Pin I stumbled on this drink during a stretch of restless nights, scrolling through remedy after remedy until cherry juice kept appearing. The first sip tasted like childhood summers and grown-up calm all at once. I added bubbles because flat drinks never excited me, and the fizz made it feel like a treat instead of medicine. Now it sits on my nightstand most evenings, ice clinking softly while I wind down. It became less about sleep and more about the ritual of slowing down.
The first time I made this for a friend who swore she never slept well, she texted me the next morning asking for the recipe. She said it tasted like something her grandmother would have made if her grandmother had known about magnesium. We laughed, but she kept making it. Sometimes the best compliment is when someone adopts your habit without you asking.
Ingredients
- Tart cherry juice: This is the heart of the drink, naturally high in melatonin and best when unsweetened so you control the sugar.
- Sparkling water or club soda: The bubbles make it celebratory instead of medicinal, and I prefer very cold soda for maximum fizz.
- Magnesium supplement: Optional but transformative, look for unflavored liquid or powder that dissolves cleanly without grittiness.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed brightens the cherry without overpowering it, bottled lemon tastes sad in comparison.
- Honey or maple syrup: A small drizzle rounds out the tartness, and maple syrup keeps it vegan if that matters to you.
- Ice cubes: Plenty of them, because a warm sleepy drink feels wrong on every level.
- Fresh mint sprig: Not essential but the aroma hits before the first sip and that sensory moment matters.
- Lemon wheel: Makes it look like you tried, even when you did not.
Instructions
- Prep the glass:
- Fill your glass to the brim with ice, the more ice the better because it keeps everything cold while you sip slowly. Use a clear glass if you have one, the deep red looks beautiful against the bubbles.
- Add the base:
- Pour the tart cherry juice and lemon juice over the ice, letting them mingle before anything else joins. The lemon cuts through immediately and you will smell it before you taste it.
- Sweeten to taste:
- Drizzle in honey or maple syrup if you want it, then stir gently until it dissolves completely. I taste as I go because some cherry juices are sweeter than others.
- Mix in magnesium:
- If using a supplement, add it now and stir until no trace remains. Some powders clump if you rush, so give it a moment and keep stirring.
- Top with bubbles:
- Pour the sparkling water slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Stir just once or twice, you want fizz to survive until the last sip.
- Garnish and serve:
- Tuck in a mint sprig and lemon wheel, then drink it within the hour before bed. I usually sip mine while reading or staring at nothing in particular.
Pin One night I made a pitcher of this for a small gathering, and everyone assumed it was a fancy cocktail until I told them otherwise. They kept sipping anyway, asking for seconds, and someone said it tasted like relaxation had a flavor. I saved that compliment for hard days when nothing I cook turns out right.
Choosing Your Cherry Juice
Not all tart cherry juice is created equal, and the super cheap versions often taste like cough syrup with regret. I look for brands that list only cherries and maybe a splash of water, nothing else. Montmorency cherries are the gold standard, and yes, you can taste the difference when you compare them side by side.
Making It Your Own
I have tried this with muddled mint, a dash of vanilla extract, even a splash of coconut water when I ran out of sparkling water. Each version worked in its own way, though I always return to the simple base. Sometimes I freeze cherry juice into ice cubes so it never gets watered down, and that small trick feels like a secret win every time.
Timing and Ritual
Drinking this exactly 30 to 60 minutes before bed became a signal to my brain that the day was ending. I dim the lights, put my phone across the room, and let the drink do its quiet work. It does not knock you out like a sleeping pill, it just makes the idea of rest feel more appealing.
- If you are sensitive to sugar before bed, skip the sweetener entirely and let the cherry stand alone.
- Make a double batch and keep the base in the fridge, then just add bubbles and ice when you are ready.
- Pair it with a few deep breaths or gentle stretching, the drink works better when you meet it halfway.
Pin This drink will not fix everything, but it gives you a moment to pause and reset before sleep. I hope it becomes part of your evening the way it became part of mine.
Recipe Q&A
- → What gives this drink its tart flavor?
The tartness comes primarily from the unsweetened tart cherry juice balanced by lemon juice.
- → Can I adjust sweetness levels?
Yes, honey or maple syrup can be added or omitted to suit personal taste preferences.
- → What is the purpose of magnesium in this beverage?
Magnesium is an optional addition that may promote relaxation and enhance the drink's soothing qualities.
- → How should I serve this drink?
Serve chilled over ice, garnished with fresh mint and a lemon wheel for an aromatic touch.
- → Is sparkling water necessary in the mix?
Sparking water or club soda adds effervescence and lightness but can be omitted if preferred.
- → Any suggestions for variations?
Muddling fresh mint leaves before mixing can add a herbal dimension to the flavor.