Forget Nightcaps—Experts Swear by the “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” for the Best Sleep of Your Life

We’re rounding out the third week of the year, and still—In-and-Out lists crowd our social feeds. But amidst all the niche trends and constant shifting of “core” fashions, a common thread prevails: prioritizing better sleep. This year and beyond, we’re aiming for 8+ hours and waking up feeling revitalized and restored. One way we’re making that happen? Sleepy Girl Mocktails.

Sleep is a necessary act of self-care, and I’m of the anecdotal (and research-backed) opinion that it’s one of the best little treats you can give yourself. But the pursuit of good sleep doesn’t exist in a vacuum. As is true for all areas of wellness, one-and-done solutions rarely work. Instead, it’s through building supportive habits and rituals that we craft a healthy life. That’s why our nighttime rituals are so key, setting ourselves up for a successful night of sleep ahead. Stretching, journaling, and maybe even taking a bath are all favorites—and we love sipping on a Sleepy Girl Mocktail to help us drift off.

Featured image from our interview with Janessa Leoné by Teal Thomsen.

Why Sleepy Girl Mocktails Are Key to a Good Night’s Sleep

Originating from the source of so many wellness trends—TikTok—the Sleepy Girl Mocktail dominated our feeds in 2023 and shows no signs of slowing down. We have influencer Gracie Norton to thank for this functional deliciousness.

In her viral video, Norton blends the three-ingredient bevvy with a mixologist’s precision, combining a teaspoon of Moon Juice’s Magnesi-Om with a cup of tart cherry juice. Mix that with an electric frother then transfer to a wine glass with ice. Finish it off with a splash of Lemon Lime OLIPOP. If you find yourself halfway through Dry January missing your evening Pinot, the Sleepy Girl Mocktail is a fun and fizzy substitute.

But all deliciousness aside—does the Sleepy Girl Mocktail work? (As in, could it be a golden ticket ingredient to a blissful slumber?) We went to the source, asking Amanda Chantal Bacon, the founder and CEO of Moon Juice. Ahead, we discuss all things Sleepy Girl Mocktails, magnesium, and how to drink to the best sleep of your life. And scroll to the end for our favorite sleep-inducing sips.

The Sleepy Girl Mocktail consists of pure tart cherry juice, magnesium powder, and topped off with OLIPOP for a little fizz. Can you speak to the sleep-supporting benefits of these three ingredients combined?

The naturally occurring melatonin from the tart cherry works synergistically with the magnesium and L-theanine for a yummy sleepy nightcap. Magnesium is a biological essential for relaxation, and relaxation is the necessary ingredient for us to wind down and sleep through the night! It modulates GABA activity in the brain, meaning it helps stimulate the neurotransmitter that relaxes your mind and body. 

There are countless magnesium powders and supplements on the market. What sets Moon Juice apart?

Magnesium had done such incredible things for me mentally and physically for years, but there wasn’t anything on the market that was bioavailable, clean, and in a delicious drink form. So I got together with a scientist and we sourced the best forms of 3 magnesiums that work on relaxation and keeping you regular (daily poop!), and L-theanine.

When should we be consuming the Sleepy Girl Mocktail/a magnesium powder for optimal sleep?

Ideally 1-2 hours before sleep or whenever you are looking to relax and calm down from your day. It feels so good, your body will crave it every night so it’s an easy routine to create. 

Advanced stress hack: On high-stress days, you can microdose 1/4 teaspoon in water four times throughout the day. When you’re stressed, the body uses up magnesium at a faster rate to help you relax and remove excess cortisol. This, in turn, leaves you depleted in magnesium, making you feel even more stressed. Replenishing consistently helps break the stress loop.

Do you personally drink the mocktail?

I prefer to keep it simple and mix our magnesium with regular or mineral sparkling water and ice.

Any other favorite before-bed drinks you’d recommend?

On nights when I am traveling or need a little extra help falling asleep, I take Sleepy Magnesi-Om which includes .3 mg of plant-based melatonin, two forms of magnesium, and L-theanine. The lighter dosage of melatonin is scientifically proven to improve sleep quality by gently signaling to the brain that it’s time for sleep, without oversaturating receptors.

Our Favorite Sleepy Girl Mocktails and Recipes

Though magnesium, cherry juice, and fizzy soda make the signature Sleepy Girl Mocktail, there are plenty of other mocktails and teas that can help you wind down and rest easy. Ahead, discover our tried-and-true favorite sippers, including a soothing golden milk recipe and adaptogen-fueled hot cocoa.

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Sleepy Magnesi-Om

Prep for a night of restful sleep without any morning grogginess. Improve sleep quality, relieve stress, and support relaxation with the tastiest trifecta of melatonin, magnesium, and L?theanine. Bonus: Your bright-pink glass will look gorgeous on your feed.

Goldthread Lavender Bliss (6-Pack)

I often diffuse lavender essential oil before sleep, but the blissful herb makes for a soothing and effective before-bed sipper, too. The blend of chamomile, elderflower, and lavender is perfect for nighttime sleep support, but I also enjoy it throughout the day whenever my body craves a little bliss.

Dream Sparkling Water (12-Pack)

Take this as a sign to ask more from your sparkling water. Refreshingly fruity, Élevé pairs two nervines—skullcap and valerian—with blueberry and lavender to whisk you off to a calming, restorative sleep.

Anima Mundi Lucid Dreaming Tea

The ritual of preparing this sleepy tea is calming in and of itself. Ashwagandha, passionflower, skullcap, tulsi, rose petals, and more combine in a beautiful blend that’s perfect paired with your nighttime read.

Rest & Rewind

This mint tea blend is my latest wellness obsession. Lemon balm and 5-Hydroxytryptophan help you fall (and stay) asleep faster while polyphenols and antioxidants promote healthy aging. Simply stir into warm water 30 minutes before bedtime. Your new nightly ritual—unlocked.

Golden Milk

As for DIY blends that support a good night’s sleep, golden milk is an all-time favorite. It’s cozy, anti-inflammatory, and subtly spicy. While all of the elixir’s ingredients promote well-being (cardamom, ginger, and pink Himalayan salt included), it’s turmeric that stands out. The functional herb’s active ingredient, curcumin has been proven to boost immunity and improve digestion. If you’re looking to feel better in all areas of your life, enjoy a cuppa, stat.

Golden Turmeric

Vibrant in both color and taste, this golden-hued blend makes for a quick and easy latte. We also love a scoop in smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal—your options are endless.

Illuminate (60 Capsules)

I take these calming capsules daily and can confirm: they’re the easiest way to activate your inner peace. Thanks to the blend of CBD, turmeric, licorice root, and other functional ingredients, this TCM-informed supplement relieves anxiety, reduces tension, and promotes a clear mind. (All crucial components in getting your best-ever sleep.) I love including the emptied capsules in the brand’s Golden Milk Illumi-Latte recipe. So good.

Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate

Your favorite Swiss Miss packets just got a wellness-approved upgrade. Instead of the sugar-laden classic, this adaptogenic twist leans on raw organic cacao, ashwagandha, and cordyceps to help relieve stress and support digestion. I’ll be sipping on this from now through the spring—and honestly, beyond.