Save I started making this mocktail during a stretch of restless nights when I needed something gentler than chamomile tea. The deep ruby color caught my eye first, swirling in the glass like a tiny sunset. Within a week, it became my quiet ritual, the sound of sparkling water fizzing over ice signaling the day was done. My partner now asks if Im making the sleepy drink whenever I reach for the cherry juice after dinner. Its funny how such a simple mix can become a signal to your whole body that rest is coming.
The first time I served this to a friend who was stressed about work deadlines, she looked skeptical at the mention of magnesium powder. But after one sip, she asked for the recipe on the spot. We sat on the porch that evening, glasses clinking softly, and she admitted she hadnt felt that calm in weeks. Now she texts me photos of her own versions with different garnishes.
Ingredients
- Tart cherry juice: The star here, unsweetened is key so you control the sweetness and get all the natural melatonin benefits without added sugar.
- Sparkling water: Gives it that celebratory fizz without any caffeine, I like club soda for a cleaner taste.
- Magnesium supplement: Optional but this is what earned the sleepy name, make sure its unflavored or it can taste chalky.
- Lemon juice: Just a teaspoon brightens the whole drink and cuts through the richness of the cherry.
- Honey or maple syrup: I usually skip this entirely, but if your cherry juice is very tart, a tiny drizzle smooths it out.
- Ice cubes: More than you think you need, this drink is best when its almost slushy cold.
- Fresh mint and lemon wheel: Totally optional, but the mint releases a soft aroma that adds to the calming vibe.
Instructions
- Prep your glass:
- Fill a 10 to 12 ounce glass all the way to the top with ice cubes. The colder the glass, the longer your drink stays refreshing.
- Add the cherry and lemon:
- Pour the tart cherry juice and lemon juice directly over the ice. Watch the color deepen as it settles around the cubes.
- Sweeten if desired:
- Drizzle in honey or maple syrup if youre using it, then stir gently with a spoon until it dissolves completely. Taste as you go so it doesnt get too sweet.
- Mix in magnesium:
- If youre adding magnesium powder or liquid, stir it in now until theres no cloudiness left. This step makes all the difference for that sleepy effect.
- Top with bubbles:
- Slowly pour the sparkling water over everything and give it one last gentle stir. Dont overmix or youll lose the fizz.
- Garnish and serve:
- Tuck a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel onto the rim of the glass. Sip it slowly about 30 to 60 minutes before you want to sleep.
Save One evening I made this for my mom after a long day of travel. She sat at the kitchen counter, skeptical about a bedtime mocktail, but halfway through the glass she let out this long exhale I hadnt heard in years. She didnt say much, just that it tasted like permission to stop doing things. That moment stuck with me more than any compliment about the flavor.
Choosing Your Cherry Juice
Not all tart cherry juice is created equal. Ive tried brands that were too sweet, too watery, or tasted more like cough syrup than fruit. Look for 100 percent tart cherry juice with no added sugars or concentrates cut with apple juice. The deeper the color and the more tart the first sip, the better it works. I keep a bottle in the fridge and it lasts about two weeks once opened, which is perfect for nightly servings.
Adjusting for Your Taste
Some nights I want it tart and bracing, other nights I add an extra teaspoon of honey when I need something softer. If sparkling water feels too sharp, try half sparkling and half still water for a gentler fizz. You can also muddle a few mint leaves in the glass before adding the liquid for a cooler, almost mojito like twist. This drink is forgiving, so trust your mood and adjust as you go.
Making It Part of Your Routine
The ritual matters as much as the ingredients. I dim the lights while I make it, put my phone in another room, and sip it slowly while reading or stretching. The act of preparing something just for winding down signals my brain that the day is over. After a couple weeks, my body started to relax just hearing the fizz of the sparkling water.
- Make it at the same time each night so your body learns the cue.
- Use a special glass that feels a little fancy, it makes the ritual feel intentional.
- Pair it with a calming activity like journaling or a short walk around the house.
Save This little drink has become my favorite way to close the day without overthinking it. I hope it brings you the same quiet kind of comfort it brought me.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I replace the honey with a vegan-friendly sweetener?
Yes, maple syrup is a great vegan alternative that pairs nicely with cherry and lemon flavors.
- → What is the purpose of the magnesium supplement?
The magnesium supplement is optional but may help enhance relaxation before bedtime.
- → Is sparkling water necessary for this drink?
Sparkling water adds a light fizz but can be replaced with plain water for a milder version.
- → Can fresh mint be muddled instead of used as garnish?
Absolutely. Muddling mint leaves can infuse a herbal twist and deepen the flavor complexity.
- → How long should I wait after drinking to feel relaxed?
Enjoy the drink 30–60 minutes before bedtime for the best calming effects.