For the longest time, cocktails were the life of the party, and mocktails were the uncool drinks no one really noticed. But, ever since we’ve stepped into the 2020s, or what so many of us call the ‘post-pandemic’ era, mocktails have gained quite the popularity. Perhaps it’s because we’ve collectively become even more focused on health and wellness. Or, perhaps it’s because many people are simply choosing a damp lifestyle or that of moderate drinking. Whatever the reason, I’m grateful for this evolution because now TikTok has come up with a mocktail that can help you achieve sound sleep.
The sleepy girl mocktail emerged back in January when TikToker Calee Shea posted a recipe for it, but it went viral again recently when it was posted by Gracie Norton in a TikTok video. The original recipe of the drink consists of:
- ½ cup pure tart cherry juice
- 1 tablespoon of magnesium powder
- A splash of prebiotic soda or sparkling water
The science behind why this mocktail is so effective in regulating sleep is that tart cherries contain high levels of melatonin – the hormone that induces drowsiness at bedtime. Magnesium, on the other hand, supports the regulation of melatonin and induces muscle and nervous system relaxation.
So it seems, this is a great alternative for when you don’t want a hot beverage like chamomile tea or turmeric milk, something to drink to cool you down, rather. I personally love this trend, because sometimes I just want to drink a fancy beverage sans the alcohol. And the fact that this mocktail is great for your health is a great bonus.
We can also substitute the cranberry juice with other fruits that contain melatonin. For instance, pineapple, kiwi, strawberry, mango and even orange can be good substitutes. Though yes, some fruits are a better alternative because of the amount of melatonin they offer. Along with this, please consult your family doctor about the kind of magnesium you should be adding to the mocktail, as not every variation is edible.
Being calm, being well rested, looking after your health, and having a regulated nervous system is the new cool. In fact, I wish I could go back to my childhood and teenage years to lecture myself about staying up late and missing out on sleep – there’s simply no glory in being tired all day long the next day!
So, if you’re looking to chill indoors, or have a little downtime all by yourself, perhaps a self-care day as well, this mocktail might just be the right addition to your bedtime routine.
