Health & Wellness — Hormone Health
Tart Cherry Adrenal Cocktail
Molly Moore / 19 January 2026
I’m a big believer that small daily rituals add up. Not extreme detoxes or cutting everything out, but gentle support you can actually stick to. I've been exploring all of the hormone balancing drinks and this one might just be my favourite...
It’s inspired by the viral sleep mocktail trend, but this version is focused on real adrenal support, better sleep, and mineral replenishment rather than sugar highs.
Why Tart Cherry Is So Powerful for Adrenal Health
Tart cherry juice is naturally rich in compounds that support the nervous system and circadian rhythm. It’s often used for sleep support because it contains natural melatonin, but it’s also helpful for cortisol balance.
When cortisol stays high into the evening, it can interfere with sleep, recovery, digestion, and hormone balance.
I started using tart cherry regularly during a phase when my stress felt constant and my sleep was suffering. Adding this drink in the evening became a simple cue for my body to slow down, and over time it really helped with that restless, buzzy feeling.
Tart Cherry Adrenal Cocktail Recipe
This recipe is best enjoyed in the late afternoon or evening when cortisol should naturally be coming down.
Try the Orange Delight Adrenal Cocktail for the perfect morning drink here.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened tart cherry juice
- Juice of 1/2 fresh lime
- 1/2 cup filtered water or sparkling water
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon high-quality sea salt
- Optional
- Magnesium powder or liquid magnesium
- A squeeze of fresh lime for brightness
How to Make It
Add the tart cherry and lime juice and water to a glass. Stir in the cream of tartar and sea salt until fully dissolved (use a hand whisk or blender to thoroughly mix) Add magnesium if using. Finish with ice and a squeeze of lime if you like it a little sharper.
Sip slowly rather than drinking quickly. This helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system and supports cortisol reduction.
I sometimes make mine in a cocktail shaker in the evening to make it feel like an elevated evening drink in place of wine or a regular cocktail.
Want a Full Cortisol Reset Plan?
This adrenal cocktail works best as part of a bigger picture approach that includes food, routines, mindset, and gentle detox support.
I’ve put together a free cortisol detox pack that walks you through:
1. What raises cortisol without you realising
2. What to eat and drink for cortisol balance
3. Simple daily habits that calm your nervous system
4. How to support weight loss without stressing your body
Download you free Cortisol Detox guide to support Adrenal Health!
Why These Ingredients Support Your Adrenals
Tart cherry juice supports sleep hormones and helps reduce evening cortisol
Sea salt provides sodium which adrenals rely on during stress
Cream of tartar is a natural source of potassium which helps balance fluids and nerves
Magnesium supports relaxation and cortisol regulation
Lime helps with digestion and makes the drink genuinely enjoyable, which matters more than people realise!
Together, they create a mineral rich adrenal drink that supports calm energy rather than stimulation.
How This Fits Into an Adrenal Health Routine
No single drink will fix cortisol imbalance on its own. What matters is how everything works together.
This tart cherry adrenal cocktail pairs beautifully with
- Gentle evening movement or stretching
- Somatic exercises for cortisol release
- A low cortisol dinner with protein and fibre
- Reducing caffeine earlier in the day
If you’re just starting out, I recommend my beginner’s guide to cortisol detox so you’re not accidentally doing things that spike cortisol further.
You can also explore my cortisol reducing smoothie for mornings and my cortisol detox diet plan to support cortisol throughout the day.
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