Anew type of healthy elixir has found its way to Boulder and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of the community. Kava, or Root Kava, is an ancient plant native to the South Pacific that is known to produce a relaxing effect on the body. It has been used in ceremonial functions for over 3,000 years in the South Pacific region and has now made its way to the States.

The Root Kava opened their doors this past October and has provided the Boulder community a relaxed space to enjoy the healthy benefits of the medicinal root. Hidden on a corner lot in town, you are greeted with comfy chairs, local art work, friendly (Root)tenders and a space to enjoy conversations with old and new friends alike. Owner Winn Kirkpatrick and his partner started the Root Kava as a healthier alternative to the social scene. The Root Kava has the feel of a typical bar with live music and later hours, but does not feature any alcohol.

“We wanted to create a space that everyone felt welcomed,” shares Kirkpatrick.

We wanted to create a space that everyone felt welcomed.

Having been in the service industry for over 20 years, Kirkpatrick says he and his partner couldn’t be happier to provide the Boulder community with a place where everyone is welcome.

Although Kava is not a new discovery, it is becoming more well known in the self-healing world. Yogis and Western medicine professionals have started including the root in their recommendations for overall health and wellbeing. Kava is traditionally prepared by placing the ground-up root and stem into a porous sack, submerging it into water and then straining the kava juice into drink form.

The Root Kava menu offers a variety of ways to enjoy Kava. For those who have not yet tried the root, the Rootenders suggest to start with high amounts of the root in order to experience the full benefits. Dirty Badger is Root Kava’s signature drink and features the highest amount of Kava. Served in a traditional drinking bowl with a slice of pineapple, you’re instructed to drink the concoction quickly in order to experience its full medicinal benefits. Kava is known for producing a calming effect and gives users an overall “whole-body relaxed” feeling. It has also been said to help with easing anxiety and stress, and is even making its way into the mental health scene. Kava is safe to ingest and does not cause any ill effects such as slurred speech or driving impairments.

For the weary or faint of heart, the menu also features non-traditional Kava drinks, such as coffees, teas and hot chocolates. The Rasa Koffee is an adaptogenic herbal coffee alternative and is a great option for an on-the-go, daytime drink. Their hot chocolate is another favorite, made in house. It’s a concoction of vegan and Mexican hot chocolate and is served with a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Make a visit just to try this — it does not disappoint!

The Root Kava is a place to enjoy yourself. With live music on the weekends, art shows throughout the week and even Salsa Sundays, you’re sure to enjoy not only a relaxed experience, but a fun one as well. It’s a hip place with a fun atmosphere and people to enjoy the experience with. The Root Kava has given the community a space to relax and holds events just about every night. Make sure to check their Facebook and Instagram pages for the full line up of news and upcoming events.

www.therootkavabar.com

Photo by Mitchell Milbauer.

Originally published in the Summer + Fall 2019 issue. 

Marita Provus is a writer and brand manager based in Boulder, Colorado. Her company, Provi + Co specializes in website design, content creation and event management. Having worked in the health field for many years, Marita now focuses on assisting business of all sizes with their marketing campaigns. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the hidden treasures of Colorado, finding the best coffee shops in town and cooking healthy meals with her friends and family. Marita is an avid traveler and attributes her creative approach to a quiet window seat on a flight and airplane mode. Follow Marita on Instagram @marita.anne. www.provimkt.com