Save I discovered this mocktail on a restless Tuesday night when my usual wind-down routine wasn't cutting it. Scrolling through my phone at midnight, I stumbled on the viral trend and was struck by how simple yet intentional it seemed—tart cherry juice and magnesium powder, nothing more. The next evening, I decided to try it, curious whether something this straightforward could actually help. That first sip, cold and tart with just enough fizz, felt like I was in on a secret that the internet had been keeping.
A few weeks into making this regularly, I served it to a friend who'd been complaining about terrible sleep. Watching her face when she took that first sip—skeptical but curious—and then seeing her relax into the couch with a grateful sigh told me everything. She's been making it ever since, and we've turned it into a quiet ritual whenever we catch up in the evenings.
Ingredients
- Tart cherry juice (unsweetened, 100%): This is the heart of it—the real deal, not concentrate or a blend. The tartness is what makes your body respond, and the magnesium actually absorbs better with it.
- Sparkling water (unflavored): The fizz matters more than you'd think; it makes the whole experience feel less like medicine and more like an actual drink you want to have.
- Magnesium powder: Go for a cold-water soluble kind—one that actually dissolves without clumping or leaving grit at the bottom of your glass. This is worth spending a bit more on.
- Lemon juice (fresh, optional): A teaspoon brightens everything; it's not required, but it changes the drink from simple to sophisticated.
- Ice cubes: Cold is essential here—it brings out the tartness and makes the whole thing feel refreshing rather than heavy.
Instructions
- Build your base with ice:
- Fill your glass generously with ice—this isn't just about temperature, it's about dilution happening slowly so the drink stays balanced as it sits. You want the ice to do the work while you relax.
- Pour the tart cherry juice:
- This goes in first, coating the ice and setting the flavor foundation. Use the good stuff here; you'll taste the difference immediately.
- Add the magnesium powder:
- This is where patience matters. Stir or whisk it thoroughly until you see absolutely no powder at the bottom—no grittiness, no settling. This takes maybe thirty seconds of actual attention.
- Top with sparkling water:
- Add it gently, stirring as you go, so the carbonation stays alive in the glass. You're not looking for violent fizz, just a gentle crispness.
- Garnish and serve:
- A lemon wheel or mint sprig isn't just decoration—it signals to your brain that something special is happening, that this moment matters. Sip it slowly, thirty minutes to an hour before bed.
Save There was a night when everything felt overwhelming, and I made this drink sitting at my kitchen counter in the quiet dark. By the time I finished it, my shoulders had dropped an inch, and something in my chest had loosened. It wasn't magic, but it felt close enough to magic that I started telling people about it.
The Science Behind the Calm
Tart cherry juice contains natural melatonin and anthocyanins that help regulate sleep, while magnesium is what your nervous system actually craves when it's running on empty. This combination doesn't knock you out—it just gently reminds your body that rest is permission, not laziness. The ritual of making and sipping something warm (or cold, in this case) signals to your mind that you're taking care of yourself, which matters just as much as the ingredients themselves.
Customizing Your Version
Once you nail the basic version, you can play around. Some people add a drizzle of honey or agave for sweetness, though I find the tartness does something better than sugar ever could. Others experiment with different magnesium flavors—berry-flavored powders work beautifully—but I stick with unflavored because I want the tart cherry to be the star. The beauty of this drink is that it's flexible enough to meet you where you are, whether that's needing something sweet, something super simple, or something you can make with whatever you have on hand.
Making It Part of Your Routine
This mocktail works best when it becomes a ritual, not a desperate last resort for bad sleep. Make it at the same time most nights, even if you don't need it—your body starts to recognize the signal. Keep the ingredients visible in your kitchen, right where you can grab them without thinking. It's one of those small acts of self-care that doesn't require willpower because it's too easy to skip.
- Keep your magnesium in an airtight container so it doesn't absorb moisture and clump up.
- If you're traveling or need to skip a night, don't stress—one missed drink won't undo your sleep habits.
- This works best alongside other sleep hygiene basics like a consistent bedtime and putting your phone away, but you probably already know that.
Save This drink became my quiet rebellion against endless nights of scrolling and worry. It's proof that something small, made with intention and the right ingredients, can genuinely shift how you feel.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the calming effect?
Tart cherry juice combined with magnesium powder offers natural soothing properties, aiding relaxation before rest.
- → Can I customize the flavor?
Yes, adding lemon juice or garnishing with mint or lemon wheel enhances freshness without altering the core taste.
- → Is sparkling water necessary?
Sparking water adds effervescence for a light mouthfeel, but can be omitted for a still version.
- → How quickly can this drink be prepared?
Preparation takes about three minutes, making it a convenient option for a quick evening relaxation.
- → Is it suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, the drink excludes animal products and gluten, aligning with vegan and gluten-free requirements.