Classic · Coconut · Easy · Fruity · Kava · Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters · Orange · Pineapple · Ritual Zero Proof · Rum · Sweet · Tiki · Tropical · 1 comment ·

Painchiller

Name: Painchiller (Non-Alcoholic)
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 6 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 ½ oz Kavahol; ¾ oz non-alc rum (optional); 3 oz pineapple juice; 1 oz orange juice; 1 oz coconut cream; ½ oz lime juice; 5 dashes All The Bitter Old Fashioned Aromatic

The Painkiller is a classic tropical cocktail—pineapple, orange, coconut, and rum—created in the British Virgin Islands and famously trademarked by Pusser’s Rum. Since this version contains no Pusser’s (and no alcohol), we call ours the Painchiller: a laid-back, kava-powered riff that delivers all the creamy, tropical comfort of the original with the calming buzz of kava instead of rum.

Tropical flavors work exceptionally well in kava drinks because sweetness and fat help soften kava’s natural bitterness. Here, pineapple and orange juice add bright fruit, coconut cream adds roundness and texture, and a squeeze of lime keeps the sweetness in check—something especially important in non-alcoholic tiki drinks. Kavahol brings ginger heat, earthiness, and the signature kava buzz, making this as adult and satisfying as the alcoholic version. Adding non-alcoholic rum here is optional; this kava mocktail stands on its own, but adding a splash will push it even further into tiki territory.

This recipe was perfected using non-alcoholic Kavahol, but you can swap in your favorite alcoholic rum instead (just don’t combine alcohol and kava). For an NA version without the kava buzz, we recommend Ritual Zero Proof Rum.

Painchiller (Non-Alcoholic)

Rated 4.3 stars by 16 users

Servings

Prep Time

3 minutes

Cook Time

3 minutes

Calories

220

Tropical kava version of a Painkiller cocktail with pineapple, orange, coconut, and a mellow buzz.

Ingredients

1 ½ oz Kavahol
¾ oz non-alc rum (optional)
3 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange juice
1 oz coconut cream
½ oz lime juice
5 dashes All The Bitter Old Fashioned Aromatic

Directions

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a hurricane glass or snifter filled with crushed ice.
Grate whole nutmeg over the top and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Recipe Note

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
Tropical drinks translate well as juice-based mocktails because layers of fruit, sweetness, and fat create texture and depth without relying on alcohol. But without a spirit, they can easily drift into sweet-and-childish territory. Kavahol solves that problem: its earthy bitterness, fiery ginger heat, and gentle kava buzz give this non-alcoholic Painkiller riff structure and complexity, balancing the pineapple, orange juice, and coconut cream. Lime isn't traditionally added to a Painkiller, but here it tightens everything up, preventing the drink from becoming cloying.

ABOUT THE KAVA BUZZ
If you’ve ever wondered what kava actually feels like, tropical mocktails like this are a perfect introduction. Drinks made with kava root have a relaxing effect—often described as a mild, calming buzz—plus the classic tongue-tingling sensation from kavalactones. It’s subtle and grounding—not inebriating in the way that alcohol is—and it makes kava cocktails the perfect non-alcoholic alternative.

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.