Homemade Agave Citrus Energy Gel
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Enjoy these as small agave-lemon energy gels spiked with guarana, a simple DIY carb-and-caffeine boost for endurance sessions.
Small agave-lemon energy gels spiked with guarana, a simple DIY carb-and-caffeine boost for endurance sessions. One squeeze on a long ride or run and you are back in the game. Way cheaper than the packets, and you know exactly what is in it.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 1/2 cup (120g) agave syrup
- 🫗 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
- 🫗 1/2 teaspoon guarana powder
- 🫗 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 🫗 2 teaspoons (10ml) water, to loosen
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Whisk the agave, lemon juice, guarana and salt together in a small bowl.
Stir in the water a little at a time until the gel pours smoothly.
Warm gently for a few seconds if needed so everything blends.
Portion into 6 reusable squeeze sachets or small snack bags.
Chill until ready to use.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Staying too thick to squeeze, forcing you to rip the sachet open mid-ride.
- ✕
Over-caffeinating by adding guarana on top of your usual coffee.
- ✕
Oversalting the syrup so the citrus turns sharp and salty.
🔄 Variations
Add orange juice instead of lemon for a rounder flavor.
Swap the agave for maple syrup or clear honey.
Add a pinch of citric acid for extra tartness and to extend shelf life.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Keep sealed sachets in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for 3 months.
- 📦
Carry an icy sachet in a pocket and let it warm up to a smooth gel.
💡 Chef Tips
Tip 1: Guarana is potent; start with half a teaspoon of powder per batch.
Tip 2: Thin the gel just enough to squeeze easily between bottles.
Tip 3: Label each sachet, since a single gel is about 90kcal and 23g of carbs.
❓ FAQ
How much caffeine is in one gel? Roughly the equivalent of a small cup of coffee, ideal for the final stretch of a long effort.
Is it a full replacement for a commercial gel? Yes, in calories and carbs, with a nice touch of caffeine.
How should I carry it? In tagged, reusable squeeze sachets that you can wash between uses.
How many should I take? Start with one every 45 to 60 minutes, adjusting to your stomach.
🔗 Related Recipes
About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →