If you’ve been diagnosed with gout or you’re trying to keep your uric acid levels in a healthy range, one question comes up again and again:

“What should I drink?”

I completely understand why.

Many people spend lots of time thinking about food, but they forget that what we drink every day can also play an important role in our overall health.

The good news is that there are plenty of beverages that fit well into a gout-friendly lifestyle.

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In this article, I’ll share the drinks I enjoy most often, explain what research says about each one, and tell you why I keep coming back to the basics.

1. Water – My Number One Choice

If I had to recommend only one drink, it would be water.

Water is still my favorite beverage because staying hydrated helps my kidneys do what they’re designed to do—filter waste products, including uric acid, from my bloodstream.

When I don’t drink enough water, my urine becomes more concentrated. That means my kidneys have a harder time removing uric acid efficiently.

That’s one reason dehydration is often discussed as a possible trigger for gout flare-ups.

I try to carry a reusable water bottle almost everywhere I go.

It’s a simple habit, but it’s probably the healthiest one I’ve developed.

Whenever I exercise or spend time outside on a hot day, I make an extra effort to drink more.

2. Coffee – Yes, I Drink It Every Day

Many people are surprised when I tell them coffee is one of my favorite beverages.

For years, people assumed coffee might be bad for gout.

Research has suggested something quite different.

Several large observational studies have found that regular coffee drinkers tend to have a lower risk of developing gout than people who don’t drink coffee.

Researchers still aren’t completely sure why.

It may be related to coffee’s natural compounds, antioxidants, or how coffee affects insulin sensitivity and uric acid metabolism.

That doesn’t mean coffee is a treatment for gout.

But if you already enjoy coffee, there’s generally no reason to avoid it simply because you have gout.

My only advice?

Go easy on the sugar.

Adding lots of syrup and sweeteners may cancel out many of the benefits.

3. Tea – One of My Daily Favorites

I’m also a big fan of tea.

Especially herbal teas.

Some of my favorites include:

Chamomile
Green Tea
Peppermint
Ginger
Hibiscus

Green tea is another popular choice because it’s naturally rich in antioxidants.

While research hasn’t shown that tea directly lowers uric acid levels, it can be an excellent replacement for sugary beverages.

That’s a big win in my book.

I especially enjoy a warm cup of chamomile tea in the evening before bed.

4. Tart Cherry Juice

Tart cherries have become one of the most talked-about foods in the gout community.

Several studies suggest tart cherries may help support joint health and healthy uric acid levels as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Some people prefer drinking tart cherry juice.

Others choose tart cherry extract supplements because they contain concentrated amounts without the added sugar found in many juices.

Personally, I prefer a quality tart cherry extract because it’s convenient and easy to include in my daily routine.

If you do buy juice, take a close look at the nutrition label.

Some products contain a surprising amount of added sugar.

5. Lemon Water

Lemon water has become extremely popular.

People often ask me if it “flushes out” uric acid.

The truth is a little more complicated.

There isn’t strong evidence that lemon water dramatically lowers uric acid by itself.

However, drinking lemon water can help increase your overall fluid intake.

And staying well hydrated is one of the best habits anyone with gout can develop.

I occasionally squeeze fresh lemon into my water simply because I enjoy the taste.

If it encourages me to drink another glass of water, that’s a win.

6. Sparkling Water

One question I hear surprisingly often is:

“Can I drink sparkling water?”

Absolutely.

Plain sparkling water hydrates just like regular water.

The key word is plain.

Some sparkling beverages contain large amounts of added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.

Those are the drinks I try to avoid.

Unsweetened sparkling water with natural flavors has become one of my favorite alternatives when I want something a little different.

7. Coconut Water

Coconut water has become increasingly popular over the past several years.

It naturally contains potassium and electrolytes, making it appealing after exercise or on hot summer days.

That said, not every coconut water is the same.

Some brands add extra sugar.

Whenever I buy coconut water, I look for varieties with no added sugar.

While coconut water can certainly fit into a healthy diet, I still rely on plain water as my primary beverage.

Drinks I Try to Limit

Not every drink supports a gout-friendly lifestyle.

I try to limit:

Regular soft drinks
Sugary fruit drinks
Energy drinks
Sweetened iced teas
Drinks made with high-fructose corn syrup
Excess alcohol

Research has consistently linked sugar-sweetened beverages—particularly those containing fructose—with higher uric acid levels and an increased risk of gout.

That’s one of the easiest changes many people can make.

My Daily Drink Routine

People often ask me what I drink on a typical day.

It’s actually very simple.

Most days look something like this:

☕ Coffee in the morning.

💧 Water throughout the day.

🌿 Herbal tea in the evening.

Occasionally I’ll enjoy sparkling water, lemon water, or coconut water.

I also take Gout and You’s Tart Cherry Extract as part of my daily wellness routine because it’s an easy way for me to include tart cherries without worrying about added sugars found in some juices.

Simple habits are usually the easiest habits to stick with.