This vitamin water contains 27g of highly processed crystalline fructose and synthetic vitamins, delivering empty calories with artificial enhancement. Our DIY version uses organic raw honey, whole food-derived vitamins, and real citrus extracts to create a truly nourishing electrolyte drink without processed sugars or synthetic additives.
Based on: Tropical Citrus Energy Nutrient Enhanced Water
· Makes approximately 30 servings (concentrate for 30 x 591ml bottles)
· Serving: 591ml (20 fl oz) when mixed with water
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Tropical Citrus Energy Nutrient Enhanced Water from Glacéau,Vitaminwater often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Tropical Citrus Energy Nutrient Enhanced Water may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Organic raw honey
810g (about 2.5 cups) · Nature Nate's 100% Pure Raw Unfiltered Honey
Primary sweetener that provides natural fructose and glucose in proper ratios, plus trace minerals and enzymes
Organic lemon juice concentrate
120ml (1/2 cup) · Lakewood Organic Pure Lemon Juice
Provides citric acid naturally and bright citrus base flavor
Organic lime juice concentrate
60ml (1/4 cup) · Lakewood Organic Pure Lime Juice
Adds tropical citrus complexity and natural vitamin C
Natural zero-calorie sweetener to balance the honey without adding more sugar
Organic citric acid
6g (2 teaspoons) · Anthony's Organic Citric Acid
Natural preservative and tart flavor enhancer derived from organic sources
Instructions
Step 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 810g (2.5 cups) organic raw honey with 240ml (1 cup) warm filtered water (not hot - keep under 40°C to preserve enzymes). Whisk vigorously for 3-4 minutes until the honey completely dissolves into a smooth syrup. Honey can crystallize if mixed too quickly, so patience here ensures a uniform concentrate.
Step 2. Add 120ml (1/2 cup) organic lemon juice concentrate and 60ml (1/4 cup) organic lime juice concentrate to the honey mixture. Whisk thoroughly for 2 minutes. The acid in the citrus will help preserve the concentrate naturally and create the signature tart-sweet balance.
Step 3. In a separate small bowl, combine all the dry powder ingredients: 90g vitamin C powder, 30g B-complex powder, 15g magnesium lactate, 12g calcium lactate, 9g potassium phosphate, 6g green coffee extract, 3g stevia extract, and 6g citric acid. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly with a whisk to prevent clumping when added to liquid - mineral powders especially tend to form lumps.
Step 4. Slowly add the dry powder mixture to the honey-citrus base while whisking constantly. Add it in three portions, whisking for 1-2 minutes between each addition to ensure complete dissolution. The mixture should be smooth with no visible powder particles. If you see any clumps, strain through fine mesh and re-whisk.
Step 5. Add 15 drops of organic orange essential oil and whisk for another minute. Essential oils are potent - start with fewer drops and taste-test, as you can always add more but can't subtract. The mixture should smell intensely citrusy and tropical.
Step 6. Transfer the concentrate to a clean glass jar or bottle with tight-fitting lid. This concentrate will keep refrigerated for up to 6 weeks due to the natural preservative properties of honey and citric acid. Always use clean utensils when portioning to maintain freshness.
Step 7. To serve: Mix 2 tablespoons (30ml) of concentrate with 591ml (20 oz) filtered water in a bottle or glass. Shake or stir vigorously until fully dissolved - the concentrate is dense and needs aggressive mixing. Taste and adjust with more concentrate if desired. Serve over ice for best flavor. Each serving provides approximately 100 calories and matches the vitamin profile of the commercial product but from whole food sources.
Storage
Store concentrate refrigerated in glass container for up to 6 weeks. Mixed drinks should be consumed within 24 hours. Shake concentrate before each use as natural separation may occur.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.42
Cost per serving (store-bought)$2.50
Savings83%
Higher upfront ingredient costs are offset by bulk purchasing and multiple batches. Most ingredients last for 5-10 batches, making long-term cost per serving significantly lower than calculated here.