Cleveland Clinic Dietitian Shares Smart Ways to Make Water More Enjoyable in the Heat

CLEVELAND, OH — With Northeast Ohio experiencing intense summer heat, Cleveland Clinic registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick is urging residents to stay hydrated — and she’s offering practical ways to make plain water more appealing for those who find its taste less than desirable.

“Citrus works wonderful, and it doesn't just have to be lemons or limes,” Kirkpatrick said. “It could be that you have an orange, or you've got a grapefruit that you squeeze some fresh juice at the beginning of the week, and you add a little bit to your water every time you have some. That not only may make it a little bit tastier for you, but it also adds in some nutrients like vitamin C.”

Kirkpatrick emphasized that water should remain the primary source of hydration, but supplementing it with fruits and vegetables high in water content — such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, and tomatoes — can contribute to overall fluid intake. She noted that milk, tea, and coffee also provide hydration, while seltzer water is a viable option if it is free from artificial sweeteners and unnecessary ingredients.

She advised against relying on sports drinks unless engaging in physical activity exceeding 60 minutes, explaining, “A sports drink is necessary if we're looking at the replacement of electrolytes, which we know typically occurs after you have about 60 minutes of physical activity. So, if we're sitting around all day at the pool, it doesn't make sense to have a sports drink which is equated to electrolyte replacement.”

According to Kirkpatrick, the general recommendation of eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day is a good guideline, but individual needs can vary, especially based on physical activity levels and climate.

Other experts echo Kirkpatrick’s suggestions. Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, told Everyday Health that infusing water with fresh fruit or vegetables, such as cucumber and strawberries, can enhance taste without adding calories or sugar. She also recommends using herbal infusions like mint or basil, and experimenting with teas or flavored ice cubes to add visual and flavor interest. Waterlogic similarly recommends natural additives, from cinnamon-infused water to fruit-flavored ice cubes, as well as using a water purifier to improve taste quality.

While social media trends like “WaterTok” promote flavor powders and syrups, health professionals caution against products that include artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or high sugar content. Both Taub-Dix and Kirkpatrick advise prioritizing natural flavor enhancements over synthetic additives.

“Again, think about those guidelines. When do I really need extra sodium and potassium to replace what was lost? Typically, a sports drink is not necessary for most individuals,” Kirkpatrick said.

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