Bring the South Pacific to Your Happy Hour with Kavayn
Kava is a root native to the South Pacific islands, traditionally consumed as a ceremonial beverage, and it’s now gaining popularity as an alternative to other relaxants. We tried it in the new non-alcoholic spirit, Kavayn.
This perennial plant native to Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu is considered “nature’s happy root.” Traditionally mixed in a carved wooden basin and consumed from polished coconut shells, it played a role in tribal rituals by welcoming guests, resolving conflicts, and fostering unity.
That’s because its active compounds—kavalactones—interact with the brain to promote deep relaxation, reduce anxiety, and foster sociability.
Kava calms the central nervous system without producing the toxins associated with alcohol, leaving you clear-headed and refreshed the next day. Unlike alcohol, which impairs cognitive function, memory, and motor skills, kavalactones allow you to remain fully present and coherent while feeling relaxed. Kava eases social tension and boosts mood but does not lower inhibitions to the point of poor decision-making or aggressive behavior. It has a mild sedative effect and in some people, can promote a feeling of euphoria.
In fact, a number of resorts throughout the South Pacific include a traditional kava ceremony as part of the itinerary. One such example is Namale Resort & Spa, Fiji’s #1 all-inclusive adults-only luxury resort.
If you’d like to try the benefits of kava at home and as a replacement for alcohol or even cannabis, we’ve found a great product for your bar cart. Kavayn uses Noble Kava plant extracts in a no-booze beverage (we tried the Pineapple-Coconut flavor, easily enjoyed over ice with a splash of soda).
It also comes unflavored, which is the ideal version for mixologists. This is the perfect antidote to the feeling of “I need a drink.” Within about 15 minutes, you’ll feel less tense, more mellow, while still being able to function properly. And best of all for Vacationers: the brand is sustainable and socially responsible, honoring kava’s age-old purpose: to bring harmony, truth, peace, and togetherness in social settings. Give it a try this summer as a way to cool down, using the mocktail recipe below:
Kavayn Tropical Daiquiri
Ingredients
1.5 oz Pineapple-Coconut Kavayn
.5 oz Lemon juice
.75 oz Strawberry syrup
4-6 frozen strawberries
Glassware: Hurricane Glass or Stemmed Margarita Glass
Method: Blended
Ice: Optional for thickness
Garnish: Mint leaf
Directions
Step 1: Put all ingredients into a hand blender and blend until smooth
Step 2: Pour into chilled stemmed glassware
Garnish with a single mint leaf or the small tip of a mint sprig
For more recipe ideas, check out this Instagram post.
And if you’d like to take some kava on the road as an anti-anxiety supplement, the good news is that Kavayn also makes travel-friendly gummies and Snap Packs. The latter are an excellent choice when flying as they are only 5ml and can be easily popped and poured into any liquid and consumed for a feeling of absolute “kalm.”
Shop all things Kavayn here.
