How Restaurants Can Tap the “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” Trend for Late-Night Delivery

Key Points: 

• Learn about the trend: What the Sleepy Girl Mocktail is and why it's gone viral

• How it works: A breakdown of the ingredients (like tart cherry juice and magnesium) and their calming, sleep-supporting benefits

• Why it matters for restaurants: Learn how late-night delivery menus can tap into the trend to attract wellness-focused customers

• Restaurant strategies: Mocktail menu ideas, snack pairings, branding tips, and marketing angles can help restaurants boost late-night sales

It’s 9:04 p.m. The dinner rush is done. The line cooks are cleaning down the grill, and your front-of-house team is packing up to-go bags that never got claimed. Delivery orders? Crickets. But just because your kitchen is slowing down doesn’t mean demand has disappeared—it’s simply shifted. Somewhere out there, a tired 20-something is scrolling TikTok in bed, eyeing a “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” tutorial for the third night in a row.

So how do you turn those sleepy scrolls into late-night sales?

Here’s how your restaurant can tap into the viral wellness trend that’s redefining what it means to wind down—and why your delivery menu might just need a dose of magnesium and tart cherry juice.

How Restaurants Can Tap the “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” Trend

What’s the Sleepy Girl Mocktail?

The Sleepy Girl Mocktail is more than a social media moment; it’s a fizzy, functional, non-alcoholic beverage crafted to support better sleep. Fueled by tart cherry juice and magnesium, this trending drink reflects a growing shift toward nighttime rituals rooted in relaxation and wellness.

Most importantly, we’ll reveal how restaurants can tap into this moment by tapping into the booming wellness-meets-comfort culture,  ideally suited for late-night delivery. Whether it’s bundled “sleep kits,” dreamy drink add-ons, or creative packaging, embracing this trend can turn commonly quiet hours into a profitable new daypart.

Why It Works: A Functional Nightcap

• Melatonin and tryptophan:  Help regulate sleep cycles and may boost relaxation.

• Magnesium: Acts as a natural muscle relaxer and supports neurotransmitter balance, helping you unwind.

• Carbonation: The fizz makes it feel like a special “nightcap,” and the bedtime routine enhances relaxation. 

How Restaurants Can Ride the Wave 

Offer a Branded “Sleepy Sips” Mocktail Menu

Create a line of calming, non-alcoholic drinks designed for nighttime delivery. These could include:

• Tart cherry juice spritzers

• Lavender lemonade with magnesium

• Chamomile-infused iced teas

• Prebiotic sodas with bedtime benefits

• Market as: “Wind-Down Drinks,” “Sleepy Sips,” or “Midnight Mocktails.”

Market to Couples

Tap into the cozy-at-home vibe:

• Market it as part of a “Netflix-and-a- Nap” delivery duo

• Offer a “Girls’ Night In” package with two sleepy mocktails and shareable snacks

Bundle Bedtime Snacks and Mocktails

Pair the Sleepy Girl Mocktail with light, comforting bites for a full “sleep kit.” Think:

• Almond butter & banana toast

• Oat milk overnight oats

• Warm rice pudding or golden milk chia bowls

• Magnesium-rich trail mix (pumpkin seeds, almonds, dark chocolate)Bundle ideas:

“Dream Drop Kit” – Tart cherry mocktail + magnesium cookie + banana nut muffin

“Sleepy Snack Box” – Lavender fizz + chamomile oats + dark chocolate square

Create a Late-Night Self-Care Menu

Launch a separate "Late-Night Self-Care" delivery menu targeting:

• Shift workers

• Night owls

• Students pulling all-nighters

• Moms and dads who just got the kids to sleepInclude:

• Light, anti-inflammatory meals

• Calming drinks

• “Sleep-prep” sides (think warm, easy-to-digest comfort foods)

Add a “Sleepy Girl” Upgrade Option

Let customers upgrade any meal with a Sleepy Girl Add-On:

• $3–5 to add tart cherry juice or magnesium-infused fizz to their order

• Available between 8 PM–1 AM 

Sleepy Girl Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• Tart cherry juice – It’s rich in natural melatonin (a sleep-regulating hormone) and tryptophan, which supports serotonin production. 

• Magnesium powder – Especially magnesium glycinate, which is known to support muscle relaxation and calm the nervous system.

• Sparkling water or prebiotic soda – Adds a fizzy texture and extra gut-health benefits; brands like Olipop or Poppi. Plain seltzer works too. 

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Add ½ cup (120 ml) of pure tart cherry juice.

3. Stir in 1 tsp–1 Tbsp magnesium powder (adjust to taste; check the brand’s dosage).

4. Top with 2–4 oz of sparkling water or prebiotic soda.

5. Stir gently, garnish optionally (e.g. rosemary sprig, lime or lemon wedge), and sip about 1 hour before bed.

Marketing It Right: Messaging Tips for Social Media

Here are a few ways to market your Sleepy-Sips on social media.

• “Skip the wine, sip something that loves you back.”

• “Tired of doomscrolling? Order a Sleepy Girl Spritz and call it a night.”

• “Who says late-night can’t be healthy?”

 

Takeaway

The Sleepy Girl Mocktail trend isn’t just a fleeting hashtag—it’s a late-night delivery opportunity ready to be poured. By offering calming mocktails and light, sleep-friendly snacks, restaurants can cater to wellness-minded night owls looking for comfort without compromise. Turn downtime into uptime with a smart, sleepy twist on the delivery game.

⚠️ Safety Tips

• Benefits are still anecdotal—more research is needed

• Use unsweetened tart cherry juice to avoid sugar disrupting sleep

• Opt for magnesium glycinate, not citrate or oxide, to prevent digestive upset

• Those who are pregnant, have kidney issues, or take medications should consult a healthcare provider

• Not a substitute for healthy sleep habits (e.g. consistent schedule, screen limits)

FAQs

How does the Sleepy Girl Mocktail help with sleep? Tart cherry juice contains melatonin and tryptophan. Magnesium helps calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation.

When should the Sleepy Girl Mocktail be consumed? About 30–60 minutes before bedtime for best results.

Will a Sleepy Girl Mocktail make you drowsy right away? No—it’s a gentle wind-down aid, not a sedative. Works best with a calm evening routine.

Is the Sleepy Girl Mocktail sweetened or artificial? We recommend using 100% tart cherry juice and natural

ingredients—no added sugar or artificial flavors.

Can the Sleepy Girl Mocktail be ordered for delivery? Absolutely. Offer it solo or bundled with a sleepy snack kit for a cozy, wellness-forward night in.

By Eileen Strauss