I love my rich and creamy adrenal cocktail recipe, but sometimes I crave something lighter, more refreshing, and effortless. This zesty lime mocktail aka a simple cortisol cocktail aka the best adrenal cocktail recipe is the perfect alternative—it’s also one of the best adrenal cocktail recipes out there. Simple, hydrating, and ideal for a hot summer day, it delivers all the fun of a cocktail without the added sugars or gut-disrupting alcohol. Enjoy it with a snack or dinner for balanced blood sugar and increased energy.
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What is a Cortisol Cocktail or Adrenal Cocktail?
What are adrenal cocktails good for? An adrenal cocktail is a simple and effective way to replenish key vitamins and minerals that our bodies lose through daily stress and activity, specifically those nutrients that support adrenal gland function.
Our adrenal glands play a vital role in regulating blood pressure, metabolism, immune response, and how we handle stress. During stressful times, these glands require extra support, especially from nutrients like vitamin C, to keep up with hormone production and maintain balance in the body. Modern life, think work pressure, busy schedules, family responsibilities, and general overwhelm can lead to a condition commonly known as adrenal fatigue, where the adrenal glands become overworked and undernourished. That’s where the adrenal cocktail comes in. It is a targeted nutritional boost to help your body better manage stress and restore energy.
So, to make an adrenal cocktail you need a combination of those adrenal supporting nutrients: vitamin C, potassium and sodium.
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue refers to the exhaustion your body feels when your adrenal glands become overworked and depleted. It often shows up as a range of symptoms, including low energy and poor stress tolerance. One simple way to support adrenal health is by incorporating an adrenal cocktail into your daily routine. These drinks help restore essential minerals, giving your adrenal glands what they need to recover and function more effectively. Personally, I’ve found that having an adrenal cocktail in the afternoon helps combat energy slumps. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, I mix up an adrenal cocktail, ideally enjoyed outside in the sunshine.
Why You Will Love This Refreshing Lime Cortisol Cocktail
- Only 3 simple ingredients, this cortisol cocktail recipe is effortless.
- It’s so refreshing on a hot summer day!
- This recipe can be enjoyed by the whole family.
- Provides hydration through electrolytes, vitamins and minerals.
- It’s a great replacement for store bough electrolyte drinks.
- When consumed regularly, the combo of vitamins and minerals in this adrenal cocktail recipe will help to increase your energy without the afternoon coffee.

Ingredients
Coconut Water — A great source of potassium, coconut water is the base for this lime adrenal cocktail recipe. Choose an organic coconut water if possible and be sure to read the ingredient label. You want to look for an option that only lists coconut water as an ingredient, no other fillers or additives. If you don’t like coconut water, you can sub for aloe vera juice but I would recommend trying out a few different coconut water brands. I don’t think I have ever tried two coconut waters that taste the same. (See the tips section, below, for more info.)
Fresh Lime Juice — A refreshing source of vitamin C, choose organic limes if possible and squeeze them yourself.
Sea Salt — A mineral rich source of much needed sodium, sea salt can be so beneficial for the whole body. Choose a brand you can trust, like Redmond’s Real Salt and be sure to check ingredient lists to avoid unnecessary additives. (See the shop this post section for more brand recommendations)
Recipe Modifications
- If coconut water isn’t your thing you can substitute for aloe vera juice. With it’s own unique flavor also vera juice is also a great source of potassium.
- If you aren’t big on limes but would love to try an adrenal cocktail recipe for more energy and stress support, take a look at my creamy adrenal cocktail recipe, that uses orange juice, coconut water and sea salt.
- Coconut water mixed with other fruit juices is also another option. Try grapefruit juice instead of limes or orange juice.
- For a refreshing mojito mocktail try adding a few crushed mint leaves and bubbly water, to create a non-alcoholic summer drink.

Tips and Tricks from a Holistic Nutritionist
- If you are looking for improvement in your energy levels and stress response, make sure to enjoy an adrenal cocktail every day before lunch time.
- To support healthy and balanced blood sugar levels drink your adrenal cocktail with a protein rich breakfast or snacks…and always remember to eat your protein first.
- To improve the taste of this adrenal cocktail recipe, especially if you don’t like coconut water, try out a few different brands. I have found that each coconut water has a different flavor depending on where the coconuts are harvested. Some waters are more milky in taste, some are pink and sweeter and some are more fragrant with tropical tastes. Be open minded and move on to another choice if you haven’t found one yet that you like.
- For ease and to save time, you can make this adrenal cocktail recipe in large batches and store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Be sure to store it in a glass airtight container and give it a little shake or stir before pouring.
- Use this recipe as a replacement for sports or hydration drinks. It can be enjoyed by the whole family.
How to Make This Refreshing Lime Cortisol Cocktail
Simply add all of the ingredients to a glass, stir to combine and enjoy. That’s it, a simple and refreshing way to improve your overall health and wellness!

Simple Cortisol Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic coconut water
- 1-2 limes fresh squeezed juice
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a glass cup, stir and enjoy.
Shop this Post
Coconut Water – If you are buying coconut water on Amazon I think this is the best choice. It’s clean, but does look different than the images for this recipe, it is pink in color and a bit sweeter than clear coconut water. I also like the Whole Foods brand.
Sea Salt – I love this Baja Gold sea salt for it’s flavor and mineral content. I have tried other brands in this cortisol cocktail and this brand adds the most thirst quenching taste.
Glass Straws – Glass straws are the perfect non-toxic addition to any summer drink, I love these because they are Borosilicate, shatter proof glass.
Citrus Squeezer – This citrus squeezer makes squeezing lime juice into your cortisol cocktail super easy and I love that this one is stainless steel.
*None of the above information is medical advice. Nothing in this post is meant to take the place of medical advice from a doctor or health professional. I am not a doctor, I am only sharing my personal experience, personal research I have done and information I have inferred. Please see my disclaimer for more information.*





Love these ingredients but honestly had no idea about all the health benefits!
This sounds great! I need more drinks like this during the summer, I’ll have to try this recipe.
Sounds yummy and refreshing! I take adrenal cocktails daily but haven’t tried this recipe😋