Despite the dramatic name, an adrenal cocktail is usually just:
A source of vitamin C (like orange juice)
Some sodium (salt)
Sometimes potassium (like cream of tartar or coconut water)
Sometimes a bit of magnesium (from mineral water or supplements – I don’t recommend you add supplements without a doctor’s ok)
So basically: it’s a homemade electrolyte + vitamin C drink. You could enjoy it as a fun drink, especially after exercise or on a hot day, as long as you’re not chugging tons of salt/sugar.
Simple Adrenal Cocktail–Style Drink Recipe
This version keeps it pretty safe and food-based.
Ingredients (1 serving)
½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
½ cup (120 ml) coconut water
A small pinch of sea salt (like 1/8 teaspoon or less)
Optional:
A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime
A little honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter (totally optional – orange juice is already sweet)
Instructions
Chill the liquids
It tastes way better cold, so use cold orange juice and coconut water if you can.
Mix in a glass
Add:
Orange juice
Coconut water
Small pinch of salt
Stir well
Make sure the salt is fully dissolved. Taste it:
If it’s too salty → Add more juice or water.
If it’s too sweet → Add a bit more water.
Add optional extras
A squeeze of lemon or lime for a fresh, tangy kick.
Ice cubes if you want it super refreshing.
Drink it slowly
Sip it like a nice drink, not a “shot.”
Important Safety Notes (Please read these 🙏)
Because you’re a teen, I want to be extra clear:
This is not medicine.
It won’t magically “fix your adrenals”, stress, or chronic fatigue.
Be careful with salt if:
You’ve been told to watch your sodium
You get headaches or feel weird after salty foods
In that case, use a tiny pinch or skip the salt.
Don’t add random supplements (like magnesium powders, capsules, or “ adrenal support” blends) without a doctor or trusted health professional. Supplements can interact with medicines or cause side effects.
If you feel really off a lot
(exhausted all the time, dizzy, heart racing, fainting, etc.), please tell a parent, guardian, school nurse, or doctor. That’s way more helpful than any trendy drink.
When is this kind of drink actually useful?
Things like this can be nice when:
You’ve been exercising, sweating, or outside in the heat
You want a homemade electrolyte-ish drink instead of soda
You just want a fun, fruity drink with a tiny bit of added salt
But it’s not a replacement for:
Plain water (you still need that)
Meals with carbs, protein, and healthy fats
Sleep and stress management
Real medical care if you need it
Easy Variations
If you like the basic idea, you can play around with it:
Berry Citrus Mix
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup water
¼ cup blended berries (strawberry/raspberry)
Tiny pinch of salt
Minty Citrus Cooler
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water or coconut water
Tiny pinch of salt
A few crushed mint leaves + ice
Light Version (less sugar)
¼ cup orange juice
¾ cup water or unsweetened coconut water
Tiny pinch of salt
Squeeze of lemon
Quick recap
An “adrenal cocktail” is basically a citrus + salt + sometimes coconut water drink.
It can taste nice and give you fluids + some electrolytes, but it’s not a medical treatment.
Keep the salt small, enjoy it like any other flavored drink, and always talk to a trusted adult/doctor if you’re worried about your health.