Save I was tossing and turning one night, scrolling through yet another remedy for restless sleep, when I stumbled across a fizzy glass of dark ruby liquid that promised calm without drowsiness. It sounded too simple to work. But the next evening, I filled a glass with ice, poured in tart cherry juice, and added a splash of bubbles. The first sip was both sharp and soothing, and within an hour, my mind had quieted in a way chamomile tea never managed.
I made this for my sister after she complained about staring at the ceiling until 2 a.m. She was skeptical at first, swirling the glass and asking if it was just fancy juice. But she tried it anyway, and by the end of the week, she was texting me photos of her own version with extra mint and a honey drizzle. It became her nightly ritual, and mine too.
Ingredients
- Tart cherry juice: Look for unsweetened varieties to avoid sugar spikes before bed, the natural tartness is what makes this drink work without feeling heavy.
- Sparkling water or club soda: The bubbles add a little celebration to your wind down routine, choose unflavored so it doesnt compete with the cherry.
- Pure magnesium supplement: This is optional but can deepen relaxation, just make sure its unflavored and dissolves cleanly.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: A teaspoon brightens the whole drink and cuts through any syrupy sweetness if you add honey.
- Honey or maple syrup: Use maple if you want to keep it vegan, or skip it entirely if you prefer the natural tang.
- Ice cubes: They chill the drink fast and dilute it just enough to make it smooth and easy to sip.
- Fresh mint sprig and lemon wheel: Garnishes that make the glass feel like something special, not just a bedtime task.
Instructions
- Prep your glass:
- Fill a 10 to 12 oz glass with ice cubes until its about three quarters full. The ice will keep everything crisp and cold from the first sip to the last.
- Add the base:
- Pour in the tart cherry juice and lemon juice over the ice. You should see the dark juice swirl around the cubes, already looking like a sunset in a glass.
- Sweeten if desired:
- Drizzle in honey or maple syrup if you want a touch of sweetness, then stir gently with a spoon until its fully mixed. Taste it now and adjust if you need more.
- Boost with magnesium:
- If youre using a magnesium supplement, add it now and stir until it dissolves completely. This step is optional but can make the calming effect even stronger.
- Top with fizz:
- Pour the sparkling water or club soda over everything, letting it bubble up and mix naturally. Give it one gentle stir so you dont lose all the carbonation.
- Garnish and serve:
- Tuck a sprig of fresh mint into the glass and rest a lemon wheel on the rim. Sip it slowly about 30 to 60 minutes before you want to sleep.
Save One night, I made this for a friend who was stressed about a morning presentation. We sat on the couch with our glasses, and she said it tasted like a fancy mocktail from a spa. She slept through the night and texted me the recipe request before her alarm even went off. That was the moment I knew this wasnt just a drink, it was a small act of care you could give yourself every evening.
How to Adjust Sweetness
Start with no sweetener at all and taste the base mix of cherry and lemon. If its too sharp, add half a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, stir, and taste again. You can always add more, but you cant take it back, so go slow and trust your palate.
Adding Herbal Layers
If you want more depth, muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of the glass before adding the ice. The oils release and give the drink a cooler, greener flavor that pairs beautifully with the tartness. Basil or lavender can work too if youre feeling adventurous.
Storing and Scaling
You can mix the cherry juice, lemon juice, and sweetener in a jar and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When youre ready to serve, just pour it over ice and top with sparkling water. If youre making this for two or more people, double or triple the base ingredients and pour individual servings so everyone gets the right amount of fizz.
- Use a larger pitcher if batch prepping, but add the sparkling water only when serving.
- Magnesium should be stirred in fresh each time, not stored in the mix.
- Garnishes stay freshest when added right before drinking, not hours in advance.
Save This little ritual has turned my evenings into something softer and quieter, and I hope it does the same for you. Sleep well, and enjoy every fizzy, calming sip.
Recipe Guide
- → What gives this drink its soothing effect?
The tart cherry juice is naturally high in antioxidants and melatonin, while optional magnesium can promote relaxation, making the drink ideal for winding down.
- → Can I substitute sparkling water with something else?
Yes, sparkling water or club soda adds a refreshing fizz, but still water can be used for a milder beverage without bubbles.
- → Is honey necessary for this drink?
Honey or maple syrup is optional and can be adjusted according to sweetness preference or dietary needs.
- → How should this drink be served?
Serve chilled over ice, garnished with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel for added aroma and visual appeal.
- → Can the magnesium supplement be omitted?
Yes, magnesium is optional; it adds a calming boost but the drink is delicious and refreshing without it.