Non-Alcoholic Nightcap with Valerian & Passionflower
A rich, Negroni-inspired batch-and-freeze drink designed to help you wind down before bed. Made with calming herbs like valerian and passionflower, crisp hibiscus, and your choice of either tart cherry or pomegranate juice for a deep, bittersweet flavor. Make a week’s worth in 15 minutes— or freeze a batch for whenever you need a sleep shot.
Yield: 8–10 servings (about 4 cups)
Prep: 15 min
Best for: Sleep support, about an hour before bed
Ingredients
Brew:
- 2½ cups water
- 1 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers
- 2–4 tbsp dried valerian root (start with 2 tbsp; use 4 for stronger effect)
- 1–2 tbsp dried passionflower (start with 1 tbsp; use 2 for stronger effect)
- Peel from 2 oranges (just the zest, no white pith)
- 3 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 8 black peppercorns
Finish:
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1½ cups pomegranate juice OR tart cherry juice
- Juice of 1 lemon OR ½ tsp citric acid (citric acid extends shelf life)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 6–8 dashes aromatic bitters
Preparation
- Simmer the herbs. Bring water to a boil. Add hibiscus, valerian, passionflower, orange peel, cardamom, ginger, and peppercorns. Reduce to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
- Steep. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and mix. Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher. Stir in maple syrup, pomegranate or cherry juice, lemon juice (or citric acid), salt, and bitters.
- Bottle and chill. Pour the warm liquid into clean glass bottles, filling close to the top. Seal tightly and refrigerate.
How to serve
- Classic: Pour 3–4 oz over ice with an orange twist
- Spritz: Top with seltzer for a lighter, bubbly version
Storage
- With lemon juice: Keeps 4–5 days refrigerated
- With citric acid: Keeps 7–10 days refrigerated
- Frozen: Batch-and-freeze in mini bottles to use whenever you need.
Why these ingredients work
Valerian root supports sleep by increasing GABA activity in the brain, helping quiet racing thoughts. It’s one of the most well-studied herbal sleep aids, used for centuries across European and Asian traditions.
Passionflower has traditionally been used to ease restlessness and promote relaxation. Research suggests it may increase GABA levels similarly to valerian, making the two a powerful pairing.
Hibiscus and tart cherry or pomegranate juice add antioxidants and a fruity base that balances the earthy herbs. Pomegranate is especially good at masking the funky taste of valerian, while tart cherry contains small amounts of melatonin.
FAQ's
Can I skip the valerian?
Yes —valerian is one of the most sedating herbs, and some people do not react well to it. Test a small amount before committing to a batch, and swap with chamomile or skullcap if you prefer a milder relaxation effect.
Can I add a splash of alcohol?
A small splash is fine for flavor, but keep in mind alcohol disrupts sleep quality and shouldn’t be combined with valerian in larger amounts.
How do I make it lower sugar?
Omit maple syrup and reduce juice by half.
Considerations
- New to these herbs? Test a small amount first and see how your body responds.
- Pregnant or nursing? Avoid passionflower, hibiscus, and valerian. Always check with your healthcare provider.
- Taking medications? Skip valerian if you’re on sedatives, benzodiazepines, or certain antidepressants.
- Managing blood sugar? Reduce or omit maple syrup and juice.
Where to buy
Dried herbs: Check your local bulk health food store or order online from retailers like Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals.
