Save I started making this mocktail during a week when I couldn't sleep past 3 a.m. A friend mentioned tart cherry juice over lunch, and I grabbed a bottle on the way home without much hope. That first sip, fizzy and just tart enough, became my nightly ritual. Now, the sound of the sparkling water hitting the glass signals my brain that it's time to let go of the day.
One night, I made two glasses and brought one to my partner who was still working at the kitchen table. They took a sip, looked up, and said it tasted like permission to stop. We've been making it together ever since, sometimes without saying much, just clinking glasses and heading to bed a little lighter.
Ingredients
- Tart cherry juice: This is the heart of the drink, tangy and slightly sweet without being cloying. Look for unsweetened versions so you control the sweetness and avoid that syrupy aftertaste.
- Sparkling water or club soda: The fizz makes it feel celebratory, not medicinal. I prefer something with fine bubbles that don't overpower the cherry.
- Magnesium supplement: Totally optional, but I use an unflavored liquid type that dissolves cleanly. It adds a subtle mineral edge that somehow makes the whole thing feel more soothing.
- Lemon juice: Just a teaspoon brightens everything and cuts through the sweetness. Freshly squeezed makes a difference you can taste.
- Honey or maple syrup: I usually skip this, but if the cherry juice is especially tart or you want a gentler flavor, a drizzle smooths it out beautifully.
- Ice cubes: Cold is part of the comfort here, crisp and refreshing as you settle into the evening.
- Fresh mint sprig and lemon wheel: Not necessary, but they make it feel like you're treating yourself, not just going through the motions.
Instructions
- Prep your glass:
- Fill a 10 to 12 ounce glass with ice cubes until it's about three quarters full. The clink of the ice is oddly satisfying, a little ceremony before you even start mixing.
- Add the juices:
- Pour in the tart cherry juice and lemon juice over the ice. The deep red color pooling around the cubes is half the appeal.
- Sweeten if you like:
- Stir in honey or maple syrup if you're using it, making sure it dissolves completely. I stir slowly, letting the sweetness blend without overpowering the tartness.
- Mix in magnesium:
- If you're adding the magnesium supplement, pour it in now and stir until it's fully dissolved. It won't change the color much, but you'll notice a faint minerality.
- Top with bubbles:
- Gently pour the sparkling water over the top and give it one light stir. You want to keep the fizz alive, not flatten it out.
- Garnish and serve:
- Tuck a mint sprig and lemon wheel into the glass if you're in the mood. Sip it slowly about 30 to 60 minutes before you want to sleep.
Save There was an evening last spring when I made this and sat on the back steps while the sky went purple. I wasn't thinking about sleep or stress, just tasting the fizz and listening to the neighborhood settle. That's when I realized this drink had become more than a remedy. It was a pause, a pocket of quiet I could count on.
Adjusting Sweetness and Flavor
Some batches of tart cherry juice are more intense than others, so taste before you add sweetener. I've learned to start with no honey and only add it if the tartness makes me wince. If you want an herbal twist, muddle a few mint leaves in the glass before pouring the liquids. It releases oils that make the whole drink smell like a garden.
Pairing and Timing
I usually sip this while doing something low key, like folding laundry or flipping through a magazine. It pairs well with a handful of almonds or a couple of crackers, just enough to take the edge off hunger without filling you up. Drinking it 30 to 60 minutes before bed gives the tart cherry and magnesium time to do their thing without rushing you.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
This is a drink you make fresh each time, but you can pre measure the cherry and lemon juice into a jar and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready, just pour it over ice, add your sparkling water, and you're done.
- If you muddle mint, do it right before serving so the flavor stays bright and green.
- Keep your sparkling water chilled so it's already cold when you pour it, maximizing the fizz.
- Don't add ice to a premixed batch or it'll water down the flavor before you even drink it.
Save This mocktail won't solve everything, but it's a small kindness you can give yourself at the end of a long day. Mix it, sip it slowly, and let the evening settle around you.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the main flavor of this drink?
The dominant taste comes from tart cherry juice, balanced by lemon and optional honey or maple syrup.
- → Can I omit the magnesium supplement?
Yes, the magnesium is optional and mainly added for its calming properties but can be skipped without affecting the base flavor.
- → Is this beverage suitable for vegans?
Yes, if maple syrup is used instead of honey, the drink is fully vegan and gluten-free.
- → How should I serve this drink?
Serve chilled over ice with a garnish of fresh mint and a lemon wheel for a refreshing presentation.
- → What variations can I try?
Try muddling fresh mint leaves before adding liquids for an herbal twist or adjusting sweetness with honey or maple syrup.