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If you’ve spent any time browsing wellness blogs or social media recently, you’ve likely encountered the popular “Cortisol Cocktail” recipe. Influencers and specialists are praising this drink as a wonder elixir for enhancing adrenal health and lowering cortisol levels.

While it’s tempting to get caught up in the excitement of a trending health beverage, I’m interested in examining the original recipe more closely and breaking down each component. Afterward, I’ll share my own take on the adrenal cocktail recipe and explain why I chose different ingredients.

Crafting a Cortisol Cocktail

Back in the day (or about 12 years ago when I started exploring natural living), this was known as an adrenal tonic or an adrenal cocktail recipe, and numerous variations existed. I tried several back then, found a few I enjoyed, and then stopped consuming them for a long time.

Last year, due to increased stress (being a single mom, for example), I revisited these drinks and discovered a recipe I preferred more. In its basic form, this version isn’t sugary or indulgent like some other online recipes. Nonetheless, I feel much better drinking it, and it has a lower sugar content without the inclusion of orange juice and coconut water. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can always incorporate one of those original components or a bit of honey or your preferred natural sweetener.

Let’s delve into the original “Cortisol Cocktail,” examine its ingredients, and explore why I’ve made a few modifications to make it even more beneficial for my body.

The Original Adrenal Cocktail Ingredients and Their Benefits

The typical original recipe includes a blend of orange juice, coconut water, salt, honey, cream of tartar, and sometimes other additions. Some versions incorporate collagen powder, coconut cream, coconut milk, and even sparkling water. Each component is believed to support adrenal glands and contribute to balancing cortisol levels.

Adrenal hormones also play a vital role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and regulating heart rate. Excess cortisol can harm gut health, leading to weight gain, cravings, and leaky gut symptoms. This can negatively impact the endocrine and immune systems.

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

Orange Juice: Rich in vitamin C, orange juice aids adrenal health. Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient that helps the body manage stress hormones and supports cortisol production. The adrenal glands use considerable vitamin C under stress, making replenishment beneficial.
Coconut Water: Known for its electrolyte content, especially potassium and magnesium, coconut water is valued for its hydrating qualities. Proper hydration is essential for adrenal function. The minerals in coconut water maintain electrolyte balance, bolstering overall stress resilience.
Salt: Specifically high-quality sea salt or Himalayan pink salt helps regulate sodium levels. This balance is crucial for sustaining healthy adrenal function. Elevated cortisol can cause sodium and potassium imbalances, so adding salt assists in hydration and fluid regulation.
Honey: Honey serves as a natural sugar source, providing quick energy to the body. Stress can deplete energy levels, so a small honey amount offers a quick glucose burst to fuel the body and support adrenal function. It’s also more blood sugar-friendly than processed sugar.
Cream of Tartar: Often included for its potassium content, cream of tartar helps counter stress-induced potassium depletion. Potassium is believed to help regulate stress responses and balance electrolytes.

While this ingredient combination is undoubtedly nourishing and beneficial for adrenal health, I’ve made a few tweaks. My updated version better meets my needs and enhances the drink’s effectiveness in balancing cortisol.

My Cortisol Cocktail Recipe: A Twist on the Original

This iteration retains the original ingredients’ key benefits but more effectively supports cortisol balance. It also offers additional nourishing benefits with whole food ingredients.

Here’s what’s in the adrenal cocktail:

Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, essential for adrenal health and cortisol regulation. Lemon also helps alkalize the body, aids digestion, and offers a revitalizing start to the day.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat supporting hormone production and offering anti-inflammatory benefits. I enjoy adding it to my cortisol cocktail because it keeps me feeling full and nourished. Healthy fats contribute to hormone balance, including cortisol.
Ocean Minerals (from Activation Products): These provide a potent source of electrolytes, including magnesium, supporting adrenal health and managing cortisol levels. I prefer ocean minerals because they contain a wide spectrum of minerals working together for overall wellness. This blend is more supportive than just salt and has a gentler taste.
Liquid Potassium: Potassium is crucial for fluid balance and cellular function. Chronic stress depletes potassium levels, so I add a few drops of liquid potassium to help replenish it and support healthy cortisol rhythms. I find this to be a key ingredient, replacing the need for cream of tartar from the original recipe.

Adrenal Cocktail Recipe

Here’s my version of the viral adrenal cocktail drink. It provides a boost of vitamin C, healthy fats, and minerals to support healthy cortisol levels.

Add all ingredients to a blender (including the whole lemon with skin if it is organic and your blender can handle it).
Blend on high for about a minute or until completely smooth.
Optional: For a smoother texture, strain the drink through a fine mesh strainer.

Nutrition Facts

Adrenal Cocktail Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 155
Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 2g 13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 10g
Sodium 10mg 0%
Potassium 149mg 4%
Carbohydrates 10g 3%
Fiber 3g 13%
Sugar 3g 3%
Protein 1g 2%

Vitamin A 24IU 0%
Vitamin C 57mg 69%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Olive oil and vitamin C can help keep you regular, but excessive consumption may result in loose stools.

When to Drink an Adrenal Cocktail

This beverage can be consumed at any time of day.

I often enjoy this morning, before eating, to start my day with a nutritious drink that supports hydration and digestion. Cortisol levels peak in the morning, and this cocktail provides crucial nutrients supporting adrenal health and energy levels. It won’t artificially lower morning cortisol (as it’s naturally higher during this time).

Alternatively, consuming this in the afternoon or evening can help reduce cortisol levels before bed and support sleep. During stressful periods, I sometimes enjoy a version of this twice daily or add lemon juice and minerals to calming tea at night.

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

While the Cortisol Cocktail can be a useful addition to your routine, it’s important to remember it isn’t a miracle cure. It won’t instantly resolve all stress or eliminate cortisol issues overnight. Cortisol balance is complex, requiring a holistic approach, which is why I pair this drink with other lifestyle practices for overall well-being support.

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

These steps are crucial for promoting a balanced lifestyle that supports hormonal balance.

Other Hormone-Supporting Supplements

I often pair this drink with hormone-supporting supplements like saffron (morning or evening), ashwagandha (morning), and rhodiola (morning). These adaptogens and mood-enhancing herbs help balance cortisol and support healthy stress responses. Saffron enhances mood and mental clarity, while ashwagandha and rhodiola help regulate cortisol levels and alleviate stress-related fatigue.

Together, these supplements complement the cortisol cocktail’s effects and offer additional support for a calm, balanced start to the day.

In Summary…

Cortisol cocktail ingredients: The original recipe includes components like orange juice, coconut water, and salt, all designed for adrenal support and cortisol balance.
My version: I substitute lemon for vitamin C and olive oil for healthy fats. I also choose ocean minerals and liquid potassium for improved cortisol support.
When to drink: This cocktail can be consumed any time of day, so experiment to see what suits you best. In the morning before eating, it can aid 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 enhanced stress support.
Lifestyle matters: The cortisol cocktail is a useful tool, but 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 straightforward, effective way to support your body’s natural rhythm. However, it’s the combination of diet, lifestyle, and stress management that ultimately promotes lasting balance.

Have you tried making an adrenal cocktail before? Did you notice any benefits? Leave a comment to share your experience!