Cortisol Drinks for Women: A Wellness Trend Explained

Did you know that whenever you feel anxious, tired, or stressed, your body releases a special hormone called cortisol?

This is a natural substance produced by the adrenal glands, located right above your kidneys. It helps your body respond to stress, maintain energy levels, and keep essential bodily functions in balance [1].

Cortisol is not only linked to mood but also affects sleep, blood sugar levels, inflammation response, and the body’s immune function.

In the morning, cortisol levels are typically at their highest to help you feel alert and ready to start the day. As the day progresses, these levels gradually decrease, allowing your body to relax and prepare for rest [2,3].

While cortisol plays an important role in the body, research suggests that persistently elevated levels such as those associated with prolonged stress may be linked to changes in energy levels, sleep patterns, weight management, and immune system responses (Sagmeister et al., 2023).

As a result, more and more people, especially women, are becoming interested in lifestyle choices that support the body's ability to cope with stress.

One emerging trend is the use of beverages made with natural ingredients, often referred to as “cortisol drinks,” which are intended to promote a sense of relaxation, support mental well-being, and help maintain overall balance in the body.

What Exactly Are Cortisol Drinks?

“Cortisol-reducing drinks”, playfully known as “cortisol cocktails”, are homemade beverages crafted to help the body relax and support adrenal function.

The recipe sounds a lot like a refreshing summer drink: a splash of orange juice (for a dose of vitamin C), a bit of coconut water (rich in potassium), a pinch of salt (for sodium), and if you're feeling creative, you can always add a few extra ingredients to “elevate the experience.”

This trend has been gaining traction as more influencers on social media rave about its potential benefits from stress relief and better sleep to even helping with belly fat reduction.*

Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? No wonder so many people are curious to give it a try. So now, let’s continue our journey to explore this much-talked-about drink in the next section!

Core Ingredients and What They Do

As we noted earlier, a typical “cortisol drink” usually includes three main ingredients: orange juice, coconut water, and a pinch of salt. When we take a closer look, each one provides key nutrients that support different functions in the body.

• Vitamin C (from orange juice): Also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that the body cannot produce on its own, so we need to obtain it daily through food. This vitamin plays an important role in many bodily functions, such as boosting the immune system, supporting collagen production—a protein essential for the skin, bones, blood vessels, and connective tissues—and acting as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, which can contribute to premature aging [5].

• Potassium (from coconut water): helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports muscle and nerve function, making it especially beneficial for rehydration after exercise [6,7]. Potassium is also involved in regulating adrenal hormones such as aldosterone, which may support adrenal function and the process of cortisol clearance. However, direct scientific evidence for this connection remains limited [8].
• Sodium (from salt): One study found that sodium intake is associated with cortisol levels excreted in urine, suggesting that sodium may play a role in promoting cortisol elimination. However, this does not mean that sodium reduces the body’s production of cortisol. This relationship reflects the complex regulatory mechanisms between sodium, cortisol, and other hormones such as aldosterone in the kidney’s excretory functions [9].

Cortisol Cocktail: How to Mix and When to Drink It

A cortisol cocktail is typically made with three main ingredients mentioned earlier: orange juice, coconut water, and sea salt. Additionally, you can add a few optional ingredients to boost its nutritional value or enhance the flavor, such as:

• Cream of tartar: adds extra potassium
• Fresh ginger: supports digestion and adds a warming flavor
• Collagen peptides: provide protein and support skin, bones, and joints
• Magnesium: helps calm the nervous system

One popular recipe comes from Mollie, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, who shared it on YouTube.*

Recipe:

• 1 cup of orange juice (pulp-free, no added synthetic vitamins)
• 1 oz of half-and-half or heavy cream
• 2 scoops of collagen peptides
• A pinch of sea salt (preferably unrefined, like pink Himalayan salt)

Tip: Dissolve the collagen in warm water first to avoid clumping when mixing with cold liquids. This drink can be enjoyed before a workout or between meals as a light nutritional boost.*

Note from Mollie: Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach—especially if you have thyroid, adrenal, or blood sugar concerns. Instead, prioritize having an adrenal cocktail and a light snack first to help your body avoid needing to produce extra cortisol for energy.*

What if you don’t like coconut water?

On Reddit, many users have shared that they dislike the taste of coconut water and have come up with a few alternatives:*

Option 1: Flavored coconut water (e.g., Pineapple Vita Coco) – the pineapple flavor helps mask the coconut taste and adds extra vitamin C.*

Option 2: Use fruit juices high in vitamin C (such as orange juice, carrot juice, or blended fruit juice) to overpower the coconut flavor.*

Option 3: Mix electrolyte powder or tablets with orange juice and lemon/lime juice to create a “coconut-free” version.*

Option 4: A simple coconut-free recipe:*

• 4 oz orange juice
• Cream of tartar (as a potassium source)
• Sea salt

If you're busy, you might consider using supplements.

Supplements provide vitamins and minerals in a convenient, controlled form ideal for people with a hectic schedule. However, make sure to choose products from reputable brands with safety certifications and positive user reviews. Avoid low-quality or unverified products.

Is There Any Science Behind the Cortisol Cocktail?

These cocktails are often claimed to boost energy, reduce stress, support weight loss, and improve adrenal function.

However, some Reddit users pointed out that this is basically just a simple electrolyte drink—not the “miracle beverage” many people think it is. Although popular on Instagram, there’s currently no strong scientific evidence showing that cortisol cocktails directly reduce cortisol levels.*

Maintaining electrolyte balance and staying hydrated is beneficial, but these goals can also be achieved through a balanced diet and proper fluid intake.

Some studies suggest that vitamin C may help alleviate stress. For instance, a 2021 randomized controlled trial found that vitamin C improved fatigue, concentration, and mood in healthy young adults (Sim et al., 2021).

However, recent reviews also emphasize that current clinical evidence remains inconsistent, and no specific study has confirmed a clear effect from vitamin C–containing “cortisol cocktails” (Xu et al., 2025).

Safety Considerations for Women

Overall, cortisol cocktails are generally considered relatively safe for most people, as their main ingredients are familiar nutrients commonly found in everyday foods. However, it’s still important to be aware of potential risks.

Consuming too much sodium may lead to elevated blood pressure, which runs counter to the goal of stress reduction. Additionally, high doses of vitamin C can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.

Particularly, individuals with underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or heart failure—or those currently taking medications—should consult a healthcare professional before using cortisol cocktails.

Important note: If you have pre-existing health concerns or are considering making cortisol cocktails a regular part of your routine, speak with a medical professional to ensure safety and suitability for your individual needs.

Conclusion

Cortisol cocktails are a popular natural approach among women seeking to manage stress and support adrenal health. While these drinks may help with hydration and provide some essential nutrients, there is currently no solid scientific evidence showing that they directly regulate cortisol levels or address adrenal insufficiency.

Therefore, women should view cortisol cocktails as a supportive element within a balanced diet—complemented by other healthy habits such as regular physical activity and adequate rest—to promote overall well-being.