Kava Colada with Kavayn Pineapple Coconut Kava Spirit
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A piña colada is already one of those drinks that feels like a mini vacation in a glass, so it makes perfect sense to give it a kava twist - especially if you’re cutting back on alcohol. This Kava Colada is creamy, tropical and familiar, but uses the new Kavayn Pineapple Coconut Kava Spirit in the place of rum. The result is still tropical and beachy with pineapple, coconut and lime, but with the relaxation effects of kava.
Background on Kavayn
Kavayn is a new kava-based non-alcoholic spirit made for people who want something more functional than just a basic juice-and-soda situation. They have two styles - a more classic kava spirit, and a Pineapple Coconut Kava Spirit which is especially interesting because it’s one of the only flavoured kava spirits out there. I don’t think there’s anything more perfect for kava than coconut and pineapple - both flavours of the south pacific where kava originates. Because it has the flavour built in, it makes it easy to use in simple recipes, sparkling drinks or more complicated cocktail-style recipes where you still want structure, flavour and a little ritual.
What Is Kava?
Kava comes from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, which has a long history of use in the South Pacific. Traditionally, it’s been prepared as a ceremonial and social drink, often associated with relaxation, conversation and winding down. The active compounds in kava are called kavalactones, and they are the part of the plant most commonly associated with its calming effects.
How Kava Affects You
Kava is often described as being relaxing but without the same kind of “sleepy” you might get from a heavy nightcap. For some people, it can create a grounded, softened feeling in the body and a little more ease in the mind. I accidentally drank a bit more than 2oz the other day, and I was clearheaded but definitely not motivated to hustle for the rest of the afternoon. It’s not meant to hit like alcohol and that is actually the point. The experience is more subtle, more functional and does not end up in a hangover.
Kava Safety
Kava is not for everyone so please be cautious when taking any type of functional ingredient. It has been linked to rare but serious liver risks when consumed in a large quantity regularly, and may interact with alcohol, sedatives and certain medications. Do not take kava if you have Parkinson’s. It’s worth doing your research or talking to your doctor or naturopath to make sure there are no risks.
Why a Piña Colada Works So Well Here
A piña colada is an ideal match for Kavayn Pineapple Coconut because the flavour profile is already speaking the same language. Pineapple brings brightness, coconut cream adds body and richness and lime cuts through the sweetness so the drink does not become flat or heavy. The earthy edge of kava can be a little assertive on its own, but Kavayn does a brilliant job of blending the added flavours to make the kava palatable for everyone.
So let’s go - get that blender out! It’s summer Friday and I’m ready for the weekend!
Recipe
1.5 oz Kavayn Pineapple Coconut Kava Spirit
1/4 cup Real Gourmet Coconut Cream
1/4 cup pineapple juice
Juice from 1 lime
1 - 1.5 cups of ice (you know your blender best!)
Preparation
Add all ingredients to a single serve blender cup and blend on high for about 45 seconds.
Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy!
Kava Colada with Kavayn
This pina colada mocktail uses pineapple coconut flavoured kava spirit to replicate the relaxation of a real adult drink but without the hangover.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Kavayn Pineapple Coconut Kava Spirit
- 1/4 cup Real Gourmet Coconut Cream
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 - 1.5 cups of ice (you know your blender best!)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a single serve blender cup and blend on high for about 45 seconds.
- Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
238Fat
6 gSat. Fat
4 gCarbs
10 gFiber
0 gNet carbs
10 gSugar
6 gProtein
12 gSodium
865 mgCholesterol
40 mg
