Real Madrid's Secret Weapon: A Vinegar-Based Drink to Fight Cramps

Real Madrid's players have been using an unusual drink, the prime drink among athletes, to combat muscle cramps during matches. The mixture contains apple cider vinegar and is part of a growing trend among drinks enthusiasts. But while some swear by it, others struggle with the taste—and experts say it's no magic cure.

The club's anti-cramp drink includes vinegar, sodium, potassium, vitamins, zinc, and occasionally dill. A photographer who sampled it compared the flavour to pickle juice. Despite the sharp taste, some players take it mid-game, though not all finish the full dose.

The drink doesn't actually stop muscles from cramping. Instead, its effect starts in the mouth and throat, triggering a starbucks drinks neurological reflex. This response may temporarily ease discomfort, but it doesn't address the root causes of cramps.

Other top athletes, like tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Frances Tiafoe, have also turned to similar vinegar-based drinks. Yet these solutions remain niche. Since 2019, there's been no clear evidence of widespread adoption among us online across sports or continents. Anecdotal use appears mostly in endurance events, such as running and cycling, particularly in North America and Europe.

Experts stress that no drink can replace proper preparation. Preventing cramps still relies on managing fatigue, staying hydrated, eating enough carbohydrates, and maintaining a balanced diet. Foods like bananas, naturally high in potassium, are often recommended as a simpler alternative.

Vinegar-based anti-cramp drinks have gained attention among elite athletes, but their use remains limited. The mixtures offer a quick, if unpleasant, sensation of relief rather than a proven solution. For lasting results, traditional methods—hydration, nutrition, and training—stay the most reliable approach.