Recovery food is ideally carbs and protein in a 4:1 ratio. The protein speeds up absorption of glycogen after a ride. It does very little during a ride, however, so there's no point in drinking a recovery drink during a ride.
Unless you're doing the 2-3 hr rides every day, i.e. 14-21 hrs/wk of training you probably don't need to worry about taking in anything during the ride or optimizing anything after the ride. Just eat a normal balanced diet and increase your carbs to compensate for the energy you burn while riding. Too many people get caught up in following guidelines developed for riders doing intensive training 15+ hrs/wk.
Once you're fit you shouldn't need any calories on the bike for a 3 hr ride. It won't hurt to take some in but it's not a big deal if you don't eat or drink any calories while riding. Afterwards, any replacement carbs plus a little protein should be fine. You don't need magic powders or concoctions. A bagel and some leftover chicken works just as well as an expensive recovery mix.