Another favorite at the ATB Lounge and part of our Zero Proof Cocktail Flight, this drink takes the classic lemon drop and gives it a serious upgrade. Most mocktail versions just leave out the vodka and call it a day—resulting in a glass of intensely concentrated lemonade. By replacing the vodka with Kava Haven, a non-alcoholic kava spirit with lemon, vanilla, ginger, and cardamom, you get a drink that actually tastes like a cocktail—one with complexity, a bit of bite, and a mellow kava buzz you can feel.
We use Yuzuco’s yuzu super juice, which we love for its flavor and price point—fresh yuzu juice is incredibly expensive, but their super juice (made with yuzu juice, peels, acid, and water) makes it accessible while still delivering that signature tart, floral punch. We pair it with Meyer lemon syrup from Portland Syrups for a second layer of citrus, and add a few dashes of our Orange bitters to stand in for the triple sec, bringing even more citrus and cardamom to highlight the same note in Kava Haven.
This is how we serve the drink at the lounge, but it’s easy to make at home. Lemon juice can be used instead of yuzu, and any lemon syrup—or even simple syrup—will work. Stick to the same build and you’ll have a bright, balanced, and refreshing non-alcoholic kava cocktail that goes well beyond your average mocktail.
5 drops salt tincture or small pinch of salt (optional)
Directions
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake hard for 6-8 seconds.
Strain into a sugar rimmed coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Recipe Note
EASY SWAPS
Fresh yuzu is expensive and hard to find. We use Yuzuco’s super juice because it's affordable and flavorful, but you can easily use lemon juice instead. Same goes for the Meyer lemon syrup—swap it for a regular lemon syrup or even plain simple syrup. Stick to the same build and you'll get a great result.
WHAT IS KAVA HAVEN?
Kava Haven is a non-alcoholic spirit made with kava root and natural flavor extracts. It has citrus, vanilla, ginger, and cardamom notes that work beautifully in cocktails and deliver a subtle buzz without alcohol. It's also one of our favorite spirits to sip chilled by itself.
WHAT IS A KAVA BUZZ LIKE?
Think of it like the feeling after your first drink—warm, tingly, relaxed, and happy. You feel social and calm, but not intoxicated. No sloppy energy, no bad decisions—just a mellow lift.
Note: Kava isn’t for everyone. It’s not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and may interact with medications that affect the liver or nervous system—like antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or sleep aids. If you’re in recovery, it may or may not be a good fit depending on your goals. Always check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
MORE KAVA MOCKTAILS
If you’re into kava drinks, check out our Island Mule for another tasty non-alcoholic cocktail packed with a ton of flavor and a buzz without alcohol.
Leave a comment