- Liquid I.V.’s hot chocolate hydration multiplier is a sweet and slightly salty electrolyte drink.
- We recommend drinking it with milk instead of water to add creaminess and balance the sweetness.
- It’s a great option for hydration on the go during cold-weather activities.
If you’ve ever had a desire to get an extra boost of hydration from a steaming mug instead of an ice-cold sports drink, you’re in luck. Liquid I.V., a brand popularized by their pocket-sized packets of electrolyte powders, just launched an innovative but slightly controversial limited-time flavor for the holiday season—hot chocolate.
Listen, here at EatingWell we’re all about hydration. Our Vermont office is often filled with the sounds of seltzers cracking open and ice moving around in water bottles, but we were truthfully a little skeptical about the idea of such a classic, traditionally sweet drink being adapted into an electrolyte supplement.
Would it be slightly salty, like many electrolyte drinks are? Would we be able to taste the real cocoa they use? We pulled out our mugs to find out.
Following the recommendation on the packet, we first tried the powder mixed with hot water. Upon first sip, the sweetness really comes through. Rather than cane sugar, they use a mix of dextrose (a form of sugar) and stevia (a plant-based sweetener). Some of our editors noted the cocoa had a strong stevia flavor, so that’s something to note if you’re sensitive to it.
After the initial sweetness, there is a very slight saltiness that is to be expected from a hydration drink, but it doesn’t necessarily take away from the flavor. (Note: Each packet contains 250mg of sodium and 6 grams of sugar.)
We also decided to put it to the test by making it how hot chocolate is often enjoyed; with milk. Our Editorial Director, Carolyn Malcoun used whole milk as her base and I added a splash of half-and-half to my mug.
In the milk, Malcoun said, the powder took on a new flavor. Instead of a strong sweetness upfront, the milk softened the flavor into a profile that almost emulated salted caramel. I also enjoyed mine with the addition of the half-and-half, finding it added that creaminess that I look for in my favorite cups of hot cocoa.
These packets still have the same amount of electrolytes, vitamins and minerals that are in their standard flavors, so these can make great additions to all the cold-weather activities you’re planning this winter. Mixing it with hot water from a thermos or kettle is an easy option for when you’re on the go, but we recommend using your favorite milk or milk-alternative to up the thickness and smooth out the sweetness.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the hot chocolate Liquid I.V. surprised us. We’ll admit that we were skeptical, but it really does emulate the taste of the classic winter drink. While it may not be for everyone, especially if you’re sensitive to sweetness in your drinks, this could be a great option for people who are looking to get a little boost of hydration from their hot drinks. Plus, it’s easy to slip into your pocket for all of the winter activities—just don’t forget the marshmallows!
