Elvis Presley's Go-To On-Stage Drink Was Seriously Hydrating

What, exactly, the King of Rock and Roll filled his chalice with for performances might surprise you. In addition to trailblazing in the music industry and making waves in the world of food with his favorite pizza toppings, Elvis Presley also strayed from the reliable glass of room-temperature water. Even though regular water was not his first choice, Presley was not lacking on the hydration front with sparkling water and Gatorade as his top choices for on-stage beverages.

While they are not making fast breaks across the court or accomplishing superhuman feats of athleticism, singers and performers still need to stay hydrated to perform their best and avoid succumbing to fatigue onstage. While many singers refrain from drinking carbonated water to reduce the chance of acid reflux ruining the show, sparkling water is still a good choice since it is just as hydrating as regular water.

Gatorade was designed to sustain hydration throughout a workout, making it a great choice for any artist seeking to stay hydrated throughout their performance. It isn't surprising that Presley specifically preferred this sports drink for performances given that one of his favorite treats was the sweet and savory peanut butter sandwich.

Staying hydrated as a singer is the key to better and more comfortable performances. Drinking slowly will lubricate the larynx, the organ also known as the voice box. The muscles of the larynx control the tightness and vibration of the vocal cords, allowing singers to change the pitch, quality, and resonance of their voices as they sing. A lubricated larynx allows for vocal feats to be accomplished with less strain.

Just as sipping on Gatorade throughout a workout helps prevent dehydration, enjoying this beverage throughout performances may have helped Presley avoid becoming dehydrated. The electrolytes found in Gatorade are great for hydration, and the large amount of sugar and calories are the only downsides to consuming this sports drink. While it is certain that Presley loved having Gatorade on hand while on stage, we may never know if he was correctly opening those plastic six-pack rings the beverage comes packaged in.