If you’ve seen the “sleepy girl mocktail” floating around, this is a clean, food-first version that tastes like a bright cherry-lime spritz but feels like a proper end-of-day treat. It’s built on unsweetened tart cherry juice (deep, tangy, and fruity), plus mashed kiwi for a little body and natural sweetness. Sparkling water keeps it light, while a small squeeze of lime sharpens the flavor so it stays refreshing instead of cloying.
The best part is how fast it comes together: you don’t need a blender, you don’t need fancy syrups, and you don’t need anything that will keep you staring at your kitchen light at 11:30 p.m. The kiwi is mashed directly in the glass, which gives the drink a lightly pulpy texture (in a good way) and makes it feel more like a “mini snack” than just juice. A pinch of sea salt sounds strange, but it rounds out the tart cherry and makes the fruit taste even more vibrant.
Flavor-wise, think: sour cherry + limeade + a hint of ginger warmth. If you’re sensitive to strong flavors at night, start with a smaller pour of tart cherry juice and top with more sparkling water. You can also adjust sweetness easily—maple syrup is optional, and many people find the fruit is enough. For a smoother sip, strain after stirring; for more fiber and a thicker feel, keep the mashed kiwi in the glass and stir once more halfway through.
One practical note: tart cherry juice can be rich and may not sit perfectly with everyone, especially in larger amounts. If you have a sensitive stomach, begin with a small serving and keep it well diluted with sparkling water. Choosing an unsweetened juice and adding your own sweetness (only if you want it) helps you control the overall sugar level.
This sleepy girl mocktail is alcohol-free, naturally caffeine-free, and easy to batch for a couple of nights in a row. You can prep a quick “base” in a jar (tart cherry + lime + ginger) and store it in the fridge, then pour over ice and top with sparkling water when you’re ready. It’s not a magic potion—just a simple, satisfying drink that makes “I should go to bed” feel slightly more appealing.
