Life

Is This The New Coconut Water?

by Alyse Whitney

As the sweltering summer heat sets in, it's more and more important to stay hydrated, and sometimes water just isn't enough. We all know the healthy properties of coconut water — and Bustle even has the best coconut water brands to obsess over — but there's a new "water" in town that tastes like summer without the slight sun tan lotion aftertaste: watermelon water.

When I was first introduced to WTRMLN WTR, I expected water with a hint of watermelon, but it's the exact opposite. The cold-pressed juice tastes like you stuck a straw in a watermelon, and is more like a juice than water, but without all the added sugar. The only ingredients in it are watermelon flesh, watermelon rind, and lemon, but those 12 oz. of liquid sunshine pack a real punch. There are 740 mg of potassium (a.k.a. double the amount in a banana) in one bottle to help lower your blood pressure and get those electrolytes up, and 520 mg of L-Citrulline, which helps repair your muscles post-workout.

Not convinced to make the switch yet? Here are five more reasons you need to jump on the WTRMLN WTR train, including the real reason Beyoncé may have written "Drunk in Love."

1. It can cure that hangover AND help you get drunk

Not gonna lie, I've used this as a mixer for vodka-watermelon cocktails a lot already. (One of my faves is Thai Melonade, and the recipe is above.) Drink some at night with friends, then chug one in the morning — it has six times the electrolytes of a sports drink like Gatorade.

2. You can Benjamin Button yourself

In addition to helping fuel your workout or morning after recovery, it also has lots of lycopene, which is known for its anti-aging benefits. Hello, summer glow.

3. Celebs love it

Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Chrissy Teigen are all fans of the bright pink juice, so you know it must be good.

4. It'll help you get drunk in love

Citrulline also helps relax and dilate blood vessels, much like Viagra, and watermelon is known to be an aphrodisiac. So, is "I've been drinkin' watermelon" in Beyoncé's "Drunk in Love" about watermelon water? Maybe, maybe not... but it's worth a shot in the bedroom.

5. You can cook with it, too

Want to eat these benefits, too? Try this recipe for watermelon gazpacho:

Ingredients:

2 large heirloom tomatoes

½ jalapeno (seeds removed — can add more if you prefer spicier)

1 bottle WTRMLN WTR

1 tsp. sherry vinegar

¼ cup fruity (not spicy) extra virgin olive oil

1 English cucumber, peeled with seeds removed

Dash of salt and pepper

Squeeze of lime juice

Prepare: Blend in a high power mixer, adding vinegar and oil slowly. Top with more fresh black pepper to taste, and serve with mint, diced watermelon, and feta to garnish. Serve chilled.

Images: WTRMLN WTR; Giphy (3)