What is the new cortisol cocktail? A Look at the Viral Wellness Trend

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Millions of views on social media have propelled a viral wellness drink into the spotlight [1.2.6]. But what is the new cortisol cocktail? It's a non-alcoholic drink, also called an adrenal cocktail, that proponents claim can balance stress hormones and boost energy [1.2.6, 1.2.7].

Quick Summary

This article examines the popular 'cortisol cocktail,' a drink made from orange juice, coconut water, and salt. It covers the claimed benefits, the lack of scientific backing, and the medical perspective on its use.

Key Points

What It Is: The 'cortisol cocktail' is a viral wellness drink, also called an adrenal cocktail, typically made from orange juice, coconut water, and sea salt [1.2.5].
The Claims: Proponents allege it supports the adrenal glands, balances the stress hormone cortisol, and combats a condition they call 'adrenal fatigue' [1.4.1, 1.5.3].
No Scientific Proof: There is no scientific evidence that the drink alters cortisol levels or that 'adrenal fatigue' is a real medical condition [1.2.2, 1.5.2].
Medical Opinion: Experts state the drink is not a treatment for any condition and its perceived benefits are likely due to hydration or the placebo effect [1.4.1, 1.5.5].
Potential Risks: The drink's sugar and sodium/potassium content can pose risks for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease [1.5.4].
Proven Alternatives: Evidence-based methods for managing cortisol include quality sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress-reduction techniques [1.7.2, 1.7.3].
Consult a Doctor: Persistent symptoms like chronic fatigue should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as they may indicate a real underlying medical issue [1.5.1].

The Rise of the Cortisol Cocktail

Spreading rapidly across social media platforms like TikTok, the "cortisol cocktail" has become the latest wellness hack, capturing the attention of millions [1.2.6]. Also known as the "adrenal cocktail," this non-alcoholic beverage is promoted by influencers as a natural remedy to lower stress, balance hormones, boost energy, and even aid in weight loss [1.2.5, 1.2.6]. The central idea is to support the adrenal glands, which produce cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone [1.2.6, 1.2.7]. Proponents of the drink link it to a condition they call "adrenal fatigue," suggesting that chronic stress depletes the adrenal glands of essential nutrients that the cocktail aims to replenish [1.4.1, 1.5.3].

What's in a Cortisol Cocktail?

The recipe for a cortisol cocktail is simple, typically consisting of three core ingredients you can find in any grocery store [1.2.5].

Orange Juice: Chosen for its high vitamin C content, which is essential for adrenal gland function [1.2.3, 1.3.7].
Coconut Water: Included as a natural source of potassium and other electrolytes that aid hydration [1.2.5, 1.3.3].
Sea Salt: A pinch is added for sodium and other trace minerals [1.2.3].

Variations on this basic formula exist, with some recipes suggesting add-ins like magnesium powder, cream of tartar for extra potassium, collagen powder for protein, or ginger [1.2.1, 1.2.5, 1.3.2]. A classic version with a half-cup of orange juice, a half-cup of coconut water, and a pinch of salt contains approximately 80 calories, 17 grams of carbohydrates, and a significant amount of potassium and sodium [1.2.3].

The Claims vs. The Science

Advocates for the cortisol cocktail claim the specific blend of vitamin C, potassium, and sodium works synergistically to nourish the adrenal glands, helping them regulate cortisol production more effectively [1.3.3, 1.5.3]. This, they argue, can alleviate symptoms associated with "adrenal fatigue," such as tiredness, anxiety, and difficulty coping with daily life [1.4.1]. However, the scientific and medical communities largely refute these claims.

Firstly, "adrenal fatigue" is not a recognized medical diagnosis [1.4.5, 1.5.2]. The Endocrine Society states there is no scientific proof to support it as a true medical condition [1.5.2]. Symptoms often attributed to it—like fatigue and body aches—are real but can stem from a wide range of other issues like poor sleep, anemia, or thyroid problems [1.4.1, 1.5.4]. Secondly, there is no clinical data or scientific evidence to support the assertion that this specific drink can alter cortisol levels or is necessary for adrenal health [1.2.2, 1.4.1, 1.4.5]. Dr. Omar Khokhar, a gastroenterologist, states plainly that the drink "does not in any way shape or form alter your cortisol levels" [1.2.2]. While the individual ingredients contain nutrients important for overall health, they are typically obtained in adequate amounts through a balanced diet [1.4.1]. Any perceived benefits, such as increased energy, are more likely due to hydration, the placebo effect, or the quick energy boost from the sugar in the juice [1.4.1, 1.5.4].

Medical Perspective and Potential Risks

For most healthy individuals, a cortisol cocktail is likely harmless when consumed in moderation [1.2.4]. The ingredients are simply juice, coconut water, and salt [1.2.2]. However, medical experts advise caution, particularly for individuals with certain health conditions [1.5.4].

Blood Sugar: The sugar content in orange juice can cause blood sugar spikes, which is a concern for people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or insulin resistance [1.6.4, 1.6.5, 1.6.6].
High Blood Pressure: The added sodium could be problematic for those with salt-sensitive hypertension or other heart conditions [1.6.4, 1.6.6].
Kidney Disease: Individuals with kidney disease may need to restrict potassium intake, a mineral found in high amounts in both coconut water and cream of tartar [1.5.4, 1.6.4].

It is crucial to distinguish the unproven concept of "adrenal fatigue" from adrenal insufficiency (like Addison's disease), which is a rare and serious medical condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones. Adrenal insufficiency requires medical treatment and cannot be addressed with a wellness drink [1.5.1, 1.5.2].

Comparison Table: Cortisol Cocktail vs. Evidence-Based Cortisol Management


Feature	Cortisol Cocktail	Evidence-Based Management
Mechanism	Claims to replenish adrenal glands with specific nutrients (Vitamin C, potassium, sodium) [1.3.1].	Focuses on holistic lifestyle changes that influence the body's stress response system [1.7.2, 1.7.3].
Scientific Evidence	None. Claims are not supported by clinical research [1.4.1, 1.5.5].	Supported by numerous studies on sleep, diet, exercise, and stress reduction techniques [1.7.1, 1.7.3].
Key Components	Orange juice, coconut water, salt [1.2.5].	Quality sleep (7-9 hours), balanced diet (whole foods, low in sugar), regular exercise, and mindfulness practices [1.7.2, 1.7.6].
Effectiveness	Perceived benefits likely due to hydration and placebo effect [1.4.1]. Does not alter cortisol levels [1.2.2].	Proven to help regulate cortisol rhythms, reduce chronic stress, and improve overall health [1.7.1, 1.7.2].
Risks	Potential for blood sugar spikes and issues for those with kidney disease or hypertension [1.5.4].	Generally low-risk; intense exercise can temporarily spike cortisol [1.7.3].

Conclusion: A Trendy Tonic, Not a Treatment

While the "new cortisol cocktail" is a popular, simple, and generally safe drink for most people, it is not a scientifically validated medical treatment [1.5.1]. There is no evidence it can balance hormones or fix the unproven condition of "adrenal fatigue" [1.4.5, 1.5.5]. The nutrients it provides are beneficial but are readily available in a balanced diet [1.4.1]. Rather than relying on a trendy beverage, evidence-based strategies for managing stress and supporting natural cortisol rhythms include getting adequate sleep, eating a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing mindfulness [1.7.2, 1.7.3, 1.7.6]. Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms like chronic fatigue or dizziness should consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions instead of self-treating with social media remedies [1.2.2, 1.5.1].

The Endocrine Society is an authoritative source for information on hormones and metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions

The new cortisol cocktail, also known as an adrenal cocktail, is a viral wellness drink made of orange juice, coconut water, and sea salt. Influencers claim it helps balance stress hormones, but there is no scientific evidence to support this [1.2.5, 1.4.1].

No, there is no scientific evidence that the cortisol cocktail works to lower or balance cortisol levels. Medical experts state it has no direct effect on the adrenal glands, and any feelings of wellness are likely from hydration or a placebo effect [1.2.2, 1.4.1].

For most healthy people, it is generally safe in moderation. However, its high sugar and electrolyte content can be risky for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. It's best to consult a doctor before trying it [1.5.4, 1.6.4].

'Adrenal fatigue' is a term used in wellness circles to describe a collection of symptoms like tiredness and stress, which they attribute to overworked adrenal glands. However, it is not a recognized medical diagnosis by the scientific community [1.4.5, 1.5.2].

Proponents often suggest drinking it mid-morning or mid-afternoon during a natural dip in energy [1.5.7]. Since its effects are not scientifically proven, there is no medically recommended time to drink it.

There is no proof that a cortisol cocktail can help with weight loss [1.4.2]. While chronic high cortisol is linked to weight gain, this drink does not lower cortisol levels. Any weight-related claims are unsubstantiated [1.2.2].

Proven methods to naturally manage cortisol include getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep, eating a balanced diet low in processed sugar, regular moderate exercise, and practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing [1.7.2, 1.7.3, 1.7.6].