water, and fresh fruit juices, fasters can support their physical and mental well-being. Equally important is the avoidance of dehydrating drinks like caffeine and sugary sodas, which can hinder a comfortable fast. Strategic and consistent hydration is not just about quenching thirst but also about nourishing the body and sustaining energy throughout the holy month. For more information on staying healthy, consult reliable sources such as the World Health Organization on healthy practices during Ramadan.

Note: Individuals with pre-existing health conditions should consult a medical professional before starting their fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot drink water during the fasting hours of Ramadan, which is from dawn until sunset. Fasting requires abstaining from all food and drink, including water.

The best strategy is to sip water and other hydrating beverages gradually between Iftar and Suhoor. Aim for 8-12 glasses in total rather than drinking a large amount at once, which the body can't absorb effectively.

It is best to limit or avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. They are diuretics and can increase fluid loss, making you more susceptible to dehydration during the fast.

Sugary drinks like soda and sweetened juices can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, leading to increased thirst and dehydration later. Opt for natural fruit juices without added sugar or plain water instead.

For Suhoor, choose drinks that provide sustained hydration. Water-rich smoothies with fruit and oats, milk, or yogurt are excellent choices. Combining these with high-fiber foods helps retain water longer.

Yes, coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes like potassium, which helps replenish lost minerals and aids in rapid rehydration after a day of fasting.

Yes, including soups or broths in your Iftar is a great way to replenish fluids and minerals. They are also gentle on the stomach and provide a good source of hydration.