Valerian Bedtime Mocktail (Alcohol-Free Nightcap)
An alcohol-free mocktail of valerian and chamomile with warm spiced apple juice, cinnamon, clove and honey—served warm in a mug or shaken over ice.
Valerian and alcohol do not belong in the same glass, so the only sensible cocktail here is a non-alcoholic one—and that is exactly the point. This bedtime mocktail captures the cozy ritual of a nightcap with nothing in it that works against the rest of the night.
The base is a gently spiced valerian and chamomile infusion, sweetened with a little honey and brightened with apple juice and a squeeze of lemon. Cinnamon and a touch of clove give it a warm, mulled-cider feel, while the apple and honey round out valerian's pungent, earthy root into something genuinely pleasant.
Serve it warm in a small mug for a true wind-down nightcap, or shake the cooled infusion with ice and strain into a coupe for an elegant, alcohol-free evening drink—garnish with an apple fan or a cinnamon stick to make it feel special.
This is the mocktail variant by design: there is no alcoholic version. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that valerian should not be taken along with alcohol or sedatives, and that little is known about whether it is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding—so keep the amount of root modest and sip it as a quiet close to the day.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp dried valerian root (or 1 small tea bag)
- 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup hot water (around 95°C)
- 1/2 cup cloudy apple juice
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 whole clove
- 1 tsp honey
- Squeeze of lemon
- Apple fan or cinnamon stick, to garnish
How to make it
- 1Steep the valerian root, chamomile, cinnamon stick, and clove in the hot water, covered, for 4–5 minutes, then strain.
- 2Warm the apple juice gently and stir it into the strained infusion along with the honey until dissolved.
- 3Add a squeeze of lemon and taste, adjusting the honey if needed.
- 4Serve warm in a mug, or shake the cooled mixture with ice and strain into a coupe; garnish with an apple fan or cinnamon stick.
Source
This isn't medical advice. If you have a specific condition, or you are pregnant or taking medication, check with a healthcare provider.
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