SAS Australia winner and media personality Merrick Watts has launched a sports drink called Posca Hydrate, based on an ancient recipe used by gladiators.
Posca Hydrate is Australia’s first sugar-free sparkling hypertonic drink in a can, featuring all-natural ingredients and is 100% stimulant-free.
Posca Hydrate is enriched with four essential electrolytes and boosted with the addition of red wine vinegar. Red wine vinegar is a rich source of antioxidants (five times more than apple cider vinegar).
The original Posca recipe dates back to ancient Rome, widely regarded at the time as the beverage of choice of soldiers and gladiators.
“Over the past 10 or so years, I’ve become a self-confessed health and fitness nut and like many of us, I have been disappointed with the lack of sugar-free, all-natural sports drink options available on the market,” Watts (above) said.
“Aussies are increasingly becoming more health conscious and searching for a better alternative to stay hydrated – without a crash, without sugar, without stimulants, without regrets.
“It was during the depths of the COVID lockdown of 2021 that I came across the original Posca recipe and its fascinating stories, buried in the [online] history books. It got me thinking that there is a thing or two we can learn about hydration and health from the ancient world. Given Posca was the drink of actual gladiators, there is no doubt it is the original sports drink.”
Ex SAS doctor and author Dr Dan Pronk said: “Australian research suggests that around 80% of people are suffering from mild dehydration symptoms daily, whether that’s feeling thirsty, tired, or having a dry mouth.
“This is where hydration sports drinks, including hypertonic formulations, can help the sustained replenishment of water, electrolytes and energy lost post-activity.
“However, where a lot of people go wrong or become confused in their search for hydration support is choosing a sports drink that’s high in sugar, or opting for an energy drink, which typically contains substantial amounts of caffeine, added sugars, additives and other stimulants.
“The effects of these drinks are short-lived, and they are unlikely to provide any sustained hydration or enhanced
electrolyte retention.”
Merrick’s Gladiator guerilla moment
Watts couldn’t help turning up at the Australian premiere of Gladiator II in Sydney, donning appropriate attire for the red carpet.
After the screening, his team set up a guerilla activation where they handed out samples of Posca as the crowds in attendance left the theatre.
“Given Posca is the original sports drink of the ancient world – ACTUALLY drunk by Gladiators – it was only fitting that we made an appearance on red carpet at the Gladiator II premiere as part of our launch campaign for Posca Hydrate,” Watts told Mumbrella.
“Like our brand’s no regrets ethos, we are bold and don’t do anything half-baked, so we thought what better way to bring to life the association between Posca Hydrate and Gladiators than attend the premiere.
“It was a bit weird being the only person in cosplay but hey, I’m not like other people, am I?! Even though Paul Mescal refused to have a pic with me, I still had an absolute ball.”
Available in three flavours – Grape, Yuzu (Citrus) and Pineapple – Posca Hydrate is stocked nationwide at major and independent convenience stores, petrol stations, QSRs and select gyms and fitness centres in a 330ml can at RRP $6.50.