If you’re on TikTok, then you’ve probably seen the sleepy girl mocktail that consists of tart cherry juice and a slew of other ingredients such as rosemary, ginger, lime and/or lemon juice, and mint, among other things. If you have trouble sleeping, then you may want to give this mocktail a try. If you’re still unsure, we have an explanation. Let’s get into it.
How Does the Sleepy Girl Mocktail Work?
Research has found that tart cherry juice is rich in melatonin and tryptophan, two compounds that naturally induce rest, and relaxation, and promote a good night’s rest. While the melatonin works to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and tends to improve the duration and quality of rest. And the tryptophan has been linked to increasing your body’s serotonin production which helps with improving your mood, decreasing inflammation, and promoting healthy sleeping patterns.
Let’s Talk About Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice is a good source of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and zinc. Research has also found a number of health benefits to drinking tart cherry juice that include:
- Anti-inflammatory effects from the anti-inflammatory compounds in tart cherry juice that may help to combat some chronic diseases. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, tart cherry juice significantly reduced inflammation biomarkers that are common in chronic diseases. (source)
- Exercise performance and recovery. In another randomized, placebo-controlled study, college athletes experienced reduced muscle pain and strength loss after exertion when drinking tart cherry juice twice a day for eight days. (source)
- Better sleep, as we mentioned.
- Antioxidant properties. Tart cherry juice may help to improve the oxidative stress on the body from aging. Studies in older adults show that tart cherry juice improves antioxidant defenses and reduces oxidative damage. Another randomized, controlled trial showed that tart cherry juice may improve cognitive abilities in older adults due to its antioxidant properties. (source)
Tart Cherry Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
.5 oz maple syrup
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz lime juice
8 oz tart cherry juice
1 sprig rosemary
1 knob ginger
1 handful mint
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Ice
Sparkling water
Instructions
Muddle together maple syrup, grated ginger, mint, rosemary, and cinnamon. Next, add lemon juice, lime juice, and cherry juice.
Give your mocktail a good shake and pour it into glasses with ice.
Top off your nightcap with sparkling water and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.