Sleepy Girl Cherry Drink (Print version)

A calming tart cherry drink with lemon, honey, and sparkling water for evening relaxation.

# What you'll 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)

# Directions:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It actually tastes good, not like taking medicine disguised as a drink.
  • Five minutes from craving to glass means no friction between you and better sleep.
  • The magnesium is optional, so you can lean into the science or keep it purely about the flavor.
02 -
  • Use truly unsweetened cherry juice—many brands sneak in added sugars that defeat the whole relaxation goal by spiking energy.
  • The magnesium only works if it's unflavored; flavored versions will make your drink taste like a supplement, not a treat.
03 -
  • Fresh lemon juice matters more than you'd expect; bottled lemon juice tastes dull and ruins the brightness of the drink.
  • Buy the biggest bottle of unsweetened tart cherry juice you can find and store it on a shelf where you'll see it, because out of sight means you won't think to make this when you really need it.
Go back