A Non-Alcoholic Negroni to support restful sleep
What if your negroni actually helped you sleep? This non-alcoholic nightcap swaps the booze for NA spirits and a bold sleep tea concentrate that brings the bitterness and depth of Campari—plus calming herbs to help you wind down before bed.
Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep: 10 min
Best for: Sleep support, about an hour before bed
Ingredients
- 1 oz non-alcoholic gin
- 1 oz non-alcoholic sweet vermouth
- 2 oz herbal sleep tea concentrate (1 tea bag steeped in 2–3 oz water)
- 2–3 dashes orange bitters
- 2 mL magnesium glycinate drops (optional)
Preparation
- Brew the tea concentrate. Steep one sleep tea bag in 2–3 oz of hot water for 10 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Combine. Tea concentrate, NA gin, NA vermouth, orange bitters, and magnesium drops (if using) in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir. For 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain and serve. Into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish. Express an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
Why These Ingredients Work
Magnesium plays a key role in the body’s relaxation response— but be sure to use the right kind for sleep support. Magnesium Glycinate is well absorbed and widely studied to support muscle relaxation and nervous system calm. L-threonate is unique in its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, where research suggests it may support cognitive relaxation. Choose what fits your needs—glycinate for body, L-threonate for the mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sleep tea should I use?
Blends with valerian have more of a sedative effect, while blends with passionflower, lemon balm, and chamomile have more of a calming effect. See below for a few of our favorites!
Can I make this without the magnesium?
Absolutely. Magnesium adds subtle sleep support, but the relaxing effect will come through the sleep tea concentrate.
Don't bitters have alcohol?
Most do contain a small amount, but we recommend non-alcoholic options from the brand All The Bitters (see link below!)
Does non-alcoholic gin and vermouth actually taste like the real thing?
Not exactly—and that’s by design. NA spirits don’t have the burn of real alcohol, so this recipe uses the tea concentrate to add bitterness and depth that would normally come from Campari. The result is a drink that feels like a negroni without trying to be an exact copy.
Important Considerations
- Pregnant or nursing? Avoid valerian, passionflower, and concentrated chamomile. Always check with your healthcare provider.
- Taking medications? Valerian may interact with sedatives, benzodiazepines, and certain antidepressants. Magnesium can interact with some antibiotics and blood pressure medications. Consult your healthcare provider.
Where to Buy
NA Vermouth: Free Spirits Rosso or Roots Divino Rosso
NA Gin: Monday or CleanCo
Magnesium: Dilib magnesium glycinate drops (lemon flavor)
Sleep tea: We love Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night, Rishi Valerian Dream, or Culinary Teas
