Kavahol Takes Home Gold at the International Non-Alcoholic Competition for the Second Year in a Row

NEW JERSEY, USA — August 3, 2026 — Kavahol, the world’s first kava spirit, has once again been recognized as one of the best non-alcoholic beverages in the world, earning a Gold medal with 95 points in the Kava Infused Spirits category at the 2026 International Non-Alcoholic Competition (INAC).

It is the second consecutive year the brand has received the same 95-point Gold rating in a blind tasting, reinforcing what thousands of customers already know: Great taste and a great experience can exist without alcohol. Along with its two Commended honors from the World Alcohol-Free Awards and one Bronze award from the Zero Proof Choice Awards, the recognition positions Kavahol as the most awarded kava spirit. To date, Kavahol is the only kava product to win Gold in a blind-tasting competition.

Now in its third year, the International Non-Alcoholic Competition brought together more than 200 entries from over seven countries. Each judging panel consists of at least four qualified trade buyers, including restaurateurs, mixologists, retail buyers, distributors, and importers. Judges blind-taste entries by category and retail price, with products presented in coded glasses and no bottles visible. Medals are awarded on merit by majority vote, making the competition one of the most respected benchmarks for quality in the fast-growing alcohol-free space.

Kavahol was created to give people an enjoyable alternative to alcohol with effects they can actually feel. Made with premium noble kava extract, organic ginger juice, and organic flavors and spices, it delivers a bold, fiery flavor without the bitter taste traditionally associated with kava. Whether poured as a shot or mixed into an alcohol-free cocktail, Kavahol offers a different kind of drinking experience that has become a favorite among people looking to relax, socialize, and wake up feeling like themselves.

Each bottle contains 10 servings, with just 45 calories per serving and 0.0% ABV. Every batch is third-party tested for quality, and the results are posted publicly on the company’s website.

Launched in 2023, Kavahol has grown into one of the leading kava beverages on the market, with more than 400,000 servings sold and availability in more than 250 retail locations across the United States, in addition to nationwide online ordering. It is the best-selling SKU—or the best-selling SKU within its format—at many retailers, outselling popular proxy spirits and even THC beverages.

Since launching on TikTok Shop last summer, Kavahol has quickly become a best-seller, helping the brand rank among the platform’s Top 200 Food & Beverage shops. After launching on Amazon this summer, Kavahol reached the Top 10 in the kava category within just 45 days.

Kavahol founder Steve Ewald said of the experience:

“When we created Kavahol, the term ‘kava spirit’ didn’t exist—it was just us. All we knew was that we wanted all the wonderful effects of kava without the infamous bitter, earthy taste. We wanted it to be strong, convenient, and maybe even delicious, but we had no idea whether that was possible.

“We think we got it to taste pretty good, and we’re honored to bring the category its first blind-tasting Gold. As far as we know, that’s a first for kava—and, frankly, not something we expected this early.”

As the alcohol-free movement continues to grow, Kavahol is helping redefine what consumers can expect from a non-alcoholic beverage.

ABOUT KAVAHOL

Launched in 2023, Kavahol is the original kava spirit, pioneering a new category in the non-alcoholic beverage industry. Crafted with premium noble kava extract from Vanuatu, organic ginger juice, and clean ingredients, Kavahol delivers a bold, fiery ginger flavor and a unique relaxation experience with 0.0% ABV.

Since its launch, the brand has sold more than 400,000 servings and is available online at Kavahol.com, Amazon, and TikTok Shop, as well as at more than 250 retail locations across the United States, including Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Kavahol is a consistent best-seller and available for wholesale via Airgoods.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL NON-ALCOHOLIC COMPETITION

The International Non-Alcoholic Competition (INAC) is a premier global competition dedicated exclusively to commercially produced non-alcoholic beverages. Entries are evaluated through a blind-tasting process by panels of beverage-industry professionals, including buyers, distributors, retailers, mixologists, restaurateurs, importers, and hospitality experts.

INAC recognizes products for their quality, craftsmanship, and market appeal across a wide range of categories. As part of the International Beverage Competition Series, the competition provides winning brands with international recognition and increased visibility among industry professionals and consumers.