What is a cortisol cocktail? And can drinking one really lower our stress levels?

Joanna Taylor

May 3, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.·1 min read

There’s certainly something to be said about having a big ol’ drink to unwind at the end of a long day, but can a liquid really, truly lower one’s stress levels?

According to hordes of TikTokers promoting ‘cortisol cocktails’, apparently so. No, cortisol is not a new flavour of Baileys (sigh), but ‘a hormone that plays a key role in the body’s stress response as well as various other physiological processes’, says nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert. ‘It’s often referred to as the “stress hormone” because levels typically increase in response to stress — be it physical, emotional or psychological.’

A cortisol cocktail, she says, is ‘a drink some people are promoting to help “balance” hormones like cortisol and feel more energised. The claims for adrenal cocktails are that they fight adrenal fatigue and support adrenal gland health. According to the cocktails’ promoters, the combination of vitamin C from orange juice, sodium from sea salt, and potassium from the coconut water and cream of tartar replenishes the body’s adrenal glands.’

The reality? Dubious, says Lambert. ‘While it may contain some healthy ingredients, the “cortisol cocktail” isn’t proven to boost the function of the adrenal glands. Adrenal fatigue itself isn’t a scientifically proven concept, it’s a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that aren’t specific. Examples of those symptoms include tiredness, weakness, sleep problems and cravings for sugar and salt. So no, the health claims for cortisol cocktails do not have scientific evidence to back them up.’

Oh well, a large glass of rosé it is…

The Science of Plant-based Nutrition by Rhiannon Lambert is published on 27 June (£20; DK)

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