3 Adrenal Cocktail Recipes That Prove The Trend Is Worth It

I was first introduced to adrenal cocktails in 2019. (You may know them by their now-famous name on TikTok, the cortisol mocktail.) At that time, I was a year into my PCOS diagnosis. Determined to cure my hormones naturally (spoiler alert: success!), I went all out. Of everything I tried, controlling nutrition was essential. The food was a game changer. And it wasn’t just about that I was eating, but as Was eating. I began to focus on nutrient-dense foods and balancing my blood sugar. Almost immediately, I noticed a significant change in my energy. Regardless, I still needed to manage my stress. Which, in part, meant using food as medicine. Enter: the adrenal cocktail.

What is an adrenal cocktail?

As its name suggests, this non-alcoholic cocktail is a magical elixir of vitamin C, potassium, and a host of essential minerals. Supports energy and hydration. Best of all, you know delicious. Whether you’re feeling exhausted, stressed, or just want a refreshing drink in the afternoon, add these adrenaline cocktail recipes to your daily wellness routine.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and we recommend that you always consult your healthcare provider.

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Ingredients in Adrenal Cocktails

I hate to disappoint you, but this drink is not actually a cocktail. That being said, it could be delicious in your favorite distilled spirit! The adrenal cocktail focuses on three nutrients: vitamin C, sodium, and potassium. These are key to maintaining adrenal health. This trio also helps maintain hormonal stability, proper hydration, and electrolyte balance.

Basically, the adrenal cocktail helps to replenish the adrenal glands in the body. Because of this, it helps counteract fatigue. Adrenal cocktail recipes typically include fresh orange juice, coconut water, and sea salt. However, the sky is the limit. You can also add cream of tartar (for more potassium), collagen powder (for protein and joint health), magnesium powder (for regularity), and canned coconut cream (for balancing blood sugar).

fresh citrus juice

Adrenal cocktails start with fresh orange juice. (Lemon or grapefruit works too!) This serves two main purposes: Orange juice is loaded with vitamin C and it’s an energizing source of simple carbohydrates. When you’re stressed, your adrenal glands use more vitamin C than they normally would. Beyond regulating cortisol production, the antioxidant properties of vitamin C are also necessary to fuel the adrenal glands, protect against oxidative stress, and boost the immune system.

You can also substitute a teaspoon of whole food vitamin C powder for the fresh orange juice. I like this one from Pure Synergy – it’s made from real fruit instead of ascorbic acid.

Coconut water

In addition to being naturally sweet and hydrating, coconut water is packed with several important nutrients, including minerals that many people don’t get enough of. Unlike coconut milk, which is a mixture of coconut water and shredded coconut, coconut water It is a clear coconut liquid. For potassium and other electrolytes, opt for pure coconut water. If not, you can substitute this for aloe vera juice!

Sea salt

By adding a big pinch of high-quality sea salt (Himalayan or Celtic), you’re adding additional essential electrolytes and minerals (like magnesium) that are key to energy production, blood pressure, and adrenal function. Salt also elevates the flavor of adrenaline cocktails, so don’t skimp!

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optional add-ons

When it comes to adrenaline cocktail recipes, there are plenty of optional add-ins. You can keep it simple or elevate this daily wellness routine. Because there is some concern that natural fruit juices in adrenal cocktails might spike your blood sugar, you can add a few tablespoons of coconut heavy cream for fat and a tablespoon of collagen powder for protein. Both macronutrients will help mitigate a spike in blood sugar.

If you prefer to add coconut milk instead of coconut cream, that’s a great option too. Coconut milk has fatty acids to help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide your body with energy. Personally, I prefer coconut cream because it will make your drink taste like cream (seriously!).

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The best time of day to drink an adrenal cocktail

Most of my clients prefer to have their adrenaline cocktail in the middle of the morning. That being said, it can also serve as an afternoon pick-me-up. Energy levels tend to dip between 10-11am and 2-3pm, so either of those windows, when you’d normally have a cup of caffeine or a handful of sugar, is ideal.

You can also try adrenal cocktail as a bedtime snack if you suffer from insomnia at 3 am (this may be the result of a daytime blood sugar problem). Otherwise, it serves as an energizing pre-workout snack! Last but not least, try it as a light breakfast, especially if you’re not hungry when you wake up. This potent elixir will boost your metabolism.

If you are prediabetic or diabetic, consult your doctor before introducing adrenal cocktail. It is best to drink this shortly after a meal, as opposed to between meals if you have trouble controlling your blood sugar. Drinking it about 10-15 minutes after a meal will help mitigate a spike in blood sugar.

What are the adrenal glands?

With all this said, you may be wondering: What are the adrenal glands? The human body has two adrenal glands. They are hormonal glands, located on top of both kidneys. They produce hormones that help regulate various processes: metabolism, glucose, blood pressure, immune health, and stress response. We can’t live without our adrenal glands, so it’s important to support and nourish them as well as possible!

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Signs that your adrenal glands are out of control

The central theme of the adrenal cocktail is balance. Supports our body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar, energy, and fight fatigue. One of the ways we can support homeostasis and overall wellness in the body is through the adrenal cocktail.

Signs that you may benefit from the adrenal cocktail include:

• extreme fatigue
• Weight loss and decreased appetite.
• Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Low blood pressure, including fainting
• salt cravings
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting (gastrointestinal symptoms)
• Abdominal pain

The adrenal cocktail is a simple but effective way to decrease the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. If you’re feeling exhausted, it’s worth a try! Helping to balance some important hormone and mineral levels, this magical concoction benefits overall health.

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Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before introducing adrenal cocktail.

This post was originally published on July 12, 2022 and has since been updated.