Bedtime Mocktail Series: Cherry Nightcap Mocktail

This calming, delicious mocktail has the perfect combination of flavors – tart cherry juice, peppermint tea, lime, and maple syrup – and is the perfect evening sip for winding down.

Tart cherry juice became somewhat famous a few years back, appearing in a ‘sleepy girl’ mocktail that went viral on social media. We like to call this a new and improved version, using not only tart cherry juice, but peppermint tea too…which comes with its own functional benefits.

But let’s start with the benefits of tart cherry juice! First off, it’s naturally rich in antioxidants and is often enjoyed in the evening thanks to its association with supporting sleep. Its juicy flavor creates a delicious base for mocktails and adds a gorgeous deep red hue too!

Peppermint tea offers refreshing minty notes that feels calming without overpowering. It has traditional been used to relax the body and ease digestive discomfort, while its cooling effect can help release tension and support a calmer evening wind-down.

Lime juice adds a touch of acidity, while maple syrup is perfect for slightly sweetening and softening the sharper edges of the lime.

Bedtime Mocktail Series: Cherry Nightcap Mocktail Ingredients

Photo courtesy of Natalie Battaglia.

A couple of tips we recommend:

Chill all ingredients prior to mixing. Pouring room temperature ingredients directly onto ice can melt the ice and dilute the flavor of the drink.
Brew double strength peppermint tea to increase the benefits and add more minty freshness to the mocktail
Prefer bubbles? Add a little soda water and stir gently for a sparkling finish.

Whether you’re winding down for the night or simply craving something that feels soothing and functional, this simple mocktail is a delicious way to settle into rest.

Cherry Nightcap Mocktail

Ingredients

3 oz tart cherry juice
2 oz chilled peppermint tea
Squeeze of lime juice (can sub with lemon)
½ oz maple syrup, or your choice of sweetener

Optional Garnish

Lime wheel
Mint
Star Anise

Method

Add tart cherry juice, chilled peppermint tea, lime juice and maple syrup to a glass over ice and stir gently to combine. Garnish with your choice of mint, lime and star anise.

Bedtime Mocktail Series: Cherry Nightcap Mocktail

Photo courtesy of Natalie Battaglia.

Have feedback on our story? Email [email protected] to let us know what you think!

Natalie is the founder of the mocktail recipe blog The Mindful Mocktail. She creates sophisticated, nourishing non-alcoholic cocktails and encourages readers to explore a life with less alcohol. Referred to as a thought leader in the alcohol-free space, Natalie has a passion for making non-alcoholic drinks exciting and delicious.