Drinks Candace Dorsey Drinks Candace Dorsey

Tart Cherry Sleepy Time Mocktail

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy drink that can help you get a good night's sleep? Introducing the Tart Cherry Sleepy Time Mocktail - the perfect nightcap for anyone looking to improve their sleeping habits and gut health!

As a nutritionist and personal trainer, I understand the importance of sleep, and I have been drinking this mocktail for the past 9 months. It has become my go-to recipe, and it has even gone viral on TikTok!

 

Tart Cherry Sleepy Time Mocktail: A Nightly Drink for Restful Sleep and Gut Health

sleepy time mocktail

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy drink that can help you get a good night's sleep? Introducing the Tart Cherry Sleepy Time Mocktail - the perfect nightcap for anyone looking to improve their sleeping habits and gut health!

As a nutritionist and personal trainer, I understand the importance of sleep, and I have been drinking this mocktail for the past 9 months. It has become my go-to recipe, and it has even gone viral on TikTok!

sleepy time mocktail

What Makes the Sleepy Girl Mocktail?

The recipe only requires two key ingredients: pure tart cherry juice or concentrate and magnesium powder. Here's why they are essential for a good night's sleep:

  1. Pure Tart Cherry Juice - Tart cherries contain a high concentration of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and induces drowsiness at night. They are also rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which helps the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.

  2. Magnesium - Magnesium glycinate is a vital mineral that regulates melatonin and cortisol production, promoting muscle relaxation and reducing anxiety.

This power couple is linked to positive sleep results, making this mocktail perfect for your nighttime routine.

Mocktail Beneficial Add-Ins

  • Citrus - Adding fresh citrus juice like lemon or lime provides vitamin C, which supports your adrenals and helps your body recover from stress-related damage.

  • Prebiotic Soda or Mineral Water - Top off your mocktail with prebiotic soda or mineral-enriched bubbly water. Not only does it taste great, but it also supports beneficial gut bacteria. However, be aware that prebiotics may trigger digestive discomfort like gas and bloating.

  • Sea Salt - Add a pinch of sea salt to support your adrenal glands and promote optimal hydration. Sea salt is also rich in magnesium, which helps promote restful, deep sleep.

Now that you have the nutritional background on this viral TikTok drink, start making your own and enjoy a restful sleep and improved gut health! Check out the Nourished Roots membership for more tips on supporting optimal sleep.

MORE HEALTHY MOCKTAIL + BEVERAGES

Adrenal Cocktail

Harmony Hot Chocolate

Fire Cider Bone Broth

Moon Milk

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!


Tart Cherry Sleepy Time Mocktail: A Nightly Drink for Restful Sleep and Gut Health

Servings: 1 Prep: 5 MIN Cook time: 0 MIN

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup tart cherry juice or 2 Tbsp tart cherry juice concentrate

  • 1 scoop or serving magnesium powder

  • Top with prebiotic soda or mineral sparkling water

  • pinch of sea salt

  • Ice

Directions

  1. Start by pouring cherry juice or concentrate into a tall glass. Mix in magnesium powder and add ice. Top it off with soda or mineral water, and stir until all the ingredients are well combined. For an extra zing, squeeze in lime juice and add a pinch of sea salt. Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of your night!


SHOP OUR FAVORITE INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE!

 
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Watermelon Ice Cubes

If you haven’t figured it by now, I am absolutely obsessed with watermelon. If I’m not posting about watermelon on my Instagram, I’m posting watermelon recipes on the blog. There is nothing that stands in the way between me and watermelon...nothing.

With that said, I thought it would be fun to post about the many ways you can use leftover watermelon. Do you find yourself cutting a large watermelon and basically having an entire half watermelon leftover? What do I do with the rest of it?

 

Watermelon Ice Cubes - Refreshing way to use leftover watermelon chunks! Add to your water, coconut water, cocktail, mocktail, smoothie, the sky’s the limit! 

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If you haven’t figured it by now, I am absolutely obsessed with watermelon. If I’m not posting about watermelon on my Instagram, I’m posting watermelon recipes on the blog. There is nothing that stands in the way between me and watermelon...nothing. 

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With that said, I thought it would be fun to post about the many ways you can use leftover watermelon. Do you find yourself cutting a large watermelon and basically having an entire half watermelon leftover? What do I do with the rest of it? 

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Well, I am here to solve your problems! To start off, we will get into this quick and simple recipe! Using half of a large watermelon, cut your melon into large chunks and add to a blender. You can blend as is or boost the watermelon flavor with citrus like fresh lemon or lime juice! Sometimes I get a little wild and add fresh mint or jalapeno slices when I want to make frozen spicy watermelon margaritas

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You can either strain the liquid using a milk bag or cheesecloth or freeze as is. Tip* If juicing, skim the foam off of the watermelon juice. When frozen, add a few cubes to a glass of water, coconut water, smoothie, or make into a mocktail/cocktail. The sky's the limit with these cubes! 

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Now that you know of one amazing versatile trick using leftover watermelon chunks, here are a few more ideas! 

  • Slice watermelon into triangles and make watermelon popsicles by inserting a popsicle stick into the rind. Freeze them, grill them, or eat as is! 

  • Slice watermelon into small chunks and toss into a summer salad (picture above)

  • Add fresh mint, feta, lime, and balsamic glaze for a quick watermelon salad picnic!

  • Make watermelon margaritas, frescas, or granita! 

  • Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes for a party or for the kids! 

How would you use watermelon cubes or leftover watermelon? Share below, I love hearing your ideas!


Ingredients

  • ½ large watermelon

  • Juice from two limes

  • ½ cup filtered water or coconut water

Optional add-ins

  • Fresh mint

  • Jalapenos (to make spicy margaritas)

Directions

  1. Cut the rinds off the watermelon and slice into large chunks.

  2. Add watermelon chunks to a blender and add lime juice, water, and optional add-ins. Blend until smooth.

  3. Either strain the juice using a milk bag or cheesecloth or pour mixture directly into ice cube trays. *Skim the foam off the liquid for smoother texture. 

  4. Freeze and enjoy in filtered water, coconut water, alcohol, smoothie, kombucha..sky’s the limit!

 
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Fresh and Easy Ceviche: 2-Ways

This is sad to say, but my first experience eating ceviche was about six months ago when trying out a new Peruvian restaurant with a girlfriend. She ordered ceviche for the table and after having one bite, I was blown away! Why haven’t I had this before!? It seems like I was doing a disservice to my taste buds for not having it sooner!

So instead of dragging her to this restaurant to help translate that, “I need ceviche!”, I just make it at home! And you can, too! Ceviche is actually very easy to make.

 

Fresh and Easy Ceviche: 2-Ways - Salmon Mango and Spicy Jalapeno Shrimp Ceviche are tasty dishes that can be served over nachos, tostadas, avocado boats, or with chips!

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This is sad to say, but my first experience eating ceviche was about six months when I was trying out a new Peruvian restaurant with a girlfriend. She ordered ceviche for the table and after having one bite, I was blown away! Why haven’t I had this before!? It seems like I was doing a disservice to my taste buds for not having it sooner!

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So instead of dragging her to the restaurant every time I need translating: “I need ceviche!”, I just make it at home! And you can, too! Ceviche is actually very easy to make. 

The ingredients for ceviche:

  • Raw fresh fish (snapper, sea bass, halibut, mahi-mahi, tilapia, shrimp, salmon, octopus)

  • Citrus juice (lemon, lime, oranges)

  • Salt

  • Add-ins: mango, red onion, avocado, cilantro, jalapeno, tomatoes

To show how easy it is to make ceviche, I have provided 2-ways that you can make ceviche as well as 3-ways to serve it. You can serve ceviche over nachos, tostadas, avocados or with chips; the possibilities are endless!

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Ceviche pairs perfectly with a margarita or a Paloma, just saying! ;)

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If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 


Fresh and Easy Ceviche: 2-Ways - Salmon Mango and Spicy Jalapeno Shrimp Ceviche are tasty dishes that can be served over nachos, tostadas, avocado boats, or with chips!

Ingredients

Salmon Mango Ceviche

  • 1 lb raw salmon (skinless and cubed)

  • 1 fresh mango (diced)

  • 1 cup lime juice from 6 limes

  • 2 roma tomatoes (diced)

  • ½ red onion (diced)

  • ¼ bunch cilantro (chopped)

  • 1 large avocado (cubed)

  • 1 small shallot (minced)

  • ½ tsp pink himalayan salt

Spicy Jalapeno Shrimp Ceviche

  • 1 lb shrimp (raw or cooked) peeled, deveined, and diced

  • 1 cup lime juice from 6 limes

  • 2 roma tomatoes (diced)

  • ½ red onion (diced)

  • ¼ bunch cilantro (chopped)

  • 1 large avocado (cubed)

  • 1 large jalapeno (diced)

  • 1 small shallot (minced)

  • ½ tsp pink himalayan salt

Directions 

  1. Add chopped shrimp or salmon to a large bowl and stir in 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, ½ tsp salt, and minced shallots. Refrigerate and marinate. See Notes for marinating times.

  2. Dice remaining ingredients: avocado, tomato, red onion, jalapeno, mango, and cilantro. 

  3. Once the seafood is done marinating, stir in the diced ingredients. 

  4. Season with salt and pepper and serve over nachos, tostadas, avocado boats, or with chips!

Notes

  • Spicy mayo to go over nachos? ¼ cup mayonnaise + 2 tsp sriracha + ½ tsp lime + 1 tsp water.

  • Feel free to sub shrimp or salmon for ahi tuna and diced cucumber to the ceviche.

  • Marinating times:

  • 1 ½ - 2 hours for raw shrimp and up to 30 minutes for cooked shrimp 

  • 30 min to 1 hour for raw salmon

 
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The Perfect Paloma

I’m completely over winter! Okay, I’m usually over winter the first day it starts, haha but now I can say that it’s time for a change. So instead of waiting for mother nature to catch up, I will just start without her!

So, in rebel fashion, I am traveling to LA for a few days (travel post soon), eating ceviche till my heart’s content, and drinking these refreshing Paloma cocktails!

 

The Perfect Paloma - This refreshing grapefruit and tequila-based drink is perfect for any occasion! 

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I’m completely over winter! Okay, I’m usually over winter the first day it starts, haha but now I can say that it’s time for a change. So instead of waiting for mother nature to catch up, I will just start without her!

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So, in rebel fashion, I am traveling to LA for a few days (travel post soon), eating ceviche till my heart’s content, and drinking these refreshing Paloma cocktails! 

What’s in a Paloma?

  1. Tequila: I prefer silver tequila-like Espolon Blanco, Casamigos or if you want more of a smoky profile, mezcal is great, too! 

  2. Grapefruit soda: Instead of using a fruit cocktail mix, here are some healthy swaps: freshly squeezed grapefruit juice + mineral water, Izze Sparkling Grapefruit, San Pellegrino Grapefruit, or Jarritos Grapefruit works too. 

  3. Lime: I use half of the lime per serving

  4. Salt: This is usually added as a pinch on top of the drink but I like to use it to rim my glass using: pink Himalayan salt + lime zest + chili lime seasoning 

That’s it, basically! So don’t wait until summer to enjoy this super refreshing cocktail. As long as there’s grapefruit soda or juice in your fridge, this cocktail is yours for the drinking.

All you have to do is fill a glass with ice. Add a shot (or two) of tequila, juice from half of lime, and fill the glass up with grapefruit soda. Give it a stir, then sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top of the drink. Salud! 

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Also, I would like to mention that Paloma’s pair nicely with spicy food or with a big plate of shrimp ceviche nachos!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!


The Perfect Paloma - This refreshing grapefruit and tequila-based drink is perfect for any occasion! 

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Tequila Blanco or Mezcal 

  • 4-6 oz grapefruit soda 

  • Juice of half a lime

  • Pinch of pink Himalayan salt 

Chili Lime Salt Rim

  • 2 tsp pink Himalayan salt

  • 1 tsp lime zest

  • ½ tsp chili lime seasoning

  • lime wedge

Directions

  1. Run the cut side of a lime wedge around the rim of your glass.

  2. Place the salt, zest, and chili lime seasoning in a shallow dish and mix until fully combined.

  3. Dip the rims of glasses into coat. 

  4. Fill glass with ice, then add tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. Give it a stir. Garnish with grapefruit and lime slices! 

Notes 

 
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Roots Juice

I think it’s only fitting to create a signature root veggie juice in honor of our name, don’t ya think!? With that said, this juice couldn’t be more perfect for that title! Roots juice started out as a refreshing drink for my catered events because people wanted something fun yet sweet while staying true to its healthy roots.

 

Roots Juice - From the Roots signature root juice - sweet and fun, you can’t tell it’s healthy!

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I think it’s only fitting to create a signature root veggie juice in honor of our name, don’t ya think!? With that said, this juice couldn’t be more perfect for that title! Roots juice started out as a refreshing drink for my catered events because people wanted something fun yet sweet while staying true to its healthy roots.

All this time, I assumed this recipe was on the blog! Luckily for you, the community reached out and said, no, haha so here we are! Made with my favorite root veggies (carrots, beets, and ginger) and naturally sweetened fruits, this juice has only 8 ingredients!

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Roots juice is great for a brunch cocktail/mocktail, hot summer day, or just to drink with your morning breakfast. You can also skip the juicing part if you are not into juicing/want more plant based fiber into your diet.

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If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 


Roots Juice - From the Roots signature root juice - sweet and fun, you can’t tell it’s healthy!

Ingredients 

  • 2 red apples

  • 1 small knob of ginger

  • 1 grapefruit (or blood orange)

  • 1 & ½ cup strawberries

  • 1 small beet

  • 2 carrots

  • ½ lemon

  • 1 cup coconut water

Directions 

  1. Prep all fruits/vegetables with inedible rinds removed. Be sure to thoroughly wash all fruits/vegetables as best as possible. 

  2. If using a juicer: add all ingredients to a juicer and let it do its work! 

  3. If using a high-speed blender like Vitamix, add all ingredients to the blender and blend on high for 2-3 minutes. Strain using a nut milk bag. Squeeze all the juice you can and discard leftover pulp or reuse in something else! 

  4. Store in an airtight glass container for up to 48 hour maximum. Fresh and drinking immediately is best!

  5. Makes about 4 cups

 
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