Bedtime Mocktail Series: Dreamy Berry Elixir

If you’re looking for something light, refreshing and genuinely calming to sip in the evening, this Dreamy Berry Elixir is the perfect place to start. It’s the perfect combination of fruity, sweet, and tart, and designed to help you transition from the busyness of the day into a more relaxed and restful state.

The combination of ripe strawberries and tart cherry juice create a delicious mocktail that is perfectly balanced…slightly sweet, slightly tart, and very easy to sip. Paired with hydrating coconut water and a touch of maple syrup, this recipe feels nourishing without being heavy, making it ideal for winding down at night.

This mocktail is made from simple, functional ingredients that naturally support relaxation and sleep. Tart cherry juice is one of the standout ingredients when it comes to bedtime drinks, as it contains natural melatonin – the hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Research has shown that tart cherry juice may help improve both sleep duration and quality. Cheers to that!

Strawberries are not only delicious, but they are also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. They help balance the tartness of the cherry juice and pair perfectly with the other ingredients.

Coconut water adds hydration and other benefits thanks to its naturally occurring electrolytes. Staying hydrated can support overall well-being and help your body feel more balanced as you wind down for the evening.

Maple syrup ties everything together with a gentle, natural sweetness. It adds warmth and depth to the drink, creating that cozy feel that works so well in nighttime drink recipes. You can adjust the amount depending on your taste preference.

Bedtime Mocktail Series: Dreamy Berry Elixir Ingredients

Photo courtesy of Natalie Battaglia.

Recipe Tips

Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor. Thawed strawberries work well too, as they are often picked and frozen while in season.
Use a cherry juice without added sugars…there’s enough sweetness with the strawberries and maple syrup.
You can add a little extra maple syrup if you wish. Honey also works well.
Coconut water can be subbed with regular water, but we encourage you to try coconut water if you can…it’s brimming with natural electrolytes and a great way to hydrate before bed.

Ingredients

3 chopped strawberries
½ cup coconut water (can sub with regular water if you wish)
½ cup tart cherry juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup (or your sweetener of choice)
Optional garnishes: extra fresh strawberry and edible flowers

How to make it

Muddle the strawberries and maple syrup together in a medium-large tumbler until the strawberries are mashed, and the pieces are small enough to fit through a straw. Add ice, then top with coconut water and tart cherry juice. Stir gently to combine, garnish if you wish, then serve.

Bedtime Mocktail Series: Dreamy Berry Elixir

Photo courtesy of Natalie Battaglia.

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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.