Rediscovering the Kava Southside: A Refreshing Twist on the Classic Cocktail

Introduction

Hey there! Have you ever tried a Southside cocktail? It’s an old drink that was super popular during Prohibition times. But guess what? We can make it even cooler by adding something called Kava! Kava is a plant root from the Pacific Islands, known for its calming effects and earthy taste. Let’s find out how to give the Southside cocktail a fun twist using Kava!

The Origins of the Southside Classic

The Southside cocktail has an interesting history. It’s a mix of gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint. People used to drink it in secret bars called speakeasies when alcohol was illegal. There’s even a story that Al Capone’s gang liked to drink Southside at the Southside Sportsmen’s Club in Chicago! We’re not sure if that’s true, but we do know this drink is still popular today.

Here’s what you need to make a traditional Southside:

• Gin
• Fresh lime or lemon juice
• Simple syrup
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes

You shake these all together and serve either straight up or on ice. Don’t forget to garnish with extra mint leaves to make it super refreshing.

Enter Kava: A Fresh Take on a Southside Classic

What is Kava?

Kava is a root that comes from the South Pacific. People have used it for hundreds of years to relax. When you mix Kava powder with water, it makes a drink that helps you chill out without making you drunk. It’s great for relieving stress and making social times more fun.

Why Kava Makes a Great Addition to the Southside

Switching out the gin for Kava makes the Southside healthier and brings in cool, earthy flavors. Imagine the zing of lime and the minty freshness mixed with the spicy taste of Kava. Sounds awesome, right?

Some benefits of Kava are:

• Stress Relief: Great for relaxing after a long day.
• Better Social Interactions: Makes hanging out with friends even more fun.
• No Hangovers: You wake up feeling great, unlike with alcohol.

Recipe: The Kava Southside

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 oz fresh Kava concentrate
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Optional: sparkling water for a bubbly twist

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Kava Concentrate:

   • If using Kava powder, mix it with water according to the package instructions to create a concentrate. If using pre-made concentrate, measure out 2 ounces.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:

   • In a cocktail shaker, mash the fresh mint leaves with simple syrup to release their flavors.
   • Add the Kava concentrate, fresh lime juice, and ice cubes to the shaker.
   • Shake well until everything is mixed and cold.

3. Serving Suggestions:

   • Strain the mixture into a chilled glass over ice.
   • Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
   • For a bubbly version, add a splash of sparkling water.

Personal Story: Matt Warren’s First Kava Southside

Let’s hear from Matt Warren, co-founder of Psychedelic Water, about his first time trying a Kava Southside.

"I was at a Kava bar one night, curious about the drinks on the menu. When I saw ‘Kava Southside,’ I had to try it. The bartender made it with so much style, and the first sip was amazing. The mix of mint, lime, and the earthy Kava flavor was incredible. I couldn’t wait to share it with my friends and family. That weekend, we had a little party, and the Kava Southside was a hit. Everyone loved the relaxing vibe without feeling bad the next day. It was a fun new way to enjoy drinks together."

Health & Social Benefits of the Kava Southside

Benefits of Kava Consumption

• Stress Relief and Relaxation: Kava is great for calming the mind.
• Better Social Interactions: It makes social times more enjoyable and real.

Comparing Kava Southside to the Alcoholic Version

• Fewer Calories: A Kava Southside is lighter, which is perfect if you’re watching your intake.
• No Hangovers: Wake up feeling good and ready for the day, making it a great choice for non-drinkers too.

Cultural Insight: Kava in Modern Mixology

Kava is becoming popular in the world of mixing drinks. More bars are starting to offer Kava-based drinks, appealing to people looking for cool, non-alcoholic options. Besides the Kava Southside, you can also try a ‘Kava Colada‘ or a ‘Kava Mule.’

This trend isn’t just a fad; it’s a move toward healthier drink choices that everyone can enjoy.

Conclusion

The Kava Southside is not just a drink; it’s a fun way to enjoy flavors and benefits beyond the usual cocktail. Why not give it a try? Make your own Kava Southside and see how awesome it is for yourself.

Call-to-Action: Join the Kava Revolution!

Feeling excited? Subscribe and follow KavaKist for more cool Kava recipes and stories. Share your Kava Southside creations with us on social media and join the Kava fun! 🎉

Let’s raise a glass to the refreshing world of Kava cocktails!

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