When you’re gearing up for an epic road trip with SIXT, keeping your hydration levels in check is not just important—it’s essential for your alertness and overall well-being. Sure, water should be your go-to for optimum health and hydration, but let’s be honest, plain H2O can sometimes lack the zing you need on a long journey. That’s why we’ve crafted the ultimate guide of drinks, including exciting options like protein drinks, electrolyte drinks, and more to keep you refreshed and energized as you cruise down the highway on your next road trip adventure with SIXT.
Craving something more substantial? Embark on SIXT’s hoagie hunter journey to help us uncover what makes the perfect hoagie. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with $2,500 and a $500 gas station gift card!
Slushies
Slushies are more than just a tasty treat; they symbolize road trips and evoke nostalgia for carefree moments with family and friends. As gas stations evolve, slushies remain a timeless favorite, embodying American convenience culture. They’re available at nearly every gas station, and with a wide range of flavors like cherry, blue raspberry, sour apple, and tropical punch, you can easily customize your drink. Vibrant, sweet, and fun to mix, slushies are especially popular among families and kids on the go. Whether you’re seeking a burst of flavor or a quick cool-down, slushies offer a refreshing way to break up a long drive.
Electrolyte Drinks
Staying hydrated is essential, especially during outdoor activities or when traveling through warm areas. Electrolyte drinks help you maintain energy and hydration levels, offering the perfect solution for those long stretches on the road.
Gatorade and Powerade
Gatorade and Powerade are two iconic electrolyte drinks that offer a variety of flavors and low-sugar options. These electrolyte drinks are your perfect hydration partners, ensuring you stay refreshed and energized throughout the drive. Grab a few bottles to stay hydrated and energized throughout your adventure.
Liquid I.V.
Don’t let dehydration slow you down! Liquid I.V. transforms ordinary water into a powerhouse of hydration with its convenient powdered mixes. Simply add a stick to your water to create the perfect electrolyte drink for those long stretches through dry landscapes. With delicious flavors like Strawberry and Passion Fruit, you’ll stay refreshed and energized, making every mile of your journey enjoyable. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it the ultimate travel companion for keeping you at your best on the road.
Protein-Packed Options
Once favored by athletes, protein drinks have gained significant popularity due to the growing recognition of protein as beneficial for muscle building and wider health benefits. With these healthy ready-to-drink beverages, you can easily meet your protein needs without the hassle of preparation.
Muscle Milk
Ideal for health-conscious travelers or gym enthusiasts on the go, Muscle Milk delivers protein drinks that pack a punch. Muscle Milk is designed to aid muscle recovery and growth and it certainly delivers, offering between 20 to 40 grams of protein per serving from milk proteins. These shakes are also low in sugar and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D, making them a healthy energy drink option to keep you going on the road.
Fairlife Core Power
Another fantastic choice for protein drinks is Fairlife Core Power. With 26g of high-quality protein per bottle and only 7g of sugar, this drink is perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It’s a healthier alternative to sugary snacks you might find at the gas station, ensuring that even on the road, you’re making a smart nutritional choice. Plus, its lactose-free formulation ensures that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy it without discomfort. Grab one next time you fuel up!
Classic Soft Drinks
Sometimes you can’t beat the classics.
Coca-Cola and Pepsi
No road trip feels complete without the nostalgic fizz of soft drinks like Coca-Cola or Pepsi. These iconic sodas have been go-to refreshers for generations, offering a delightful caffeine boost to keep drivers alert while satisfying those sweet cravings. PepsiCo has even launched fruity new flavors to pair nicely with chill vibes on the freeway. Berry, lime, and mango – all three fit the mood perfectly. If you’re looking for a lighter option, their diet or zero-sugar versions are perfect substitutes.
Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is the ultimate refreshment for those seeking an exhilarating boost. With its vibrant citrus flavor and a punch of caffeine, it’s the perfect companion for road trips or late-night adventures. Whether you’re hitting the highway or powering through a busy day, this energizing soda keeps you alert and awake.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for healthy drinks to balance out the indulgence of classic soft drinks, there are plenty of healthy alternatives out there, perfect for health-conscious travelers.
Sparkling Water
Brands like LaCroix, Spindrift, and Bubly have transformed the sparkling water scene. These naturally flavored beverages deliver a refreshing fizz without harmful sugars, syrups, and additives, making them ideal for travelers seeking a healthy drink option.
Coconut Water
Nature’s sports drink, coconut water is brimming with electrolytes. Conveniently packaged by brands like Vita Coco and Zico, it’s one of the most refreshing and healthy choices on the list.
Coffee
For many, no road trip is complete without a stop at Starbucks or Dunkin’. These coffee powerhouses offer a range of hot and cold beverages to suit every palate. However, gas stations are becoming an increasingly popular alternative for coffee lovers on the go. Many gas stations now feature freshly brewed coffee options that can rival those from major chains. Plus, if you prefer your own brew, packing a thermos filled with homemade coffee ensures you have a delicious drink ready whenever you need it.
Refreshing Teas
If you’re seeking a refreshing and hydrating drink, cold teas on-the-go provide a healthier option compared to traditional sodas.
Arizona Iced Tea
The 99-cent Arizona Iced Tea is a road trip staple, offering affordability and variety. With a generous 23-ounce can for just 99 cents, it’s an economical choice. Its wide range of flavors, from Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey to Mucho Mango, ensures there’s something for everyone. Convenient and budget-friendly, it’s the perfect gas station grab for staying refreshed on the go.
Snapple
With its diverse selection of fruit-flavored teas, Snapple presents a more natural alternative to sugary sodas, with popular flavors like Peach, Lemon Tea, Kiwi Strawberry, and Mango Madness, catering to fruit lovers looking for a flavorful twist. Beyond its taste, Snapple doubles as entertainment with “Real Facts” printed under every bottle cap, providing trivia to spark conversation during pit stops.
Unique Regional Favorites
Sweet Tea (Southern States)
If you’re traveling through the South, indulge in authentic sweet tea.
Birch Beer (Northeast)
A unique treat popular in Pennsylvania, birch beer offers a complex flavor reminiscent of root beer but with its own twist.
Balancing Hydration and Convenience
While it’s tempting to stock up on sugary drinks for quick energy boosts, balance these choices with plenty of water and healthier snack options. Overindulging in diuretics like coffee or alcohol can lead to dehydration—a risk you don’t want on long drives. Part of the joy of road-tripping with SIXT is discovering local beverages along the way. Embrace regional specialties or stop at quirky roadside stands; these moments can become cherished memories of your adventure. Remember, the ideal road trip drink keeps you alert, hydrated, and enjoying every mile. Whether you’re drawn to the fizz of classic sodas or the simplicity of water, a perfect beverage is waiting for you on your journey. So pack that cooler, hit the open road, and savor every sip along the way!
