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Despite its name, this adrenal cocktail isn’t an alcoholic beverage. As a certified nutritionist consultant, mocktails are more my style, and this one provides extra vitamins and minerals in each sip.

I’ve tested this drink several different ways over the years, so I’m excited to see which version you like best! (For example, you can use sparkling mineral water instead of coconut water, or try watermelon juice instead of orange juice.)

Whether you’re looking to help manage your cortisol levels or you simply want a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. (Even my kids love it!)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review

“Refreshing and delicious! Our new summer favorite.
I gave it to my husband in place of his orange cream soda and he said, “What is this? (One sip)…it’s fantastic!” -Hilary

adrenal cocktail with orange slice and straw.

Why You’ll Love This Adrenal Cocktail

  • It’s a source of electrolytes. Instead of a sports drink, you can reach for this! It contains essential minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
  • It may help to replenish nutrients. While there is some debate about the concept of adrenal fatigue, research does suggest that stress can lead to micronutrient depletion. This drink is a great way to add more nutrients to your day.
  • It’s delicious. The combination of orange juice, lemon juice, and sparkling water makes you feel like you’re drinking a mocktail, without extra added sugar. When you add coconut milk into the mix, it tastes like an orange creamsicle!
  • It’s flexible. There are a variety of nutrient-rich juices and liquids you can combine to make an adrenal cocktail, so if you’re out of coconut water or orange juice, there are still plenty of options available as substitutes. This recipe serves as a starting point!
coconut milk added to an adrenal cocktail.

Cortisol Cocktail Ingredients

  • Orange juice. This juice provides vitamin C, folate, and potassium, while also adding a touch of natural sweetness to your drink.
  • Coconut water. This is a natural source of potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Alternatively, you can use still or sparkling mineral water if you prefer.
  • Sea salt. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps your body function properly.
  • Lemon or lime juice. Not only does this add a refreshing flavor, but it’s also contains vitamin C, folate, potassium, and calcium.
  • Coconut milk. (optional) Try adding a tablespoon or two of coconut milk, or just the thick coconut cream, for a creamier drink.

You can add even more minerals to your drink by adding a pinch of cream of tartar, which is a source of potassium and other trace minerals, or collagen powder, for added protein. (Skip the collagen if you need a vegan drink.)

adrenal cocktail ingredients labeled in glass bowls.

How to Make an Adrenal Cocktail

Step 1:

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Add half a cup of orange juice, half a cup of coconut water, the juice from half a lemon, and a pinch of salt to a glass. Stir well and add ice, if desired.

Note: You can swap coconut water for watermelon juice, which also contains trace amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, or use mineral water for an even lower-sugar drink. 

orange juice and mineral water added to 2 glasses.

Step 2:

Add a tablespoon or two of creamy coconut milk for a healthy dose of fat, and stir well. The drink is ready to serve immediately!

Detoxinista Tip

When using canned coconut milk, consider blending it in a blender first to ensure the solid fat is smoothly incorporated with the liquid, resulting in a consistency similar to heavy cream. Canned coconut milk that contains guar gum will be creamier than cans without it.

blended coconut cream added to the glass.

Adrenal Cocktail Recipe FAQs

What does an adrenal cocktail do?

It may help replenish the minerals and nutrients your body needs for hormone production and may help balance energy levels throughout the day.

Do I have to use orange juice?

No! For a lower-sugar drink, simply use coconut water, lemon or lime juice, and salt. If you can’t do coconut water, use sparkling mineral water instead.

Should I be worried about the added salt?

If you are watching your sodium levels, the salt in this recipe can be omitted. However, keep in mind that pink salt contains less sodium than table salt, and sodium plays a critical role in regulating fluid balance in the body.

adrenal cocktail with orange slice and straw.

Adrenal Cocktail Recipe

4.84 from 6 votes
The next time you want to replenish your electrolytes or fight afternoon fatigue, try this adrenal cocktail recipe! My kids call it "homemade Gatorade," but it's made without artificial flavors or food dyes. I've been perfecting this recipe for years to make sure it's as easy and delicious as possible. All you need are a few simple ingredients to get started!
prep5 mins cook0 mins total5 mins
Servings:1

Ingredients
 
 

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup coconut water (or sparkling mineral water)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1/2 a lemon)
  • pinch of Himalayan pink salt

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons coconut milk

Instructions

  • Add the orange juice, coconut water (or mineral water), lemon juice, and salt to a glass, with or without ice.
  • At this point, the drink is ready to serve, or you can add the coconut milk for extra creaminess. Stir well and enjoy right away.

Video

Notes

Nutrition information is for the whole batch, including the coconut milk and an 1/8 teaspoon of salt. This information is automatically calculated, and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.
*See the full post for substitutions and other variations.

Nutrition

Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 637mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 249IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: adrenal cocktail

More Recipes to Try

If you try this cortisol cocktail recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below!

Megan Gilmore leaning on her white countertop.

Megan Gilmore

Hi, I’m Megan. A former fast food junkie turned best-selling cookbook author. As a Certified Nutritionist Consultant (CNC), I love to make healthier food using simple ingredients. I test these recipes multiple times in my kitchen to make sure they will turn out perfectly for you.

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Comments

  1. Great way to structure this flexible recipe! Do you know how long this can store in the fridge? Can I make a large batch on the weekend for an easy mid week grab?

  2. This has been a delightful afternoon pick me up this week!! I love it with the coconut water, and I use orange juice with calcium and vitamin D for extra vitamins, since I don’t consume much milk or dairy. Thanks for another great recipe!

  3. I love this recipe & I enjoyed the explanation of the health benefits, too. I’ve been reading about these mocktails and I was so excited to get this recipe in my inbox this week. I made it right away – it’s going to be a summer favorite.

  4. Refreshing and delicious! Our new summer favorite.
    I gave it to my husband in place of his orange cream soda and he said, “What is this? (One sip)…it’s fantastic!”

  5. So…I was sitting here working thinking I need something to get me through the next few hours, maybe I will go make some coffee. Then I checked my email & saw this new Adrenal Cocktail recipe and I was off to the kitchen to make it. It’s AMAZING!!!! My coconut milk failed at whipping or even blending together smoothly but that I didn’t care I added any way! Mine is nowhere as pretty as yours but it’s delicious! It does taste like a creamsicle and so refreshing! I already drank it all 🙂 Thank you for the recipe! It was just what I needed!

    1. I’m glad the timing worked out so well! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, Candi.