The "cortisol cocktail" is not only delicious – it also really works
Cortisol cocktail: this delicious and refreshing drink is not only perfect for summer, but is also said to help against stress.
It's now clear: We're increasingly stressed . This is also confirmed by the increasingly dense data. According to the Federal Statistical Office, a quarter of employed people already reported in 2020 that their work environment, time pressure, or similar factors were having a significant impact on their well-being. The trend has been rising ever since: In March 2024, 37 percent of employees, or more than a third of employees, reported feeling burned out in the previous 30 days in the Gallup Engagement Index Germany.
While these numbers aren't exactly reassuring, they do explain the success of home remedies for stress on social media—especially on TikTok. Among the most popular is the viral "Cortisol Cocktail," a sparkling and soothing wellness drink that claims to restore energy, reduce tension, and balance hormones . Big promises for a small drink, and it's certainly not a miracle cure—but the drink can indeed do something to improve your mood.
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Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands as a natural response to stress. It's often portrayed as an enemy to be fought, but in reality, cortisol is a valuable ally of our body. It performs key functions: It regulates metabolism, has an anti-inflammatory effect, stabilizes blood sugar levels , and influences our circadian rhythm—the natural sleep-wake cycle.
These functions make cortisol essential for survival. Therefore, it would be wrong to try to completely suppress its effects. What's more important is that cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day: In the morning, it provides alertness and energy , while in the evening, it helps the body relax. It only becomes problematic when cortisol levels remain permanently elevated. Then, the body can no longer properly switch off after physical or mental stress—with negative consequences for health and well-being.
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The recipe on TikTok is easy to prepare and perfect for a summer day. The ingredients for the cortisol cocktail are simply mixed together and poured into a glass with ice cubes, if desired:
- 200 ml coconut water
- Juice of half a lemon
- 50 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon of magnesium powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- Sparkling water to taste
As already mentioned, the Cortisol Cocktail is not a miracle cure and is not a substitute for medical treatment for chronic stress or burnout . In this case, you should seek therapeutic and medical help. However, it can be helpful as natural support in acute phases of stress, thanks to its ingredients. Coconut water contains electrolytes (especially potassium, magnesium and some sodium) that help stabilize fluid balance - which is important during stress because cortisol increases water excretion. Magnesium , which is also contained in coconut water in addition to the powder, has a calming effect on the nervous system and is known as the anti-stress ingredient par excellence. It inhibits cortisol production directly via the HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis), relaxes muscles, promotes sleep quality and lowers the heart rate.
Salt contains sodium, which supports hormonal balance via the adrenal glands, especially in cases of chronic fatigue or salt deficiency. Lemons and oranges both provide vitamin C, which studies have linked to a faster drop in cortisol levels after stress. Lemon juice also supports adrenal function, which is responsible for cortisol production, and has an alkalizing effect (despite its sour taste)—this can be helpful in cases of stress, which is often accompanied by hyperacidity.
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