Sleepy Girl Mocktail

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how little preparation this mocktail requires. I don’t need a blender, cocktail shaker, or complicated ingredients. I simply mix everything in a glass and serve.

Tart cherry juice gives me a bold fruity flavor, while sparkling water makes the drink lighter and more refreshing. I can also adjust the proportions easily depending on whether I want a stronger cherry flavor or a lighter drink.

Since it contains no alcohol, I find it a convenient option when I want a special evening beverage without making a traditional cocktail.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Tart cherry juice
• Magnesium powder suitable for mixing into drinks
• Plain or flavored sparkling water
• Ice, optional
• Fresh lime or lemon juice, optional
• Fresh cherries or a lemon or lime slice, optional

I choose 100% tart cherry juice when possible. For the magnesium, I always follow the serving directions on the specific product I use rather than adding an arbitrary amount, since magnesium content and formulations can vary considerably between products.

Directions

I start by pouring the tart cherry juice into a glass. If the magnesium product I use is intended to be mixed with liquids, I add the directed serving and stir thoroughly according to its package instructions.

I add ice when I want my mocktail especially cold. Next, I slowly pour sparkling water into the glass and give everything a gentle stir.

When I want a brighter flavor, I squeeze in a little fresh lemon or lime juice. I finish my drink with a cherry or citrus slice if I want a simple garnish.

I serve the mocktail immediately so I can enjoy it while the sparkling water is still bubbly.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 1 serving.

I allow about 5 minutes for preparation, with no cooking time required. My total time is approximately 5 minutes.

Because this drink is often enjoyed as part of an evening routine, I can prepare it shortly before I plan to settle down for the night.

Variations

For a Cherry Lime Mocktail, I add fresh lime juice and use lime-flavored sparkling water. I find the extra acidity balances the natural sweetness of the cherry juice nicely.

For a lighter version, I use less tart cherry juice and increase the sparkling water. This gives me a more subtle fruit flavor while keeping plenty of carbonation.

When I want a sweeter drink, I can add a small amount of honey or maple syrup. I taste the cherry juice first because some products are already sweet enough for me.

For extra fruit flavor without additional sweetness, I muddle a few fresh or frozen berries in the bottom of my glass before adding the other ingredients.

I can also skip the magnesium entirely and simply combine tart cherry juice, citrus, and sparkling water for an easy evening mocktail.

Storage/Reheating

I think this mocktail tastes best immediately after I prepare it because the sparkling water gradually loses its carbonation.

If I want to prepare part of it ahead, I can keep the tart cherry juice chilled in the refrigerator and add the sparkling water just before serving. I follow the storage directions on the cherry juice container after opening.

I don’t reheat this drink because I prefer serving it cold. If I have a leftover mixed mocktail, I refrigerate it promptly in a covered container, although I expect it to lose some of its fizz.

FAQs

Does the Sleepy Girl Mocktail really help with sleep?

I don’t treat this drink as a proven treatment for insomnia or other sleep problems. Tart cherries contain naturally occurring melatonin, and magnesium is involved in many processes in the body, but that doesn’t mean this particular mocktail is guaranteed to improve my sleep. I enjoy it primarily as an alcohol-free evening drink.

What kind of cherry juice do I use?

I prefer 100% tart cherry juice, often made from Montmorency tart cherries. I check the label because tart cherry juice can be sold as pure juice or as a diluted or sweetened beverage.

What type of magnesium should I use?

I only use a magnesium product specifically intended for oral consumption and follow its labeled directions. Different forms and products provide different amounts of elemental magnesium, so I don’t assume that one scoop or spoonful is appropriate for every product.

Can I make a Sleepy Girl Mocktail without magnesium?

Yes. I can leave the magnesium out completely and combine tart cherry juice with sparkling water and optional citrus. I still get a refreshing, alcohol-free cherry mocktail.

Can I drink a Sleepy Girl Mocktail every night?

I can enjoy the basic cherry-and-sparkling-water drink as part of my evening routine, but I pay more attention when adding a magnesium supplement. Supplemental magnesium can cause digestive side effects and may interact with certain medications, so I follow the product directions and check with a healthcare professional when I have questions about whether regular supplementation is appropriate for me.

Conclusion

The Sleepy Girl Mocktail is an easy drink I can prepare when I want a refreshing alcohol-free option at the end of the day. Tart cherry juice provides the signature sweet-tart flavor, while sparkling water keeps the drink light and bubbly.

Sleepy Girl Mocktail

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The Sleepy Girl Mocktail is a refreshing alcohol-free evening drink made with tart cherry juice, sparkling water, and optional magnesium powder. It has a bright sweet-tart flavor and comes together in about five minutes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup 100% tart cherry juice
• Magnesium powder suitable for beverages, amount according to package directions
• 1/2 cup plain or flavored sparkling water
• Ice, optional
• Fresh lime or lemon juice, optional
• Fresh cherries or a lemon or lime slice, optional, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pour the tart cherry juice into a serving glass.
2. If using magnesium powder, add only the serving amount directed on the product label and stir thoroughly according to its package instructions.
3. Add ice if desired.
4. Slowly pour in the sparkling water and stir gently to combine without losing too much carbonation.
5. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a brighter flavor if desired.
6. Garnish with fresh cherries or a citrus slice and serve immediately while bubbly.

Notes

• Choose 100% tart cherry juice when possible and check whether the product is pure juice, diluted, or sweetened.
• Use only magnesium products intended for oral consumption and follow the specific product’s labeled serving directions because formulations and elemental magnesium amounts vary.
• The magnesium can be omitted completely for a simple tart cherry and sparkling water mocktail.
• This beverage should not be considered a treatment for insomnia or a guarantee of improved sleep.
• For a Cherry Lime Mocktail, add fresh lime juice and use lime-flavored sparkling water.
• For a lighter drink, decrease the tart cherry juice and increase the sparkling water.
• For additional sweetness, add a small amount of honey or maple syrup to taste.
• Fresh or frozen berries can be muddled in the glass for additional fruit flavor.
• Supplemental magnesium can cause digestive side effects and may interact with some medications. Follow product directions and consult a healthcare professional with questions about regular supplementation.
• This mocktail is best served immediately. For advance preparation, chill the cherry juice and add sparkling water just before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 80 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg