Kanna drinks: what they are and which to try
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A kanna drink is a ready-to-drink beverage, usually a fruit-flavored can, made with kanna, a succulent from South Africa. It has no alcohol and no caffeine. People drink it as a swap for a social drink: they describe kanna as lighter and chattier than kava, closer to the first glass of wine at a party than to a nightcap.
What is in a kanna drink?
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a low-growing plant that people in South Africa have chewed and brewed for centuries. Drink makers use a kanna extract, which carries the plant's alkaloids such as mesembrine, then add fruit flavors, bubbles and a little sweetener. Some cans blend kanna with other plants; check the label if you want kanna on its own. More on what kanna is.
What do kanna drinks taste like?
Mostly like the fruit on the can. Kanna on its own is mildly green and a little bitter, much gentler than the earthy taste of kava, so it hides easily behind fruit. A well-made kanna drink tastes like a craft soda, not like an herbal tea.
How do people describe the feel?
Lighter and more upbeat than kava. People talk about easier conversation and a brighter mood rather than heavy, relaxed limbs, which is why kanna tends to show up at parties and dinners. It isn't a classic stimulant, either. Is kanna a stimulant? covers that, and kanna vs. kava compares the two side by side. Effects vary from person to person, so start with one can.
Types of kanna drinks
| Style | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkling cans | Fruit-flavored, fizzy, one serving per can | Parties, dinners, first-timers |
| Blended cans | Kanna mixed with kava or other botanicals | People who already like those plants |
| Shots and drops | Small concentrated servings you add to a drink | Mixing into your own mocktail |
| Powder and tea | Dried plant you brew yourself | The traditional route; strongest taste |
Where to buy kanna drinks
Kanna drinks are still new, so most corner stores don't carry them. Some kava bars and specialty shops stock a can or two. Online is the easiest way to get one, and it lets you buy a small pack before committing to a case.
Which kanna drink to try first
Botanical Brewing Co.'s Kanna Pomegranate Fusion is a sparkling can flavored with raspberry and pomegranate, made with a blend of three kanna types. The brand calls it its first ready-to-drink kanna beverage. It comes in 4, 12 and 24 packs, so start with the 4-pack.
How to drink one
- One can is one serving. Give it a while before deciding how you feel.
- Make it the drink, not a mixer. Pour it over ice in a nice glass instead of drinking alongside alcohol.
- Save it for social plans. Dinners, parties and game nights are where people say kanna fits best.
Who should skip kanna
Never combine kanna with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) or other serotonergic medications. Skip it if you're pregnant or nursing, and check with your doctor if you take any daily medication.
Kanna drink FAQ
Does a kanna drink have alcohol? No. Kanna drinks are non-alcoholic.
Does kanna have caffeine? No. If a kanna can has caffeine, the brand added it, and it will be on the label.
Kanna or kava for a party? People usually pick kanna for chatty, social nights and kava for winding down. If you want both moods in one evening, start with kanna and finish with kava.
Related: What is kanna? · Kanna vs. kava · Is kanna a stimulant? · Non-alcoholic drinks for a party