Save The first time I tried this sleepy mocktail was during a particularly stressful week when my neighbor Sarah dropped off a small bottle of tart cherry juice with a sticky note that just said trust me. I was skeptical about drinking something tart before bed, but that night I slept better than I had in months. Now it is the ritual I turn to when my mind will not quiet down.
Last winter my sister stayed over and complained about her insomnia. I handed her a glass of this without explaining what was in it. She drank it skeptically, then texted me the next morning asking for the recipe because she finally slept through the night. Sometimes the simplest remedies work best.
- 4 oz tart cherry juice: Look for 100 percent juice with no added sugar since the natural tartness is part of the sleep inducing magic
- 1/4 cup sparkling water: Unflavored works best but any plain bubbly water adds that nice little fizz
- 1 tablespoon magnesium powder: Make sure it says cold water soluble on the label or you will end up with gritty bits at the bottom
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything up and cuts through the intense cherry flavor
- Ice cubes: Plenty of them because this tastes best ice cold
- Prep your glass:
- Fill a sturdy glass with ice cubes all the way to the top
- Build the base:
- Pour in the tart cherry juice followed by the lemon juice if you are using it
- Dissolve the magnesium:
- Sprinkle in the magnesium powder and stir vigorously until you cannot see any powder left at all
- Add the fizz:
- Top with sparkling water and give it one gentle stir
- Finish it off:
- Add a lemon wheel or mint sprig if you feel like making it fancy
- Timing matters:
- Sip this about 30 to 60 minutes before you want to fall asleep
Save 
This drink became a regular thing during my finals week in college. My roommate and I would sit at our tiny kitchen table sipping these in silence, both too tired to talk but grateful to have found something that actually helped us wind down. Some nights it was the only peaceful moment in the chaos.
I learned the hard way that not all magnesium powders dissolve in cold drinks. The first time I made this I used whatever was on sale at the grocery store and ended up with a grainy texture that ruined the whole experience. Read the labels carefully and look for citrate or glycinate forms that dissolve completely.
The tartness catches people off guard at first. I usually start new drinkers on half the amount of tart cherry juice topped up with more sparkling water. Once you get used to the flavor profile the full strength version actually tastes refreshing instead of shocking.
There is something powerful about having a bedtime drink that signals to your body it is time to rest. I keep the ingredients on a special tray and use the same glass every night. The consistency matters more than you might think.
- Try keeping the cherry juice in the door of your fridge so it is always at the front
- Invest in a nice glass you actually want to drink from
- Make this at the same time every night to train your brain
Save This little drink might look simple but it has genuinely changed how I approach bedtime. Some nights the smallest rituals make the biggest difference.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients provide the calming effect?
Tart cherry juice is rich in natural compounds that support relaxation, while magnesium powder enhances the soothing qualities.
- → Can I prepare this drink in advance?
It's best served fresh over ice to maintain its effervescence and refreshing taste.
- → Is sparkling water essential for the beverage?
Sparkling water adds a light fizz enhancing the drink's refreshing profile but can be substituted with still water if preferred.
- → Are there any optional flavor additions?
Fresh lemon juice balances tartness, and garnishing with lemon or mint adds aroma and visual appeal.
- → What should I consider when choosing magnesium powder?
Use a cold-water soluble form for better mixing and avoid magnesium oxide, which dissolves poorly.
- → Is this beverage suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free, supporting various dietary preferences.