If you’ve spent time scrolling through wellness blogs and social media recently, you’ll probably come across a viral “cortisol cocktail” recipe. Influencers and experts have promoted this drink as a miraculous elixir to support adrenal health and lower cortisol levels.
It’s easy to get excited about the trending helstonic, but I’d like to take a closer look at the original recipe and break down each ingredient. Next, we share our own version of our adrenal cocktail recipes and why we use a variety of ingredients.
Creating a Cortisol Cocktail
Back in my time (or 12 years ago when I first learned about natural life), people would call this an adrenal tonic or adrenal cocktail recipe. And there were many variations. I tried some of them, found a couple I liked, and then didn’t drink these for years.
Last year, stress increased (hello Single Mother Life), so I went back to them and found a recipe I liked more. In its pure form, this recipe is neither sweet nor extravagant like any other recipe you find online. But I feel much better about it and find it low in sugar without OJ and coconut water base. If you don’t like unsweetened drinks, you can always add one of these original ingredients or one of honey or natural sweeteners.
Dive into the original “cortisol cocktail” and the ingredients behind it. And why did I choose some tweaks to further support my body.
Original adrenal cocktail ingredients and their benefits
Original recipes usually contain orange juice, coconut water, salt, honey, tartar cream, and sometimes other ingredients. You can find recipes that add collagen powder, coconut cream, coconut milk and even sparkling water. Each of these is thought to help support the adrenal glands and balance cortisol levels.
Our adrenal hormones also help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and regulate your heart rate. Excessive cortisol can damage gut health, leading to weight gain, craving and symptoms in people who are prone to leakage. This can damage the endocrine and immune systems overall.
Here is a breakdown of the health benefits behind these ingredients: Orange Juice: Orange juice packed with vitamin C plays a role in supporting adrenal health. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps the body deal with stress hormones and AIDS in cortisol production. The adrenal glands run out of significant amounts of vitamin C when they are under stress. So refilling is helpful. Coconut Water: Coconut Water, known for its electrolyte content, especially potassium and magnesium, is often found due to its hydration properties. Proper hydration is important for adrenal function. Minerals in coconut water maintain the balance of the electrolytes and support overall stress resilience. Salt: Salt, especially high quality sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, can help balance sodium levels. This balance is important to maintain healthy adrenal function. Increased cortisol can lead to sodium and potassium imbalances, so adding salt can help support hydration and liquid balance. Honey: Honey is added as a natural source of sugar, providing quick energy to the body. Because stress can deplete energy levels, small amounts of honey can help fuel the body and provide a quick burst of glucose to support adrenal function. It is also gentler on blood sugar than processed sugar. Cream of Tartar: This ingredient is often added due to its potassium content. This helps to offset the effects of stress on potassium levels. Potassium is thought to help regulate stress responses and balanced electrolytes.
This combination of ingredients certainly nourishes and provides benefits for adrenal health, but we have made some adjustments. This updated version fits my needs and increases the effectiveness of the drink in balancing cortisol.
My Cortisol Cocktail Recipe: Original Twist
This version has the important advantages of the original ingredients, but it also supports the cortisol balance better. It also offers even more nutritious benefits with whole food ingredients.
Here’s what adrenal cocktails have:
Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, which is essential for adrenal health and cortisol regulation. Lemon also helps to promote alkalinization and digestion of the body, helping to give a refreshing start to the day. Olive Oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat that supports hormone production and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. I love adding it to my cortisol cocktail. Healthy fats also play a role in the hormone balance, including cortisol. Marine Minerals (from activated products): These marine minerals provide a source of powerful electrolytes containing magnesium. These help support adrenal health and reduce cortisol levels. I like marine minerals because they contain a wide range of minerals that work synergistically to support overall health. I think this is more broadly and cooperative than just salt and has a more milder taste. Liquid Potassium: Potassium is essential for liquid balance and cell function. Chronic stress depletes potassium levels, so add a few drops of liquid potassium to replenish it and support a healthy cortisol rhythm. This is one of the important ingredients and in the original recipe comes from the cream of tartare. Instead, I like liquid potassium.
Adrenal cocktail recipes
This is my version of the viral adrenal cocktail drink. This provides an increase in vitamin C, healthy fats and minerals to support healthy cortisol levels.
Add all the ingredients to the blender (including the whole lemon on your skin if it is organic and the blender is well blended).
Blend high for about 1 minute or until completely smooth.
Optional: For smoother textures, feed the drink through a fine mesh strainer.
Nutrition Facts
Adrenal cocktail recipes
Amount per serving (1 serving)
155 calories from calorie fat to 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated fat 2G13%
Polyunsaturated fat 2g
January saturated fat 10g
Sodium 10mg 0%
Potassium 149mg 4%
10G3% carbohydrates
Fiber 3G13%
Sugar 3G3%
1g2% protein
Vitamin A 24iu0%
Vitamin C 57MG69%
Calcium 33mg3%
Iron 1mg 6%
*Percent daily value is based on the 2000 calorie diet.
Olive oil and vitamin C help keep you on a regular basis, but if you drink too much you may notice loose stools.
When to drink an adrenal cocktail
This can be consumed at any time.
I enjoy this a lot in the morning before eating. It helps kickstart my day with a nourishing drink and supports my hydration and digestion. Cortisol levels are highest in the morning, and this drink provides important nutrients that support adrenal health and energy levels. Cortisol levels do not drop artificially (as cortisol is naturally high in the morning).
Alternatively, this can be consumed in the afternoon or evening to help lower cortisol before bedtime, thus helping to settle your sleep. When I was most stressed, I sometimes had this version twice a day, or added lemon juice and minerals to my calming tea at night.
Why is this not a miraculous cure (but it still helps)
Cortisol cocktails can be a collaborative addition to your routine, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a miraculous treatment. It won’t magically solve all the stress or go away any cortisol problems overnight. Cortisol balance is a complex problem that requires a holistic approach. So I always pair this drink with other lifestyle practices to support my overall well-being.
There are several other tips to help with healthy cortisol levels
These are all important steps to promote a balanced lifestyle that supports hormonal balance.
Other hormone support supplements
I often combine this drink with a hormone-supporting supplement. Take saffron (morning or evening), ashwagandha (morning), and rhodiola (morning). These adaptive agents and mood-enhancing herbs help balance cortisol and support healthy stress responses. Saffron helps with mood and mental clarity, while Ashwagandha and Rhodiola help regulate cortisol levels and reduce stress-induced fatigue.
Together, these supplements complement the effects of cortisol cocktails and provide support that adds a gentle and balanced start to the day.
In summary…
Cortisol Cocktail Ingredients: Original recipes contain ingredients such as orange juice, coconut water, and salt. All of these are designed to support adrenal function and balanced cortisol. My version: Replace with lemon (for vitamin C) and olive oil (for healthy fats). We also choose marine minerals and liquid potassium to enhance cortisol support. When to drink: This cocktail can be consumed any time, so experiment to find the best one for you. The morning before food also helps to support hydration and digestion. In the evening, it can help you sleep (remember not to drink anything just before going to bed). Supplements: Cocktails are combined with hormone support supplements such as saffron, ashwagandha, and rhodiola for additional stress support. Lifestyle Issues: Cortisol Cocktails can be a useful tool. But remember, it is most effective when combined with good sleep habits, light exposure, breathing, and stress management practices.
If you are feeling stressed or dealing with adrenal fatigue, a cortisol cocktail is a simple and effective way to support your body’s natural rhythms. But it’s a combination of diet, lifestyle and stress management that really helps you achieve a lasting balance.
Have you made an adrenal cocktail before? Have you noticed the benefits? Leave a comment and let us know!
