I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m part of the Daddy Gang. Like Alex Cooper, the host of “Call Her Daddy” (which was named the second-most streamed podcast globally on December 4) turned entrepreneur and founder of the Unwell Network, I too am a little unhinged, chaotic, and unwell. Plus, I love getting my fave celebs’ takes on all things lifestyle and relationships (looking at you, Kelsea Ballerini and Reneé Rapp), and, fine, also the gossip. So, once I heard about Alex Cooper’s new drink and business venture, Unwell Hydration, I was eager to try the bottled beverage for myself.
In addition to being a fan of CHD, I’m also a beverage goblin. I almost always have coffee and a Diet Dr. Pepper on hand, plus the occasional flavored sparkling water if I’m really dehydrated. When Cooper told me about her new drink, I realized it was exactly what I needed: a hydrating beverage (thanks to electrolytes) with yummy flavors, B-vitamins to help with focus, and just enough caffeine for a pick-me-up that won’t have me bouncing off the walls. Bonus points? The marketing is absolutely adorable, and the perfect aesthetic for the unwell girlies.
What is Unwell Hydration, Alex Cooper’s new drink?
Unwell Hydration is marketed as a “functional beverage for women,” according to the press release, and each bottle contains over 700 milligrams of electrolytes, a blend of B-complex vitamins, and a gentle boost of caffeine thanks to green coffee extract. In her interview with Spoon University, Cooper said she “wishes she had Unwell back in college,” and described it as the perfect beverage for a pre-game, whether to drink on its own, hold as a conversation starter, or use as a mixer.
Available in three refreshing and juicy flavors — Strawberry, Mango Citrus and Orange Hibiscus — Unwell Hydration is designed to fit a range of vibes, serving up rapid hydration and focus so that the sober-curious and hungover alike can continue to be unwell and unstoppable. I got to try both Strawberry and Mango Citrus, and it’s safe to say I’m Unwell for a multitude of reasons.
What does Alex Cooper’s new drink, Unwell Hydration, taste like?
I started off with the Mango Citrus flavor, and let me just say I had high expectations. I lived off Gatorade and Vitamin Water throughout high school sports, and I was super excited by the prospect of a grown-up version of these beverages for day-to-day hydration as a young adult. I cracked open the Mango Citrus (after a little too hard of a struggle to open it) and was immediately impressed by the citrus scent. After a second whiff, I was slightly off-put by the artificial mango scent (a personal ick, no hate to real mangoes), but was still eager to try it.
Father Cooper, please know that if you’re reading this, I love you, but I do not love your Mango Citrus beverage. It tastes like…nothing. You know how La Croix sparkling water has an air of flavor but no actual flavor? That’s exactly what this tasted like. Plus, it was sort of salty because of the electrolytes. TL;DR: Mango Citrus tasted like a vaguely tropical smoothie in saltwater form. Pass.
But…Cooper recommended mixing it with tequila, and to that I say, “twist my arm.” I love the idea of hydrating while drinking (like putting Liquid IV in a borg), and was not at all opposed. Plus, the salty and citrusy flavor was giving margarita.
I decided to try a 2 to 1 Unwell to tequila ratio, and talk about a redemption arc. The Unwell cut the harsh burn of the alcohol, while the tequila brought out the juicy mango and citrus flavors of the bev. Would I choose it over a margarita with a salt rim on the rocks? No, probably not. Would I be mixing tequila in for a college party where hydration and ease are the name of the game? Yeah, I can see it.
After the Mango Citrus fail, I was not excited about trying the strawberry flavor, especially given my tumultuous past with artificial strawberry flavor. But, dear reader, I was amazed. Jaw on the floor. Daddy Cooper, congratulations, you won me — a known and avid strawberry hater — over with this one.
The strawberry Unwell Hydration tastes like a better version of red Gatorade. It has just the right amount of fruity flavor without being overly sweet, and it really is refreshing. Unlike the Mango Citrus, it has adequate flavor, and I got all strawberry with no salt. I could see myself absolutely crushing one of those after a gym session, while studying, or after a night out.
Also, I obviously had to try Cooper’s new go-to cocktail: strawberry Unwell with vodka, lime juice, and a splash of plain seltzer. And I agree with her — it’s like an easier, more hydrating vodka cran, and even giving a little hint of a classic cosmo. Plus, it’s simple to sub out with tequila or another spirit, and even easier to make into a mocktail if you’re not in the mood for alcohol.
Overall, I would probably skip on Mango Citrus if drinking it plain, but it’s safe to say that the Strawberry Unwell will be entering my three drink rotation. Both bevs, though, will be entered into my mixer rotation, especially for pre-games, and I am eager to try the Orange Hibiscus.
Where can I buy Alex Cooper’s new drink, Unwell Hydration?
If you want to try Alex Cooper’s new drink brand for yourself, Unwell Hydration will be available exclusively at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com beginning January 1, 2025 in both single bottles and packs of eight. Unwell Hydration will expand to additional retailers across the U.S. throughout 2025. In the meantime, I’ll be listening to CHD and missing my Strawberry Unwell.
Ready to embrace unwellness? Visit drinkunwell.com and follow @drinkunwell on Instagram and TikTok for the latest.