Say Hello to The Future of Drinking: Meet Kava Haven

An interview with the founder, Billy Grady

Kava Haven’s story began with a simple desire: to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle without losing the small, grounding rituals that make evenings feel restorative. In searching for an alternative, the founders discovered kava—and it reshaped everything. Its gentle relaxation, mood lift, and ability to support social connection made the transition not just easier, but genuinely uplifting.

Today, they craft their spirits using noble-root kava grown on small farms in Vanuatu, extracted through a clean CO₂ process that preserves the plant’s full effect. At its core, Kava Haven exists to show that choosing alcohol-free can still feel rich, comforting, and deeply enjoyable.

For those new to Kava Haven, how do you describe your mission—and why do you feel NA spirits are having such a powerful cultural moment right now? 

Our mission is to make living alcohol-free much easier for people. When we removed alcohol from our own lives, the hardest part was losing the relaxing end-of-day nightcap or the little bit of social ease you get at events. Kava offered a meaningful replacement for those moments without any of the downsides of alcohol, and we wanted to share that experience with others.

NA spirits are having a major cultural moment because people are becoming more health-conscious, and research around alcohol’s long-term risks is getting harder to ignore. Many people simply want options that let them socialize and unwind without feeling like they are sacrificing their well-being.

The holidays can be joyful but also stressful—how does kava support relaxation and connection during such a high-stimulus season?

Kava has been studied and used for centuries for its calming and grounding properties. It helps quiet the nervous system, release tension, and create a sense of ease, which is incredibly helpful during a season filled with travel, family dynamics, and constant stimulation. It also has a gentle, socially uplifting quality that helps people feel more comfortable and connected while staying fully alcohol-free.

Many of our Haskill Creek customers are “sober curious.” What do you think draws people to NA spirits as a lifestyle choice, not just a trend?

People are starting to realize they do not have to rely on alcohol to enjoy the parts of life that feel fun, social, and relaxing. They still want the ritual and the sense of connection, yet they want to protect their physical and mental health at the same time. NA spirits give people the ability to design a lifestyle that feels enjoyable and intentional without the negative tradeoffs that many are trying to avoid.

How does Kava Haven fit into intentional rituals—whether that’s winding down after a holiday gathering or starting a calm New Year routine?

Kava Haven fits naturally into transition moments. Many people enjoy a small pour as part of their nightly wind-down to signal the end of a long day. Others mix it into a mocktail when they want to set a peaceful tone for the evening or start the year with a calmer, more mindful routine. It lets people keep the ritual they love while creating a different and healthier outcome.

What makes kava different from other calming ingredients commonly found in NA beverages and wellness drinks?

Most calming ingredients like chamomile, magnesium, or L-theanine are gentle and subtle. Kava is unique because it is fast-acting and delivers a noticeable relaxing and socially uplifting effect that people often describe as similar to having one or two drinks, but without impairment or next-day grogginess. It has a long cultural history of being used for social connection and stress relief. When kava is sourced properly from noble root varieties, it is effective, non-addictive, and supportive of a calm, clear state.

What’s your favorite way to serve Kava Haven during holiday celebrations for people who want something festive without alcohol?

We love making a Cranberry Spritz. It is simple and festive. Mix one shot of Kava Haven with four ounces of sparkling water and add a splash of cranberry juice or cranberry syrup. It is refreshing, seasonal, and feels like a true holiday cocktail without any alcohol. (Extended Recipe Here!)

As people set New Year intentions around health, sleep, stress, and mindfulness—how can Kava Haven support those goals?

Reducing alcohol is one of the biggest steps people can take for better health, and kava makes that transition feel far easier. Research has also explored kava’s ability to support sleep quality and reduce stress. If someone wants to begin the year with more clarity, better rest, and a calmer baseline, Kava Haven can be a supportive and enjoyable part of that routine.

Haskill Creek is all about clean ingredients and thoughtful sourcing—can you share how Kava Haven approaches quality, transparency, and sourcing?

Quality is at the center of everything we do. We source noble kava from farms in Vanuatu, which is considered the highest standard for purity and a smooth experience. Our kava is extracted using clean CO2 methods with no solvents involved. The rest of our formula uses real ingredients such as ginger, citrus, vanilla, and cardamom without artificial flavors or sweeteners. We want people to know exactly what they are drinking.

What advice would you give to someone who’s replacing alcohol with NA spirits for the first time during the holidays or Dry January?

Go into it with a spirit of exploration rather than restriction. With Kava Haven specifically, mix it into your favorite mocktails. It works beautifully in drinks like Moscow Mules, Mojitos, or Margaritas. Also keep in mind that kava has a unique reverse tolerance, which means the relaxing and uplifting effects build over a few evenings of consistent use. Be patient and enjoy discovering new rituals that help you feel your best.

Thank you, Billy Grady, for your time. This holiday season, discover Kava Haven at Haskill Creek and toast to all your sober-curious celebrations.