Most people can and should drink as much water as they like. Very few people can or will drink too much or risk medical problems from drinking too much water. Most normally healthy people will vomit before they can drink too much water. If you're feeling bloated, and dislike energy drinks that are too sweet, you can mix your own drinks.

For centuries (years, not bicycle mileage), many cultures have developed drinks to satisfy thirst in hot weather. Some people find they feel bloated if they drink as much water as they need to prevent dehydration. In the U.S. traditional popular drinks included switchel, haymaker's punch and similar homemade beverages. These usually include a little apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, a little honey or molasses, sometimes ginger and other herbs or spices to improve the flavor and help with digestion. These traditional drinks are not too sweet and are a little tart. The acidic vinegar and/or lemon helps to clear the mouth of phlegm and leaves the mouth feeling fresher and cleaner.

Personally I enjoy an unpasteurized, unfiltered traditional ale midway through a ride, or immediately afterward. It's not a good idea to drink too much of any alcoholic beverage while exercising in hot weather, but we can metabolize one beer pretty quickly. Alcohol was among the earliest forms of "doping" among bicycle racers. The most I've consumed during a 125 mile ride was a six pack of beer, kept in my handy handlebar bag. This was a day tour, not a race, in a very hot part of Mexico. While I wouldn't recommend it, or repeat that stunt, the only ill effect I suffered was desperately trying to find a place to urinate without being arrested for indecency.