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The Cherry Lime Mocktail recipe is a sparkling, crisp, and refreshing drink that’s perfect for unwinding. Inspired by the TikTok sensation, this mocktail is a copycat of the Cherry Magnesium Sleep Drink, offering a relaxed twist to your evening routine.
Bursting with delicious tart cherry juice, tangy lime, smooth vanilla, and the effervescence of sparkling water, this nighttime drink is both soothing, offers natural relaxation, and may help you drift into a serene and restful night’s sleep.
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Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.
If you love drinks that help your overall health you may also want to try some of my other recipes:
How does this drink work?
Sleep is near and dear to my heart. I’ve even written some tips on how food affects sleep and how to get better sleep.
Good sleep is so elusive for so many adults. And so many people say they’re not getting as much or as restful sleep as they’d like.
TikTok’s Sleepy Girl Mocktail starts off with unsweetened tart cherry juice.
Tart cherries, especially Montmorency cherries, contain melatonin from tryptophan. Melatonin is a natural sleep-regulating hormone, which contributes to a better sleep-wake cycle.
Tart cherry juice also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it may also reduce muscle soreness and boost your immune system. Be sure to check out my Anti-inflammatory salad that features cherries as well!
When additional melatonin is introduced, it combines with the melatonin already in our body to help us fall asleep faster.
The original recipe comes from this video on TikTok though the idea of cherry juice as a sleep aid has been around for a long time.
Now, in her drink she adds magnesium powder. Since I had a hard time finding this at regular stores, and since I already take this in supplement form (which is super easy to take), I developed my copycat recipe without the additional powder.
For the best results, make sure to pair this drink with other sleep-friendly habits like having a cool dark bedroom to sleep in, limiting screen time before bed, and establishing a sleep routine.
I also think that cherry and lime are divine together, so I added lime to my version. Be sure to check out my cherry lime jam and cherry lime simple syrup.
What’s the best time to drink it?
Most of the videos I watched said to drink it at bedtime.
Now, personally, I don’t drink anything for a couple of hours before I go to bed. You could drink it about an hour before bed to allow the it to take effect and give you time to use the bathroom before falling asleep.
But honestly, I drink it in the afternoon around lunchtime, and I still feel like it benefits me.
So, the timing can vary for each person. Do what’s best for you, and don’t feel restricted to just bedtime.
Does it actually work?
I’ve been doing some testing for myself, and having one each day and I think it works for me!
I’ve been dealing with a very stressful house remodel, and my sleep has suffered quite a bit. But, after drinking the cherry juice for a few days I’m getting much more restful sleep.
As always, use your best judgment and do your own research to see if the drink is right for you.
What are the side effects of cherry juice?
Incorporating this Tart Cherry Juice Mocktail for Sleep into your daily routine is generally safe, but be sure to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have medical conditions or are on medications.
The side effects of tart cherry juice are fairly rare, but here are some known ones. It’s important to note that everyone’s body reacts differently to different foods.
Cherry juice trigger acid reflux symptoms in some people because cherries are acidic in nature.
Tart cherry juice consumption may include gastrointestinal symptoms like gas and nausea. Sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol found in tart cherry juice, can also cause belly pain and diarrhea for some people.
Incorporating this Tart Cherry Juice Mocktail for Sleep into your daily routine is generally safe, but be sure to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have medical conditions or are on medications.
The side effects of tart cherry juice are fairly rare, but here are some known ones. It’s important to note that everyone’s body reacts differently to different foods.
Cherry juice trigger acid reflux symptoms in some people because cherries are acidic in nature.
Tart cherry juice consumption may include gastrointestinal symptoms like gas and nausea. Sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol found in tart cherry juice, can also cause belly pain and diarrhea for some people.
Some people have allergies to cherries.
Giving tart cherry juice to a toddler isn’t advisable, because the sugars in the juice may contribute to dental problems and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Cherry juice, even unsweetened cherry juice it is not low sugar! If you are diabetic, you should speak to your doctor before adding tart cherry juice to your diet.
How to make it
Want to make this vegan Sleepy Girl Mocktail at home? You’ll need just a few ingredients and a large glass.
The full printable recipe ingredients and instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips and tricks in the post.
- Ice
- pure unsweetened tart cherry juice
- fresh lime juice
- sugar free vanilla syrup
- lime-flavored sparkling water
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the cherry juice, squeeze in the lime juice, add the vanilla syrup. Then top it off with your favorite lime-flavored sparkling beverage.
Can I make it a cocktail?
Maybe you’re thinking of adding a shot of vodka to this drink. You may want to hold off on that.
While having some alcohol might initially make you sleepy, it can negatively affect your sleep cycle. Alcohol can make you more likely to experience sleep disruptions which will keep you from getting the deep sleep you need to feel rested and refreshed.
Substitutions & Variations
Tart cherry juice is also a delicious hot beverage. Put the cherry juice in a microwave safe mug, add in a teaspoon of sugar free vanilla syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Microwave a couple of minutes, and you have yourself a delicious nighttime sipper.
The cinnamon will also help keep blood sugar balanced.
Swap of the lime sparkling water for any of your favorite flavors. Try blackberry, peach, orange, or any other. Club soda or seltzer are also great. And, any brand will work.
Also check out this recipe for Ginger Lime Fizz for another mocktail idea.
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Recipe
Cherry Lime Mocktail
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 cup unsweetened tart cherry juice
- ½ fresh lime squeezed for juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar free vanilla syrup
- 1 can lime sparkling water
- lime wedge
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the cherry juice, squeeze the ½ lime into the glass, and add the vanilla syrup. Top it off with lime sparkling water.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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