Save I started making this mocktail on nights when my mind refused to settle, when scrolling through my phone felt easier than closing my eyes. A friend mentioned tart cherry juice once, casually, like it was common knowledge, and I decided to try it with sparkling water just to see. The first sip was tart and fizzy, almost playful, nothing like the heavy bedtime teas I'd been forcing down. I kept tweaking it until it felt like a little ritual, something I looked forward to instead of another chore before bed. Now it's the drink I reach for when I need to convince myself that rest is allowed.
I made this for my sister one night after she couldn't stop yawning through a movie we were watching. She was skeptical at first, called it my weird sleep juice, but she drank it anyway. Halfway through the glass, she got quieter, more relaxed, and by the end of the night she asked me to text her the recipe. Now she makes it for herself on Sunday nights, right before the week starts again, and she says it helps her reset. It's funny how something so simple can become someone else's comfort too.
Ingredients
- Tart cherry juice: This is the heart of the drink, naturally rich in melatonin and antioxidants, so always choose unsweetened to keep it clean and effective.
- Sparkling water or club soda: The bubbles make it feel celebratory instead of medicinal, and you can swap for still water if you prefer it calm.
- Magnesium supplement: Optional but powerful, I use an unflavored liquid form that dissolves instantly and adds a subtle relaxation boost without changing the taste.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Just a teaspoon brightens the whole drink and cuts through the sweetness of the cherries perfectly.
- Honey or maple syrup: I go back and forth depending on what I have, but maple syrup keeps it vegan and honey adds a warmer, deeper sweetness.
- Ice cubes: They chill the drink fast and dilute it just enough as you sip slowly.
- Fresh mint sprig and lemon wheel: Garnishes aren't necessary, but they make it feel like you're treating yourself, not just going through the motions.
Instructions
- Chill your glass:
- Start by filling a 10 to 12 ounce glass with ice cubes, letting them settle while you gather everything else. The cold glass makes the first sip feel immediate and refreshing.
- Build the base:
- Pour the tart cherry juice and lemon juice directly over the ice, watching the deep red color swirl and darken. If you're adding honey or maple syrup, stir it in now so it dissolves evenly before the bubbles arrive.
- Add the magnesium:
- If you're using a magnesium supplement, measure it carefully and stir until it disappears completely into the liquid. I learned the hard way that clumps at the bottom ruin the last sip.
- Top with sparkle:
- Slowly pour the sparkling water or club soda down the side of the glass to preserve the fizz, then give it one gentle stir. The bubbles should lift the cherry juice into a soft, foamy layer on top.
- Garnish and serve:
- Tuck a mint sprig and lemon wheel into the glass, letting them float at the surface. Drink it slowly, about 30 to 60 minutes before you want to feel sleepy, and let it work its quiet magic.
Save One night I made this for myself and sat on the back porch with it, listening to the crickets and watching the sky fade from purple to black. I wasn't trying to sleep yet, just trying to stop thinking so loud. The drink became part of the stillness, something to hold while the world slowed down around me. By the time I finished it, I felt softer, like my edges had blurred just enough to let go. That's when I realized this wasn't just a drink, it was permission to stop pushing through and start resting.
How to Customize Your Mocktail
If you like things sweeter, add an extra teaspoon of honey or maple syrup and taste as you go. I've also muddled fresh mint leaves at the bottom of the glass before adding the liquids, which gives it a cooler, herbier vibe. You can swap the sparkling water for coconut water if you want something creamier and slightly tropical, or try a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist. I've even stirred in a tiny pinch of sea salt once, which sounds odd but balances the tartness beautifully. Play with it until it feels like your version, not just mine.
Best Times to Enjoy This Drink
I usually make this about an hour before bed, right after I've finished everything I needed to do and I'm finally allowed to unwind. It works great after a long day of travel, when your body is wired but exhausted at the same time. Some people drink it after a workout to help muscles relax, or even in the early evening while reading or journaling. I've also made it on nights when I wasn't planning to sleep soon but just needed to calm my nervous system after a stressful day. It's gentle enough that it won't knock you out, but intentional enough that you feel taken care of.
Storing and Prepping Ahead
You can't really batch this mocktail ahead of time because the sparkling water goes flat, but you can pre-measure the cherry juice and lemon juice in a jar and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready, just pour it over ice and add the bubbles fresh. I sometimes prep a few mint sprigs and lemon wheels in a small container so I don't have to think when I'm half asleep. If you're using powdered magnesium, dissolve it in a tiny bit of warm water first, then let it cool before adding it to the drink.
- Store tart cherry juice in the fridge and shake it well before using, it can separate over time.
- Use fresh lemon juice whenever possible, bottled stuff tastes flat and sour in a drink this simple.
- Keep your sparkling water chilled so you don't need as much ice, which can water it down too fast.
Save This mocktail won't fix everything, but it will give you five quiet minutes to breathe and reset before the night takes over. I hope it becomes your ritual too, something small that reminds you rest isn't lazy, it's necessary.