Top 6 Bedtime Mocktails for Sleep

Dreamy Chamomile Bliss

The chamomile plant has been used for many years to help sleep, largely due to one chemical compound called apigenin that has a mild sedative effect on the brain. Chamomile tea, served hot or cold, is a wonderful evening drink to help calm and relax you. 

1. Add one bag of chamomile tea to ¾ cup of cold water and let sit in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight.
2. Once brewed, pour into a cocktail shaker or jar with a lid.
3. Add a spoonful of honey to taste. 
4. Add a squeeze of lemon juice.
5. Shake well.
6. Pour into a glass filled with ice.
7. Top it off with sparkling water and gently stir.
8. Garnish with a dried chamomile flower.

This recipe was adapted from The Kitchn

Lavender Lullaby

Another great stress-reducing plant is lavender. Often used as a soothing essential oil, lavender tends to have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and restlessness. Lavender can be found in many forms and a lavender syrup can be a great additive to an evening drink. 

1. In a glass, mix one tablespoon of lavender syrup with one tablespoon of lemon juice.
2. Fill half of your glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour in 1/2 cup sparkling water.
4. Add a sprig of lavender for garnish.

This recipe was adapted from All The Bitter

Golden Milk

Milk by itself isn’t going to do a ton to help you sleep at night. But if you blend it with some sleep-enhancing ingredients, it can help induce sleepiness, fight inflammation, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. 

1. Combine 2 cups of milk (dairy or dairy-free) with 1 teaspoon ground turmeric and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon in a saucepan. 
2. Add a pinch black pepper (to help activate the turmeric).
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey.
4. Bring to a simmer.
5. Let simmer for ten minutes so the flavors can get to know one another.
6. Pour into a cup and enjoy.

You can also try this with ½ tablespoon coconut oil, or additional spices or flavors such as ginger, cardamom, or vanilla extract.

Soothing Citrus Serenade

One vitamin beneficial for your sleep is vitamin C. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C can also help boost deep sleep, which is essential for memory consolidation and recall. 

1. Rub 3-4 mint leaves in your hands to release the scent, then place in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ⅓ cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of (optional) simple syrup to the shaker. 
3. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and shake until combined.
4. Pour into an ice-filled glass and top with 1/2 cup of ginger ale.
5. Garnish your orange mocktail with orange slices and mint.

Banana Tea

While little research has been conducted on the benefits of banana tea, bananas are loaded with magnesium and potassium, which can put you into a state of relaxation. Making yourself a warm soothing tea out of bananas may give you the benefit of the same sleep-promoting nutrients.

1. Thoroughly wash an unpeeled organic banana.
2. Cut the ends off the banana, and then cut it in half, keeping the fruit in the peel.
3. Boil the banana pieces in 3 cups of water for three to five minutes or until the banana begins to turn brown.
4. Strain out the banana pieces, and pour the banana-infused water into a mug.

Tart Cherry Twilight

The viral “sleepy girl mocktail” includes soda water, which isn’t great for settling your stomach at night, so here’s our twist on a nighttime tart cherry drink.  

1. Stir 2 tablespoons of hot water and 1 tablespoon of honey together in a cocktail shaker until the honey dissolves.
2. Add 6 fresh sage leaves; muddle with a muddler or with the handle of a wooden spoon until the leaves are slightly bruised and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add 1/2 cup of pure tart cherry juice and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.
4. Fill the shaker with ice; cover and shake until the outside frosts and the drink is chilled, about 15 seconds.
5. Strain into 2 ice-filled glasses.
6. Top with 3/4 cup of sparkling water.
7. Garnish with sage leaves and/or lime wedges, if desired.

While you may want to try these mocktails to see if it will help you sleep better, remember that drinking fluids just before bedtime could mean you wake more often throughout the night to use the bathroom. We recommend sipping on these drinks a few hours before bed, rather than right before. 

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