Partner Content: Kava Haven
Alcohol has long been the go-to for socializing, unwinding, and celebrating. But its side effects, like hangovers, impaired decision-making, and long-term health risks, have left many people searching for something else.
While there are several functional alcohol alternatives on the rise, one has seen a tremendous amount of recent praise: kava.
Long celebrated in the Pacific Islands for its calming, sociable effects, kava is now showing up in bottle shops and bar menus across the US—and consumers are responding.
What is Kava?
Kava is a functional beverage made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, native to the South Pacific. For thousands of years, it’s been used in ceremonies and gatherings for its ability to promote relaxation and connection, all without clouding the mind.
Unlike alcohol, which acts as a central nervous system depressant, kava’s active compounds (called kavalactones) can reduce anxiety and stress while keeping the drinker clear-headed and present. This unique balance has made it a social staple across Pacific Island cultures—and now, a rising star in the US non-alcoholic space.
Why More People Are Taking Notice of Kava
Recent studies show that kava can reduce anxiety symptoms. Importantly, it can do so without the addictive or impairing qualities of alcohol. It offers a light body buzz and calming sensation that many compare to alcohol’s initial effects—but without the crash, hangover, or loss of control.
It’s also non-addictive, non-intoxicating (in moderate amounts), and legal across most of the US, making it an attractive choice for consumers trying to cut back on alcohol without sacrificing the social drinking experience.
Kava Haven is Shaking Up the Scene
One company taking the bet on the future of kava use in the US is Kava Haven, a kava-infused non-alcoholic spirit that’s starting to reshape social drinking.
Kava Haven’s formulation blends premium kava extract with ginger juice, lemon, and other natural ingredients to create a citrus-forward, balanced spirit with a mellow finish. It’s designed to be enjoyed on its own or mixed into cocktails, making it versatile enough for everything from weeknight wind-downs to festive gatherings.
Retailers Are Taking Notice
Launched just one year ago, Kava Haven has already become a top-selling product in non-alcoholic bottle shops across the US. With distribution in over 48 states and counting, the brand is proving that consumers are not only curious about kava—they’re coming back for more.
Retailers across the country have reported high turnover and repeat purchases, citing Kava Haven as a standout in both flavor and functionality. In shops like Spirited Away and Orangily, it quickly climbed to the top of the sales charts, with some retailers even limiting purchases due to overwhelming demand.
The brand’s success in both major cities and smaller markets highlights its broad appeal. From San Francisco to Seattle to small towns in the Midwest, Kava Haven is performing strongly across demographic and regional lines. Its accessibility, flavor profile, and functional effects make it a category-defining product in the non-alc space.
A Functional Drink For Modern Socializing
The current boom in functional beverages is driven by the desire for drinks that do something. Consumers are gravitating toward beverages that help them relax and reset—without compromising health or clarity.
Kava is uniquely positioned in this space. It provides a mood shift without intoxication, a sense of calm without sedation. And in the case of Kava Haven, it does so with a flavor-forward formula that feels familiar yet fresh.
For consumers, that means a satisfying alcohol alternative that doesn’t feel like a compromise. For retailers, it’s a top-performing product with clear market demand and growing cultural relevance.
