Summer hydration can be a challenge. Hot days drain energy quickly, and it’s easy to forget to drink enough. Some people get caught up in busy routines. Others don’t notice thirst until they already feel tired or lightheaded.
For many, the heat also comes with extra expenses, as keeping cool has its costs when it comes to electricity, air conditioning, and even the types of drinks we buy. Balancing comfort, hydration, and cost can be a tricky summer equation.
Staying hydrated helps keep your body cool, your focus sharp, and your mood steady. But knowing what to drink and how to remember can make all the difference.
To learn more, we asked Ipsos iSay website visitors* about the drinks they reach for in the heat and the tricks they use to keep water a priority. The answers reveal simple habits that work for different lifestyles, from keeping a bottle nearby to choosing refreshing flavors that make drinking water more enjoyable.
Favorite Summer Drink
When asked about their go-to beverage for beating the summer heat, 56% of Ipsos iSay visitors chose plain water. It’s the simplest and most effective way to stay hydrated this summer, helping your body function properly and regulate temperature. Many aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, though the National Academy of Medicine suggests daily intake should actually be higher, around 92 ounces for women and 125 ounces for men.
Iced tea came in second at 13% since it offers a refreshing option when served unsweetened. Lemonade followed at 11%, while sports drinks and other beverages like coconut water, juice, or milk each earned 10%. Sports drinks can help replenish minerals lost through sweating, especially electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Coconut water is also naturally high in potassium and has a light, hydrating flavor.
Of course, hydration choices often depend on how you spend your summer days. People with more active summer plans may opt for beverages that offer both hydration and extra nutrients to keep up with energy demands. If you’re traveling, exercising, or relaxing outdoors, tailor your drink choices to your activities so you feel your best.
Hydration Reminders
We also asked our website visistors how they remember to drink enough water throughout the day. More than half (53%) said they always keep a water bottle nearby, which makes it easy to sip regularly without overthinking it. About 31% admitted they only drink when thirsty, but waiting for thirst can be a sign that dehydration has already set in.
Another 11% take regular water breaks, a habit that helps keep hydration status steady during hot weather. Along with beverages, eating water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, celery, and cantaloupe can help keep you hydrated. These foods are high in water content and can support your body’s hydration needs in addition to drinking plenty of water.
And while hydration plays a role in physical health, it can also influence how we feel mentally, especially during stressful times. In fact, research on who feels stress in America the most shows that lifestyle factors, including hydration and nutrition, can affect resilience and overall well-being.
Your Summer Hydration Check-In
The results make one thing clear: water is still the most trusted way to beat the summer heat. Small habits, like keeping a bottle close, make staying hydrated simple and effective. Iced tea, lemonade, and sports drinks each have their fans, but building consistency is what supports good hydration and overall health.
As you reflect on your own summer hydration habits, try adding one extra tip to your day. Eat more water-rich foods, drink a glass of water before heading out, or track your intake. Then, visit your Ipsos iSay dashboard to take upcoming surveys and share your voice. Your input helps shape the conversations we have here.
*These results represent Ipsos iSay web visitors and may not reflect the views of the general population.
