If you’ve spent any time scrolling through wellness blogs or social media lately, you’ve probably come across the viral “Cortisol Cocktail” recipe. Influencers and experts tout this drink as a miracle elixir for supporting adrenal health and reducing cortisol levels.

While it’s easy to get excited about a trending health tonic, I want to take a closer look at the original recipe and break down each ingredient. I’ll then share my own version of the adrenal cocktail recipe and why I use different ingredients.

Creating a Cortisol Cocktail

Back in my day (or at least 12 years ago when I was first learning about natural living), people called this an adrenal tonic or an adrenal cocktail recipe. And there were a lot of variations. I experimented with some of them then, found a couple I liked, and then didn’t drink these for years. 

Last year, with an increase in stress (hello single mom life), I returned to them and found a recipe I like much better. In its pure form, this recipe isn’t sweet or indulgent like some of the other recipes you’ll find online. However, I find I feel much better on it, and it has a lower sugar content without the OJ and coconut water base. If you don’t like an unsweetened drink, you can always add in one of those original ingredients or a dash of honey or natural sweetener of your choice. 

Let’s dive into the original “Cortisol Cocktail,” the ingredients behind it, and why I’ve opted for a few tweaks to make it even more supportive for my body.

The Original Adrenal Cocktail Ingredients and Their Benefits

The original recipe typically contains a mix of orange juice, coconut water, salt, honey, cream of tartar, 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 have a role in supporting the adrenal glands and helping to balance cortisol levels.

Our adrenal hormones also help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and regulate heart rate. Excess cortisol can damage gut health, leading to weight gain, cravings, and leaky guy symptoms. This can have an overall damaging effect on the endocrine and immune systems.

Here’s a breakdown of the health benefits behind these ingredients:

• Orange Juice: Packed with vitamin C, orange juice plays a role in supporting adrenal health. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps the body cope with stress hormones and aids in cortisol production. The adrenal glands use up a significant amount of vitamin C when under stress, which is why replenishing it can be helpful.
• Coconut Water: Known for its electrolyte content, particularly potassium and magnesium, coconut water is often included for its hydrating properties. Proper hydration is crucial for adrenal function. The minerals in coconut water help maintain electrolyte balance, supporting overall stress resilience.
• Salt: Salt, specifically high-quality sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, helps balance sodium levels. This balance is important for maintaining healthy adrenal function. When cortisol is elevated, it can lead to imbalances in sodium and potassium, so adding salt helps to support hydration and fluid balance.
• Honey: Honey is added as a natural source of sugar, which provides quick energy to the body. Since stress can deplete energy levels, a small amount of honey helps provide a quick burst of glucose to fuel the body and support adrenal function. It’s also more blood sugar friendly than processed sugar.
• Cream of Tartar: This ingredient is often added for its potassium content, which can help counterbalance the effects of stress on potassium levels. It’s believed potassium helps regulate the stress response and balance electrolytes.

While this combination of ingredients is certainly nourishing and offers benefits for adrenal health, I’ve made a few adjustments. This updated version better suits my needs and enhances the drink’s effectiveness in balancing cortisol.

My Cortisol Cocktail Recipe: A Twist on the Original

This version has the key benefits of the original ingredients but better supports cortisol balance. It also provides even more nourishing benefits with whole food ingredients.

Here’s what’s in the adrenal cocktail:

• Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, which is essential for adrenal health and cortisol regulation. Lemon also helps to alkalize the body, promote digestion, and provide a refreshing start to the day.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat that supports hormone production and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. I love adding it to my cortisol cocktail because it helps keep me feeling full and nourished. Healthy fats also play a role in hormone balance, including cortisol.
• Ocean Minerals (from Activation Products): These ocean minerals provide a potent source of electrolytes, including magnesium. These support adrenal health and help keep cortisol levels in check. I prefer ocean minerals because they contain a broad spectrum of minerals that work synergistically to support overall wellness. I find this more broadly supportive than just salt and is more gentle tasting. 
• Liquid Potassium: Potassium is essential for fluid balance and cellular function. Since chronic stress depletes potassium levels, I add a few drops of liquid potassium to help replenish it and support healthy cortisol rhythms. I find this is one of the key ingredients, and in the original recipe comes from cream of tartar. I prefer liquid potassium instead.

When to Drink An Adrenal Cocktail

This can be consumed at any time of day. 

I often enjoy this 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. It won’t artificially lower your cortisol levels (as cortisol is naturally higher in the morning). 

Alternately, this can be consumed in the afternoon or evening to help lower cortisol before bed and may be sleep supportive in this way. When I was most stressed, I sometimes had some version of this twice a day or added lemon juice and the minerals to some calming tea at night. 

Why This Isn’t a Miracle Cure (But Still Helpful)

While the Cortisol Cocktail can be a helpful and supportive addition to your routine, it’s important to remember it’s not a miracle cure. It won’t magically resolve all your stress or make cortisol problems disappear overnight. Cortisol balance is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach, which is why I always pair this drink with other lifestyle practices to support overall well-being.

Here are a few other tips to help with healthy cortisol levels

These are all essential steps in promoting a well-rounded lifestyle that supports hormonal balance.

Other Hormone-Supporting Supplements

I often pair this drink with hormone-supporting supplements. I’ll take saffron (morning or evening), ashwagandha (morning), and rhodiola (morning). These adaptogens and mood-boosting herbs help to balance cortisol and support a healthy stress response. 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 the cortisol cocktail and provide added support for a calm, balanced start to the day.

In Summary…

• Cortisol cocktail ingredients: The original recipe contains ingredients like orange juice, coconut water, and salt, all designed to support adrenal function and balance cortisol.
• My version: I swap in lemon (for vitamin C) and olive oil (for healthy fats). I also opt for ocean minerals, and liquid potassium for enhanced cortisol support.
• When to drink: This cocktail can be consumed any time of day so experiment to find what works best for you. In the morning before food, it can also help support hydration and digestion. In the evening, it can support sleep (just remember not to drink anything right before bed). 
• Supplements: Pair the cocktail with hormone-supporting supplements like saffron, ashwagandha, and rhodiola for additional stress support.
• Lifestyle matters: The cortisol cocktail can be a helpful tool. But remember, it’s most effective when combined with good sleep habits, light exposure, breathwork, and stress management practices.

If you’re feeling stressed or dealing with adrenal fatigue, the Cortisol Cocktail can be a simple yet effective way to support your body’s natural rhythm. However, it’s the combination of diet, lifestyle, and stress management that will truly help you achieve lasting balance.

Have you made an adrenal cocktail before? Did you notice any benefits? Leave a comment and let us know!