Kava root tea has been enjoyed in the South Pacific for centuries for its relaxing effects and mild buzz, and in the U.S., kava bars have existed since the early 1990s—long before “non-alcoholic bars” were a thing. The only problem is that traditional kava drinks have a distinctly muddy and bitter taste.
Flash forward to today, and non-alcoholic kava spirits are transforming that buzz and bite into something genuinely delicious—worlds away from the infamous muddy kava water. This Kava Mule takes everything people love about kava drinks—the tongue-tingling sensation, the mild, calming buzz, and that unmistakable earthy bite—and folds it into a mocktail that’s bright, spicy, and very enjoyable.
Kavahol, a ginger-forward kava spirit, replaces vodka with a flavor profile that fits the classic Moscow Mule format naturally. Pineapple syrup adds tropical richness to balance kava’s natural bitterness, lime keeps things snappy, and a generous dose of our Old Fashioned Aromatic bitters adds warm spice. The result is a non-alcoholic kava cocktail that’s refreshing, complex, and far more drinkable than kava tea.
This recipe was perfected using Kavahol, but you’re welcome to use your favorite alcoholic spirit instead (just don’t combine alcohol and kava). For an NA version without the kava buzz, we recommend Tenneyson or Ritual Rum.
*Kava is not recommended during pregnancy or with certain medications.
Fiery ginger kava spirit meets pineapple and ginger beer in a spicy, tropical kava mule.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz Kavahol
½ oz lime juice
½ oz pineapple syrup
7 dashes All The Bitter Old Fashioned Aromatic
4–5 oz ginger beer
Directions
Shake all ingredients except ginger beer with ice for 6-8 seconds.
Strain into a mule mug filled with ice, top with ginger beer, and stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wheel and mint bouquet.
Recipe Note
WHAT IS A KAVA BUZZ LIKE? Think of it like the feeling you get after your first drink—that warm, slightly tingly “ooh, I had a drink” moment. It’s uplifting and makes you feel relaxed and social without crossing into inebriation. There’s no drunk texting, no stumbling around—just a light, happy buzz that stays in a good place.
CAN YOU DRINK KAVAHOL STRAIGHT? Unlike most non-alcoholic spirits (gin, whiskey, tequila), which are designed strictly for mixing, Kavahol is something you can actually sip on its own. It has enough punch, heat, and texture to be enjoyable straight, and it’s one of the rare NA spirits that genuinely makes sense as a shot. We especially like it alongside a non-alcoholic IPA from Athletic Brewing or Sierra Nevada.
KAVA SAFETY: NOBLE ROOT ONLY Concerns about kava and liver toxicity come from early studies (that have since been refuted) using non-noble varieties of kava that contained stems, leaves, and other low-quality material. Kavahol is made exclusively from noble kava root, the traditionally consumed and widely regarded safe form used for centuries in the South Pacific. Even so, kava is not recommended during pregnancy and may interact with certain medications—so consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
CAN EVERYONE HAVE KAVA? While kava is generally well-tolerated, it’s not for everyone. It’s not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and may interact with medications that affect the liver or central nervous system—like benzodiazepines, antidepressants, or sleep aids. If you're in recovery, kava might not be the right fit, depending on your goals and program. And it's not recommended to drink kava and alcohol together, as the combination can increase sedative effects.
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