The “pink drink” has become a phenomenon among professional tennis players in recent years. Many fans have noticed top athletes sipping on brightly colored pink beverages during changeovers on the court. This has sparked curiosity about what exactly is in these mystery drinks and why tennis pros seem so drawn to them.
The pink drink is usually a sports beverage that contains a mix of electrolytes, carbs, and other nutrients meant to hydrate and energize. Brands like Pocari Sweat, Cytomax, and Endexor are popular choices. While the specific ingredients vary, the key is the pink color which comes from added beet root or other veggie concentrates. The drinks provide fluids, electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and carbohydrates for energy.
Tennis by nature is an extremely demanding endurance sport. Matches at the pro level can last hours, requiring intense physical exertion under hot lights and pressure. Dehydration and muscle fatigue are constant threats. Drinking something like a beet-infused, electrolyte-packed pink sports drink allows players to replenish fluids, energize muscles, and stay at peak performance level throughout a draining match. While the pink hue may look unusual, the benefits are very real.
What Exactly is the Pink Drink?
The pink drink that has become popular among professional tennis players actually originated in Japan in the 1980s. It was developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and sold under the name Pocari Sweat.
Pocari Sweat was designed to help athletes quickly replenish fluids, electrolytes and minerals lost through sweating during exercise. The light pink color comes from the addition of grape and other fruit extracts. While not as popular initially in the US, Pocari Sweat and similar sports drinks started gaining attention after being seen alongside courts at high-profile tennis tournaments.
Over time, the concept of a pink electrolyte drink took off more broadly. Today, major beverage companies sell their own versions, personal formulas are shared online, and the drinks remain a staple for pro tennis players looking to stay hydrated and energized during long matches under the hot lights.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in the Starbucks Pink Drink are:
- Water
- Strawberries
- Sugar
- White grape juice concentrate
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid
- Natural green coffee flavor
- Color added from fruit and vegetable juices (likely beet powder)
The Pink Drink contains 140 calories per 16 fluid ounce serving. It has 34 grams of sugar, which accounts for most of the calories. There are 36mg of caffeine from the green coffee extract. It contains antioxidants from strawberry juice and negligible protein, fat, fiber, sodium, vitamins, and minerals.
Intended Effects
The pink drink is intended to help tennis players maximize their performance during matches and tournaments.
Its key effects include:
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Replacing electrolytes lost through sweat – Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for muscle function, nerve signaling, and hydration. Sweating causes the body to lose electrolytes, so the pink drink helps restore them.
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Providing an energy boost – Ingredients like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and B vitamins can increase available energy during play by reducing fatigue. This gives players the endurance to compete at a high level for hours.
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Preventing cramps and maintaining muscle function – Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration are common causes of muscle cramps. By replenishing electrolytes, the pink drink helps prevent cramps that could impair performance.
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Improving focus and reaction time – Ingredients like BCAAs may help improve cognitive function and reaction speed during long matches by providing fuel for the brain.
Scientific Research
Multiple scientific studies have examined the potential performance benefits of the ingredients in the pink drink. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that cyclists given a sweet, non-caloric pink drink pedaled up to 29% faster in a 15-minute time trial compared to a taste-matched clear drink. The researchers concluded that the color pink may amplify the benefits of carbohydrate mouth rinses on exercise performance by “hacking” the brain’s reward system.
Another 2021 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition examined the effect of a pink drink containing sodium, carbohydrates, and a sweetener on exercise performance in 11 endurance-trained male athletes. Participants completed a 30-minute treadmill run at 80% max heart rate, followed by a 5km time trial. Consuming the pink drink resulted in faster 5km completion times and higher power output compared to a placebo, suggesting performance benefits for endurance athletes.
Overall, these studies indicate that pink drinks containing carbohydrates and sweeteners may provide ergogenic benefits by enhancing motivation, pleasure, and exercise intensity. However, more research is still needed on larger sample sizes.
Anecdotal Evidence
Many professional tennis players have reported benefits from drinking the pink drink during matches. Roger Federer is one of the most famous players to endorse it, saying it helps him stay energized and focused on hot days. Other pros like Victoria Azarenka and Sloane Stephens have also been spotted sipping the distinctive pink beverage on changeovers.
While formal scientific research is limited, the testimonials from top athletes provide powerful anecdotal evidence. Their success and reliance on the drink during grueling matches suggests real performance and recovery benefits. As intense competitors, they would not waste time drinking something that didn’t provide a true advantage.
The pink drink’s popularity extends to college and recreational players looking to mimic the pros. Many report it curbs muscle fatigue, prevents cramps, and helps them stay sharp mentally. More research is needed, but the strong word-of-mouth endorsement speaks volumes.
Potential Downsides
While some athletes and fitness enthusiasts love the Plexus Pink Drink, there are some potential downsides to consider before trying it.
One concern is the high sugar content. Each packet contains 15 grams of sugar, primarily from grapefruit juice concentrate and natural flavors. Consuming multiple packets per day could easily exceed the American Heart Association’s recommendation of no more than 25 grams of added sugar for women and 36 grams for men. Too much added sugar is linked to obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Those managing blood sugar levels need to be mindful of the carb and sugar content.
Some users also report temporary side effects like bloating, gas, nausea, stomach ache, and constipation after drinking the Pink Drink, especially when first starting out. These issues typically resolve within a week or two as the body adjusts. However, anyone with a sensitivity to chromium or grapefruit may want to avoid the Pink Drink altogether.
Additionally, the Pink Drink is not a magic bullet for weight loss. While it may provide an energy boost before exercise, sustaining weight loss requires long-term lifestyle changes like adopting a healthy diet and staying active. Relying solely on the drink without making other positive changes is unlikely to lead to lasting results.
Overall, the Plexus Pink Drink may offer some benefits, but also has some potential downsides to consider. As with any supplement, it’s best to consult your doctor before trying, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or sensitivities. Moderation and realistic expectations are advised.
Alternatives
While the pink drink has gained popularity among tennis players, there are other drinks that athletes use for hydration and energy.
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Cytomax is a sports drink that contains a mix of carbohydrates, electrolytes, vitamins, and amino acids. It aims to provide energy and reduce muscle fatigue during exercise. Some athletes prefer Cytomax over the pink drink as it has a more scientific formula tailored to athletic performance.
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Homemade sports drinks using ingredients like coconut water, fruit juices, salt, and maple syrup can provide electrolytes, fluids, and carbs. Recipes can be customized based on ingredients on hand and personal taste preferences. Making your own allows you to control the sugar content.
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While less pink in color, traditional sports drinks like Gatorade also aim to keep athletes hydrated and energized. The classic lemon-lime flavor has been a staple for athletes across many sports for decades. The brand offers a range of formulas and flavors to suit different needs.
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Water is an underrated hydration hero. Adding electrolyte tablets or powder can create a zero-calorie drink that keeps muscles fueled and cramps at bay during intense physical activity. For some athletes, plain water is still the go-to for uncomplicated hydration.
How to Make Your Own
While the branded hydration drinks favored by pros can be pricey and hard to find, you can make your own version at home. The key ingredients in most tennis player pink drinks are coconut water, fruit juices, and electrolytes.
One simple recipe combines coconut water, frozen strawberries, banana, honey, and sea salt. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy for a refreshing hydration boost.
For more electrolytes, some DIY recipes suggest adding a pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt or an electrolyte supplement powder. You can also experiment with using different fruit juices like watermelon, raspberry, or orange juice. The most important factor is finding a combination you enjoy drinking while staying properly hydrated.
Tailor the ingredients based on your own tastes and nutritional needs. The benefit of homemade drinks is customizing both the flavors and the electrolyte content. Just be sure to keep the beverage light and sippable, so you can consume it steadily even during an intense tennis match. With some trial and error, you’ll discover your perfect pink tennis tonic.
The Future
Will the pink drink stay popular among tennis players? While no one can predict the future with absolute certainty, there are several reasons to believe the pink drink trend will continue.
First, the pink drink provides real benefits that help tennis players perform at their best. The combination of electrolytes, amino acids, and carbohydrates can help fight dehydration, muscle fatigue, and loss of energy during long matches under hot conditions. As long as the science supports the efficacy of the ingredients, players will likely keep drinking it.
Second, the top tennis professionals continue to use it. Stars like Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, and Naomi Osaka frequently drink the pink drink during changeovers. Their endorsement and modeling helps drive adoption among competitive players. As pink drink use becomes ingrained in tennis culture, up and coming players are likely to follow suit.
Lastly, sports nutrition brands have a vested interest in sustaining the trend. Companies like NutriBio and Oxylane continue optimizing pink drink formulas and expanding product lines. They provide sponsorships to coaches and academies to get young players drinking pink drinks early in their careers. With big brands invested in growth, the pink drink is poised to maintain market share.
Of course, future tennis stars may introduce their own hydration fads. But for now, the pink drink remains the go-to elixir for hard-hitting, court-covering tennis. Its benefits should continue fueling its popularity well into the foreseeable future.
