A new wellness trend known as the “cortisol cocktail” has taken TikTok by storm, with users around the world — including in Thailand — mixing up alcohol-free mocktails touted to reduce stress and lower the body’s main stress hormone, cortisol. But while influencers and wellness bloggers swear by the drink’s benefits, medical experts remain skeptical, emphasizing the lack of robust clinical evidence supporting these claims and urging caution for certain groups of people.
The cortisol cocktail typically includes everyday ingredients: coconut water, orange juice, squeezed lemon, magnesium powder, a pinch of sea salt, and sometimes sparkling water. Clips showing the preparation and consumption of the drink have racked up millions of views, with many creators claiming it helps them “reset” after a stressful day, contributing to better sleep, relaxation, and even potential weight management. As more Thai netizens encounter the trend, questions arise regarding its scientific validity and potential relevance for local health practices.
The popularity of the cortisol cocktail speaks to a broader societal concern: stress is a nearly universal experience, especially in fast-paced, urban environments like Bangkok. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, over 77% of U.S. adults report that the future is a major source of anxiety — a sentiment echoed globally CNBC. In Thailand, rising rates of reported stress and burnout, particularly amongst working professionals and students, parallel this Western trend, with the Department of Mental Health warning that untreated stress can precipitate chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, and mental health conditions.
It is easy to see why the appeal of a quick-fix beverage gains traction. Social media, with its algorithms primed for virality, often accelerates the spread of health hacks, sometimes outpacing scientific investigation. Thai wellness and self-care TikTok communities have begun replicating the cortisol cocktail, adapting ingredients to local tastes (such as substituting citrus varieties or using Thai coconut water brands) and sharing personal anecdotes of feeling “energized” or “calmer” after drinking it.
Despite social proof, endocrinology experts caution against misunderstanding both the drink and the biology it claims to influence. Cortisol is described by a Stanford School of Medicine endocrinologist as a critical hormone for maintaining essential body functions like blood pressure, sodium and potassium balance, blood sugar, and stress response. “Doctors asking patients to lower their cortisol? We almost actually never do that because it’s actually hard to track,” notes a University of Maryland School of Medicine assistant professor interviewed by CNBC. Instead, physicians target the root causes of chronic stress or, rarely, medically treat abnormal cortisol conditions such as Cushing’s Syndrome, which is characterized by persistently elevated cortisol levels and requires clinical management.
Furthermore, the scientific literature reveals a gap: “I’m not aware of any studies that looked at the effects of these individual ingredients on cortisol levels,” said the Stanford expert. There are currently no large, randomized clinical trials that conclusively demonstrate drinking this combination significantly reduces cortisol or confers stress resilience. A review of studies on magnesium supplementation indicates possible benefits for sleep and muscle relaxation, but only weak evidence exists for direct reductions in stress hormone levels (Prevention.com). Coconut water and citrus juices, rich in electrolytes and vitamin C, are generally hydrating, which can support a sense of well-being, but these effects are not unique to the “cortisol cocktail” formulation.
The idea that the cocktail’s magnesium content could aid sleep — and thus indirectly benefit stress — has some plausibility. Magnesium’s role in nerve and muscle function is established, and deficiency can contribute to fatigue or insomnia. However, the assistant professor from the University of Maryland emphasized that “none of [the ingredients], separately, are actually known to reduce stress, except maybe magnesium,” and even those effects tend to be subtle and individualized. People may simply benefit from being more hydrated and paying attention to their self-care routines.
While the “cortisol cocktail” is considered safe for most healthy individuals and could provide a hydrating, low-calorie alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages, both U.S. endocrinology experts warn of possible risks for specific populations. Those living with chronic kidney disease should avoid excessive electrolytes like magnesium and potassium due to their impaired ability to filter these minerals, and anyone with diabetes must be mindful of the sugar content in fruit juices. Thai medical professionals would likely echo these cautions, given the rising prevalence of diabetes and chronic kidney disease in the country (Thai Ministry of Public Health)
The phenomenon also highlights how “internet medicine” fuels viral health trends, often before substantial research is conducted. A Yale campus expert recently noted that “TikTok’s so-called wellness hacks can create unrealistic expectations and may overshadow evidence-based healthcare strategies, especially for young people seeking guidance online” (University of California News). This presents a challenge for health authorities in Thailand, where social media uptake is high and digital literacy varies widely, making discernment between safe trends and dangerous misinformation ever more important.
Incorporating Thai perspectives, the “cortisol cocktail” trend may remind some locals of traditional herbal drinks and cooling beverages commonly offered to alleviate ailments and restore balance, such as nam takrai (lemongrass tea) or chrysanthemum tea. Thailand’s rich tradition of functional beverages attests to the enduring appeal of simple, kitchen-based wellness solutions. However, these home remedies have a centuries-old place within Thai medicine and are often accompanied by generational wisdom, in contrast to quickly shifting internet fads.
Looking forward, experts recommend relying on time-tested, evidence-based strategies to manage stress. Both doctors quoted in the CNBC article listed effective approaches: practicing self-compassion, ensuring good sleep hygiene, engaging in regular physical activity, seeking professional mental health support when needed, and maintaining supportive social connections. For Thais navigating high-pressure environments — from office workers in Bangkok’s CBD to university students during examens — these practices can be adapted into everyday routines. Getting fresh air through a walk in a local park, practicing mindfulness or meditation (often promoted alongside Buddhism’s influence in Thai society), and fostering family connections are examples of culturally resonant methods that do not require purchase or mixing of special drinks.
In summary, while the “cortisol cocktail” may offer a tasty and hydrating way to practice self-care, no scientific evidence currently supports its claim to actively lower stress hormones. Thai readers are encouraged to view such internet trends with healthy skepticism, consult medical professionals as needed, and prioritize holistic stress management methods that are practical and familiar. As always, when encountering new dietary trends online, particularly those involving supplementation or untested combinations, it is wise to consider one’s own health context and consult a qualified healthcare provider before making significant changes.
For those intrigued by TikTok’s latest craze, simply enjoying the “cortisol cocktail” as a refreshing mocktail is unlikely to cause harm for most people, provided they are aware of underlying health concerns. However, lasting stress relief will come not from any single beverage, but from consistent, evidence-based wellness practices that reflect personal and Thai cultural values.
Sources:
- “The ‘cortisol cocktail’ has gone viral on TikTok—but can it actually reduce stress? Here’s what doctors say”
- Prevention: Does the Cortisol Cocktail Really Work?
- University of California News: Do TikTok’s viral life hacks actually help your mental health?
- Thai Ministry of Public Health - diabetes and chronic kidney disease
- Wikipedia: Cortisol Cocktail