The Viral Cortisol Cocktail Claims to Reduce Stress—But Does It Really Work?

If you’re feeling stressed or worn out, sipping on a “cortisol cocktail” could be the fix you’re looking for, according to some health accounts on TikTok and Instagram. There are several variations of the drink, but the main ingredients include orange juice, coconut water, salt, and cream of tartar. Some cortisol cocktail enthusiasts claim that this combination can help lower cortisol levels and alleviate adrenal fatigue, ultimately increasing energy levels. But is there any merit to this claim? We asked experts for their take on this buzzy beverage. 

What is adrenal fatigue and how does it relate to cortisol?

First, it helps to understand how your adrenal glands function. The glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce several hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone, explains Pooja Gidwani, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician in Los Angeles. 

“Cortisol is often referred to as the ‘stress hormone’ but it plays many roles beyond stress,” Dr. Gidwani says. “It helps regulate blood sugar, inflammation, blood pressure, and even your body’s energy levels.” 

According to social media videos, high cortisol can contribute to low energy and brain fog, which some people describe as adrenal fatigue. But, Dr. Gidwani says thinking about cortisol in terms of “high” and “low” isn’t entirely accurate. And cortisol has been wrongly demonized, although it’s an essential hormone. 

Cortisol is naturally highest in the morning, which helps you wake up and decreases throughout the day, she explains. “Rather than aiming to lower cortisol, which has become a popular, but misleading, wellness goal, the real aim should be to support healthy cortisol rhythms,” Dr. Gidwani says. “That means prioritizing things like morning sunlight, exercise in the morning, hydration, and a protein-rich breakfast, and consistent sleep and stress management habits.”

It’s also important to know that adrenal fatigue isn’t a recognized medical diagnosis. “It’s more of a wellness term used to describe nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and burnout, which are often caused by poor sleep, chronic stress, under-eating, or blood sugar instability,” Dr. Gidwani explains. 

However, adrenal insufficiency is a medical condition that happens when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol. That is typically caused by autoimmune disease, such as Addison’s disease,  pituitary dysfunction, or steroid withdrawal, according to Dr. Gidwani.  Adrenal insufficiency is a serious medical condition that can’t be fixed with mocktails or supplements. 

Does the cortisol cocktail have any benefits?

If someone is feeling run-down or depleted, this drink might offer a little pick-me-up through hydration and electrolyte support, says Valerie Agyeman, RDN, women’s health dietitian and founder of Flourish Heights. “Orange juice and coconut water provide vitamin C and potassium nutrients that can support overall hydration and energy levels, which can feel helpful if you’re under stress,” Agyeman says. 

The salt provides sodium, which helps maintain proper fluid balance and nerve function, according to Dr. Gidwani. That said, the beverage is a temporary fix. “The mocktail may help someone feel better short term by improving hydration and electrolyte status, but it doesn’t address the underlying causes,” Dr. Gidwani says. 

Although the drink is relatively safe, people with allergies to the ingredients, kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, or those taking diuretics should be cautious due to the potassium and sodium content, according to Dr. Gidwani. And those with heart or kidney issues should be careful when using cream of tartar, which can be dangerous for them in large amounts, she advises.