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Toddler Hydration Drink: A Fun Mocktail Spritz for Kids

Our son needed a drink.

Or, rather, he needed to drink. Having dropped his nap, his bedtime changed by 60–sometimes 90–minutes; the need to make sure he was fully hydrated but also, well, bladder-empty by bedtime had not. We needed a mid-afternoon refresher, and stat: something highly quaffable, something to reduce his need for liquid later in the day.

We landed on this sorta spritz, a mocktail for kids that’s as refreshing as it is functional. With a mix of fruits and sparkling water, it drinks with the ease of a juicebox, with a light effervescence; the optional frozen cucumber cubes add a vegetable and encourage light sipping even after the cup empties. Your child will like it; you’ll like it. It’s a midday treat, in liquid form.

You may have your own ideas about the sort of mixed beverages you want to sling to your child, so we’ve made this toddler hydration drink concoction highly adaptable: work with what you have on hand (we offer alternatives for every ingredient); sub out anything you don’t want to make or give your child. Change the proportions; change its purpose. Make it work for you.

Ingredients Overview

This toddler hydration drink is delightfully simple, with ingredients that are easy to swap or adjust based on what you have at home:

  • Cucumber (optional): Adds a mild vegetable flavor and encourages slow sipping when frozen into cubes. You can use half a seedless cucumber, two mini cucumbers, or leave it out entirely.
  • Tonic Water (or sparkling/seltzer water): Provides a light fizz that makes the drink fun and approachable.
  • Coconut Water: Hydrating and naturally sweet, helping balance flavors.
  • Grapefruit Juice (or orange juice): Adds bright citrus flavor; feel free to adjust to your child’s taste.
  • Sour Cherry Juice (or lime): A splash of tartness to round out the drink and keep it refreshing.

The beauty of this spritz is its adaptability: proportions, juice types, and even carbonation can be changed to suit your child’s palate and your hydration goals.

Steps Overview

Creating this toddler hydration drink spritz is quick and approachable:

  1. Prep cucumber cubes (optional): Peel and chop cucumber, then blend to juice. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least two hours.
  2. Combine the liquids: In a cup, pour tonic water (or sparkling water), coconut water, grapefruit juice, and a splash of sour cherry juice (or lime). Stir gently.
  3. Add cucumber cubes: Place one or two frozen cucumber cubes in the cup.
  4. Serve mindfully: Start with about a third of the total drink for your child, offering more as desired. You can add extra juice or a squeeze of lime as the cucumber cube melts to encourage sipping.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this drink in advance?
A: Yes! Mix the liquids ahead of time and store in the fridge. Add the cucumber cubes just before serving to maintain the cooling effect and fun fizz.

Q: What if my child doesn’t like grapefruit juice?
A: Orange juice, apple juice, or even a light lemonade can work as a substitute. The key is balancing sweetness with a hint of tartness.

Q: Is the drink safe for toddlers?
A: Absolutely. This recipe avoids added sugars and caffeine, relying on natural juices and gentle carbonation. The optional cucumber adds extra hydration without increasing liquid volume too quickly.

Q: Can I skip the cucumber cubes?
A: Yes! They’re optional. They primarily encourage slow sipping and add a fun vegetable element. You can serve the drink as-is or add other frozen fruit cubes for a similar effect.

Related Links

What to Serve With Toddler Hydration Spritz

Pair this refreshing toddler spritz with these wholesome snacks to keep your little one energized and satisfied:

More Toddler-Friendly Beverages Like This

Explore these additional toddler-friendly drinks to keep your child hydrated and happy:

Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Meal(s):
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 2
Description

This toddler hydration drink is a refreshing, lightly fizzy afternoon beverage designed to keep little ones hydrated without overloading bedtime liquid intake. With a mix of fruit juices, coconut water, and optional cucumber cubes, it’s as fun to sip as it is nourishing.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 Seedless Cucumber (optional; can also use two mini cucumbers)
  • 2 oz Tonic Water (or sparkling or seltzer water)
  • 2 oz Coconut Water
  • 3 oz Grapefruit Juice (orange juice fine, too)
  • splash Sour Cherry Juice (squeeze of lime cab sub)
Instructions
    Prep and Assemble
  1. 1
    To make the cucumber cubes, peel the cucumber and chop off the end; halve or quarter the cuke. Blend cucumber pieces until fully juiced, then pour liquid into an empty ice cube tray. Freeze for at least two hours before using.
  2. 2
    To make the drink, pour in the tonic water, followed by the coconut water, grapefruit juice, and the splash of cherry or lime; stir to blend. Add one or two cucumber cubes to the drink.
    3. Serve
  3. 3

    We usually start our child with about a 1/3rd of the total drink, offering a bit more as desired; you can also add an additional splash or two of any of the drink ingredients–or a big squeeze of lime–to the cup to mix with the cucumber cube as it melts.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Serving Size 1 small cup

Amount Per Serving
Calories 40kcal
% Daily Value *
Potassium 220mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
Sugars 8g
Protein 0.5g1%
Vitamin A 58 IU
Vitamin C 16 mg
Zinc 0.18 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Read it online: https://newdadskitchen.com/recipe/toddler-hydration-drink-mocktail-spritz-for-kids/
The recipe author and his then-infant son
Brad

Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.