Sleepy Girl Cherry Drink (Printable Version)

Refreshing tart cherry and mint drink with lemon and honey, perfect for winding down and relaxation.

# What You Need:

→ Base

01 - 3/4 cup tart cherry juice, unsweetened
02 - 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
03 - 1 tablespoon pure magnesium supplement, liquid or powder, unflavored, optional

→ Flavor & Garnish

04 - 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
05 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional
06 - Ice cubes
07 - Fresh mint sprig, optional
08 - 1 lemon wheel, optional

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Fill a 10–12 oz glass with ice cubes.
02 - Pour tart cherry juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the ice.
03 - If desired, add honey or maple syrup and stir well to combine.
04 - Add magnesium supplement if using, stirring until fully dissolved.
05 - Top with sparkling water or club soda and gently stir.
06 - Add a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel for garnish if desired.
07 - Consume 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime for optimal effect.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less time to make than brushing your teeth, but the ritual itself becomes part of unwinding.
  • The tartness feels grown up and intentional, not like you're drinking dessert before bed.
  • You can skip the magnesium and it still works as a calming, fizzy treat that won't keep you wired.
02 -
  • Don't stir too aggressively after adding the sparkling water or you'll lose all the bubbles that make this feel special.
  • If you're using powdered magnesium, dissolve it in a splash of warm water first, then add it to the glass so it doesn't clump at the bottom.
  • Unsweetened tart cherry juice is key because sweetened versions turn this into a sugar bomb that defeats the whole calming purpose.
03 -
  • Freeze a few tart cherry juice cubes and use them instead of regular ice so the drink stays strong as it melts.
  • If you can't find unsweetened tart cherry juice, cut it with a little extra sparkling water to balance the sugar.
  • On nights when you're too tired to measure, eyeball it and it'll still turn out fine, this recipe is forgiving.
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