Kava Haven Wins Best Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirit at the Sans Bar Awards in Austin, Texas

Austin, TX — December 8, 2025 — Kava Haven, the fast-growing kava-based functional spirit redefining how people unwind, has been awarded Best Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirit at the annual Sans Bar Awards, the first live, publicly-voted awards ceremony dedicated solely to the non-alcoholic beverage industry.

This year's awards brought in 4,562 total voters, reflecting one of the largest public participations in the category to date. In the Botanical Spirit category, Kava Haven captured an overwhelming 72 percent of all votes, standing out among respected brands including Wilderton Aperitivo, Amethyst Cucumber Serrano, Wilfred's Aperitif — a previous Gold Medal winner at the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards — Tenneyson, and Pathfinder, the non-alcoholic amaro recently backed by Stoli Group.

"We are beyond honored," said Billy Grady, co-founder of Kava Haven. "This award means more than we can put into words. Kava Haven would not exist without the people who've built this category, those who create spaces for non-alc discovery and use their platforms and communities to educate. We're grateful to be a small part of this movement."

A Big Win for Kava Haven's Rapidly Growing Category

Kava Haven launched in 2024 and has quickly become one of the leaders in the functional non-alcoholic space, offering a unique spirit made from noble kava, a traditional South Pacific root known for its calming effects. Unlike many non-alc options that focus solely on flavor mimicry, Kava Haven stands apart by offering a complex adult drinking experience paired with real, felt effects.

In less than a year, the brand has expanded into over 800 independent retailers, bars, and restaurants nationwide, becoming one of the best-selling non-alcoholic spirits in bottle shops across the country.

Winning Best Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirit underscores Kava Haven's role in shaping the next wave of alcohol alternatives. Today's consumers want more than a mimic—they want an experience. Kava Haven delivers that by pairing a sophisticated, adult flavor profile with the functional, relaxing effects of noble kava. It offers a real "buzz without booze," giving people a way to unwind, connect, and socialize without sacrificing clarity or well-being. In doing so, Kava Haven isn't just replacing the ritual of drinking; it is redefining what a Friday night, a social gathering, or a moment of reset can feel like.

Looking Ahead

With momentum from the Sans Bar Awards, Kava Haven is focused on expanding its retail footprint and strengthening its on-premise presence nationwide. The brand continues its rapid growth into leading regional grocers including Central Market, PCC Community Markets, Metropolitan Market, Haggen, and others, alongside a fast-growing network of independent retailers across the country.

In 2026, Kava Haven will introduce new partnerships aimed at bringing the brand into more bars, restaurants, and elevated experiential spaces — further cementing its role in shaping the future of functional, alcohol-free drinking.

About Kava Haven

Kava Haven is a functional non-alcoholic spirit crafted from kava, delivering relaxing and socially uplifting effects without alcohol. Made with natural ingredients and designed to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, Kava Haven offers a new way to unwind — one that supports clarity, connection, and well-being.

Kava Haven uses noble kava from Vanuatu, the variety recognized by the World Health Organization as safe when consumed traditionally and responsibly. The brand's CO2 extraction ensures purity and consistency, preserving the plant's naturally calming compounds without harsh solvents or additives. This approach allows Kava Haven to offer a clean, modern expression of a centuries-old social beverage.

Founded by Billy Grady and Grace Manwaring, Kava Haven has quickly become a national leader in the functional non-alcoholic category, now available in hundreds of retailers, bars, and restaurants across the United States — with major grocery and on-premise expansion continuing into 2026.