An adrenal cocktail helps boost your energy and support your adrenal glands by providing essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and sodium. It’s a simple way to replenish your body’s minerals and improve overall vitality, especially during stressful times. It is made with three simple ingredients and can be enjoyed throughout the day! (This drink is gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free.)

two glasses of adrenal cocktail with a large pitcher and plated orange slices and a coconut in the background

What is an adrenal cocktail?

The adrenal cocktail references the adrenal glands, hormone organs that sit on top of your kidneys. These glands regulate essential functions like metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response. The ingredients in this beverage regulate the adrenal system and support overall health.

This recipe may have become popular on Instagram and TikTok but the concept has been around forever. You combine three components: whole food Vitamin C (typically a citrus juice like orange juice), potassium, and sodium to make a nutrient-rich drink.

Reasons This Adrenal Cocktail Recipe Works

  • Simple! The most basic form of this recipe has just 3 ingredients.
  • Versatile!  This recipe has several alternatives, based on what ingredients you have available and/or can tolerate. Once you understand the basics of the recipe, it’s easy to swap out ingredients based on your tastes while still reaping the health benefits.
  • Healthy! This juice is packed with nutrients and minerals that improve your general health.

For more healthy drinks, try our Cherimoya Smoothie and Apple Cucumber Juice (In Blender) next.

close up view of a glass of adrenal cocktail

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple Version

  • ½ cup Orange Juice
  • ½ cup Coconut Water
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt

Cream of Tartar Version

  • 4 oz Orange Juice
  • ¼ tsp Cream of Tartar (this is an unexpected but excellent source of potassium)
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt

Coconut Version

The creamy coconut milk makes this variation taste like an orange creamsicle.

  • ½ cup Orange Juice
  • ½ cup Coconut Water
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt
  • 2 tbsp Coconut Cream or Full-Fat Coconut Milk
box of coconut water three oranges a small bowl of sea salt and a fresh coconut

Why Drink It?

This citrus mocktail can improve your overall health when consumed daily. The high amounts of Vitamin C, sodium, and potassium work together to maintain hormone stability, hydrate the body, and promote electrolyte balance. It also helps with adrenal fatigue.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

  • physical exhaustion
  • anxiety
  • salt and sugar cravings
  • low blood pressure
  • weight gain
  • trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  • dehydration

Adrenal Cocktail Benefits

Manages Stress

Stress, whether positive (i.e., exercise, breastfeeding) or negative (i.e., work stress) depletes nutrients in the body. This impacts hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline), dictating how the body responds to fight or flight. All three elements of this adrenal cocktail work to replenish those nutrients.

Natural Energy Booster

The electrolytes (sodium and potassium) in this drink provide energy without the coffee jitters or the processed sugar rush of energy drinks. Without electrolytes, the body feels depleted but this drink restores them.

Improves Immune System

The Vitamin C present in citrus fruit is an antioxidant that helps the immune system function properly. When the immune system is working well, it can prevent infections and diseases.

overhead view of two glasses of adrenal cocktail

When To Drink Adrenal Cocktail

This is great for combating the afternoon slump. Drink it to restore your energy and power through the rest of your work day. I also recommend drinking it after a workout.

Try it an hour before bed. Although it’s not a sleep aid, it has a calming effect that can make you rest more peacefully. However, there is no set time that it must be drunk so do what works for you!

Should you drink an adrenal cocktail every day?

You can drink this daily as part of your wellness regimen. As long as you are not allergic to any of the ingredients, this is perfectly safe to consume every day. Enjoy a glass or two daily.

two glasses of adrenal cocktail with a large pitcher and plated orange slices and a coconut in the background

Why add cream of tartar to an adrenal cocktail?

Cream of tartar is rich in potassium and other minerals. It’s a good substitute for coconut water in this recipe.

What are the best vitamins to help adrenal fatigue?

The best vitamins to combat adrenal fatigue are Vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B6, and calcium. These essential vitamins all support the health of the adrenal glands.

How can I restore my adrenal fatigue naturally?

Aside from consuming this tasty elixir, you can take small, practical steps to lower your stress. Get on a regular sleep schedule, get fresh air, perform low-impact workouts (like walking or yoga), and avoid processed foods.

overhead view of oranges, coconut, and salt

How to Make an Adrenal Cocktail

Grab a glass and pour in the orange juice, coconut water, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir and get ready to enjoy!

Alternatively:

  • If you prefer, you can use a mason jar with a lid. Just add the orange juice, coconut water, and a pinch of salt to the jar. Close the lid tightly and shake it up until everything is well combined. Then, get ready to quench your thirst!

Optional Step:

  • If you want to add some extra creaminess to your drink, you can include coconut cream or milk. In that case, pour all the ingredients, including the coconut cream or milk, into a blender. Blend everything for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes smooth and frothy.

Tips

  • You will want the highest concentration of vitamin C so use an additive-free (preferably freshly squeezed) juice for the best results.
  • This is not a meal replacement. Instead, treat it as a healthy drink or supplement.
  • If you’re just starting out, gradually add it to your diet. Try taking ½ a serving for a couple of weeks to see how your body responds.
overhead view of ramekin filled with juice and sliced oranges and fresh whole oranges in the background

Variations

Want an adrenal cocktail with no orange juice? No problem! There are so many ways to customize your adrenal cocktail. Pick and choose any of the following ingredients from each category.

Vitamin C

  • Orange Juice
  • Lime Juice
  • Lemon Juice
  • Grapefruit Juice
  • Vitamin C Powder/Packet (use a high-quality variety like this Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C brand)

Potassium

  • Coconut Water
  • Coconut Milk
  • Coconut Cream
  • Sparkling Mineral Water
  • Aloe Vera Juice

Sodium

  • Sea Salt
  • Himalayan Salt

More Options

  • Collagen (this is not vegan but adds protein)
  • Ginger
a glass of adrenal cocktail with coconut milk
Adrenal Cocktail With Coconut Cream Added

Mineral Ratios

No matter which variation you choose, if you are drinking this for adrenal support, keep this general formula in mind:

  • 375mg of Potassium
  • 460mg of Sodium
  • 60mg of Wholefood Vitamin C

Storage

Store the adrenal cocktail in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake before drinking.

two glasses of adrenal cocktail with a large pitcher and plated orange slices and a coconut in the background

I Hope You Enjoy This Adrenal Cocktail Recipe!

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures, share them with me on InstagramFacebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

More Healthy Drink Recipes To Try!

two glasses of adrenal cocktail with a large pitcher and plated orange slices and a coconut in the background
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Adrenal Cocktail Recipe

This adrenal cocktail recipe is a quick, easy, and refreshing way to replenish your body's minerals and nutrients. Skip your morning cup of coffee and opt for a glass of this healthy natural energy booster instead! (This drink is gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free.)
Prep Time2 minutes
Total Time2 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Healthy
Keyword: adrenal cocktail, adrenal cocktail before bed, adrenal cocktail benefits, adrenal cocktail cream of tartar, adrenal cocktail for sleep, adrenal cocktail no orange juice, adrenal cocktail recipe, do adrenal cocktails work, what does an adrenal cocktail do, when to drink adrenal cocktail
Servings: 1
Calories: 39kcal

Ingredients

Simple Version

  • ½ cup Orange Juice
  • ½ cup Coconut Water
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt or a pinch

Cream of Tartar Version

  • 4 oz Orange Juice
  • ¼ tsp Cream of Tartar an excellent source of potassium
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt or a pinch

Coconut Version

  • ½ cup Orange Juice
  • ½ cup Coconut Water
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt or a pinch
  • 2 tbsp Coconut Cream or Full Fat Coconut Milk

Instructions

  • Grab a glass and pour in the orange juice, coconut water, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir and get ready to enjoy!

Alternatively:

  • If you prefer, you can use a mason jar with a lid. Just add the orange juice, coconut water, and a pinch of salt to the jar. Close the lid tightly and shake it up until everything is well combined. Then, get ready to quench your thirst!

Optional Step:

  • If you want to add some extra creaminess to your drink, you can include coconut cream or milk. In that case, pour all the ingredients, including the coconut cream or milk, into a blender. Blend everything for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes smooth and frothy.

Notes

The original source of this recipe was Susan Blackard, NP, ND, PhD at the Rejuvenation Health Center in Springfield, MO.

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