The right drink can be just as important as the right snack when you’re playing 18 holes. Golf might not feel as intense as a full-on cardio workout, but walking miles, carrying or pushing your clubs, and swinging repeatedly all add up. Staying hydrated helps you play better, feel better and avoid the mid-round slump. And, let’s be honest, sometimes the drink is about pure enjoyment and tradition as much as hydration.
Here’s a look at the best drinks to bring or grab during your round, divided into healthy hydration options and more indulgent, just-for-fun choices.
Healthy drinks for performance and hydration
Healthy golf drinks are all about keeping your energy steady, your mind clear, and your body functioning well through the whole round.
Water
The simplest and most important drink on the course. Dehydration affects focus, stamina,and even swing mechanics. Keep a refillable bottle in your bag or cart and sip consistently instead of chugging only when you feel thirsty. If the course has water stations, top up each time you pass one.
Electrolyte drinks
Sweating during summer rounds or walking hilly courses means losing more than just water. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium help maintain muscle function and prevent cramping. Drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, and BodyArmor are popular choices, while options like Nuun tablets or Liquid I.V. packets can be added to your water for a lighter, lower-sugar boost.
Coconut water
A natural source of potassium and light hydration, coconut water can be a good alternative to traditional sports drinks if you want fewer additives. Some golfers mix it with a splash of fruit juice for extra flavor.
Iced tea (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
Unsweetened iced tea provides hydration with a small caffeine boost without the sugar crash of soda. Green tea varieties also contain antioxidants. If you prefer it sweetened, go light to avoid a quick spike and drop in energy.
Cold brew or iced coffee
For golfers who like a caffeine boost to sharpen focus, cold brew or iced coffee is a great option, especially on morning rounds. Just avoid overdoing it, as too much caffeine can lead to jitters or dehydration if you’re not also drinking water.
Flavored water
If plain water feels boring, lightly flavored waters like Hint, Bubly, or LaCroix can make hydration more enjoyable without added sugar. They also pair well with snacks and feel refreshing on hot days.
Indulgent drinks for fun and tradition
Golf is also about enjoying the experience, and for many players, that includes a favorite drink at the turn or in the cart. These aren’t performance boosters, but they can add to the day in their own way.
Beer
A classic golf course choice. Light beers like Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, or Coors Light are popular because they’re refreshing and lower in alcohol, helping you pace yourself over 18 holes.
Craft beer lovers often bring cans from local breweries for something more flavorful.
Hard seltzers
Light, fizzy, and easy to drink, hard seltzers like White Claw, Truly, and High Noon have become a modern favorite for hot days. They’re lower in calories and sugar than many mixed drinks, making them a lighter option for social rounds.
Ready-to-drink cocktails
Canned cocktails like Transfusion (vodka, grape juice, ginger ale), John Daly (iced tea, lemonade, and vodka), or margaritas are convenient and feel like a treat. Many courses even sell their own signature mixes.
The classic Arnold Palmer
Half iced tea, half lemonade. The non-alcoholic version is refreshing and light, while some golfers add vodka to make it a “John Daly” for an adult twist.
Soft drinks
Cola, root beer, and lemon-lime sodas are a quick sugar and caffeine boost. They won’t help with hydration, but they can lift energy and morale, especially if you’re flagging late in the round.
Energy drinks
Not for everyone, but some golfers swear by a can of Red Bull, Monster, or Celsius for an afternoon jolt. If you go this route, balance it with water to avoid dehydration, and be aware that high caffeine and sugar can cause a crash later.
Drinks to avoid
Some drinks can make your round harder than it needs to be:
- Anything extremely high in sugar without balancing hydration
- Excessive alcohol, which can dehydrate you and affect coordination
- Very hot drinks in extreme heat, which can raise body temperature
- Milk-based drinks on hot days, as they can feel heavy and spoil quickly
Tips for packing and carrying drinks
Keeping drinks cold on the course makes them far more enjoyable. Many golf bags have cooler pockets that can hold a couple of bottles or cans, but you can also use a small soft-sided cooler for more storage. Freeze a bottle of water the night before and use it as an ice pack early in the round, then drink it as it melts. On walking rounds, lightweight bottles are easier to manage, while riding carts can handle a larger supply.
If you’re mixing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, alternate between them to stay hydrated. This keeps you feeling better and playing better, especially in warm conditions.
Balancing hydration and enjoyment
The sweet spot for most golfers is to combine functional hydration with a drink or two purely for enjoyment. You might start with water and an electrolyte drink through the front nine, then enjoy a beer, seltzer, or soda at the turn. This way, you get the performance benefits of staying hydrated without missing out on the social side of the game.
Final thoughts
The best drinks for the golf course depend on the kind of round you’re playing. Competitive or practice rounds call for hydration-first choices like water, electrolytes, and light caffeine. Relaxed, social rounds leave more room for beers, seltzers, or your favorite on-course cocktail. The key is balance — keeping your body fueled and your spirits high from the first drive to the last putt.
Let’s hear from you
What’s your go-to drink on the golf course? Do you stick with water and sports drinks, or do you mix in a few indulgent options? Share your favorites and why they’re your must-haves.