A Mocktail to Help You Get Better Sleep

Calling all sleep enthusiasts and mocktail lovers!

This recipe is for you. Introducing the Midnight Cherry Spritz, a delicious and functional drink that not only satisfies your taste buds but might also help you drift off to dreamland peacefully.

Made with tart cherry juice, known for its potential sleep-promoting properties, this mocktail is a refreshing and guilt-free way to unwind before bed.

Plus, it’s packed with other good-for-you ingredients like lemon and lime juice for a touch of vitamin C, and a hint of ginger for a soothing warmth.

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up two Midnight Cherry Spritzes:

• Sweetness: ½ oz maple syrup (you can adjust this based on your preference)
• Citrusy Zing: 1 oz lemon juice and 1 oz lime juice
• Tart Powerhouse: 8 oz tart cherry juice (unsweetened is best)
• Herbal Touches: 1 sprig of rosemary, 1 knob of ginger, 1 handful of mint leaves, and a sprinkle of cinnamon

Now, let’s get mixing!

1. Muddle the Magic: In a shaker or a large jar, muddle together the maple syrup, grated ginger, mint leaves, rosemary sprig, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Muddling helps release the flavor from the herbs and spices.
2. Add the Juicy Goodness: Pour in the lemon juice, lime juice, and tart cherry juice.
3. Shake it Up!: Close your shaker or jar tightly and give it a good shake for about 30 seconds. This will combine all the flavors and create a nice froth.
4. Ice, Ice Baby: Fill two glasses with ice.
5. Strain and Serve: Strain the mocktail mixture into the glasses filled with ice.
6. Finishing Touches: For a touch of elegance, garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
7. Sweet Dreams! Sit back, relax, and savor your refreshing Midnight Cherry Spritz. Here’s to a good night’s sleep!

Tips:

• Don’t have a shaker? No problem! You can use a large jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can substitute it with ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.
• For a more intense tart flavor, use slightly less maple syrup.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of mint leaves to your preference.