Botanical Brewing Co. brings something different to the Cape
Cape Coral residents will now have a plant-based alternative to alcohol.
In fact, its motto is “better than booze.”
Botanical Brewing Co. opened its doors on Saturday and it specializes in all things kava and non-alcoholic plant-based alternatives.
Kava is a beverage that comes from a plant native to the western Pacific islands. In the South Pacific, kava is a popular social drink.
“We wanted to bring kava to the forefront of community spaces,” said event director Jessica Sanford, “and develop plant-based brews everyone can enjoy.”
Kava is from Southeast Asia and belongs to the root pepper family. It’s been used for hundreds of years to treat different ailments.
“It’s a relaxing drink. It’s 100% a beer alternative,” Sanford said. “It’s better than booze because you don’t have the consequences you would have driving home from a good night.”
Sanford says Botanical Brewing Co.’s interior is like “one huge lounge area” with plush couches, bean bags, chairs hanging from the ceiling and an outdoor area.
“There’s a Bohemian chic vibe,” she said.
A sister company, Kava Culture, came first. It started because the owners wanted to create a product people could use to approach kava with ease and gain a better understanding.
Sanford said Botanical Brewing Co., located at 839 Miramar St., in Cape Coral, is now able to serve more of the community and its product will also be served in other kava bars, and they’re looking into serving it at regular bars that serve alcohol as well.
“It’s very popular and it’s healthy,” Sanford said. “We find that Southwest Florida is becoming a lot more health conscious.”
There are Kava Culture Kava Bar locations in Bonita Springs, downtown Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Port Charlotte, Naples and Tampa.
Botanical Brewing Co. will offer non-alcoholic plant-based alternatives. Elixir-infused sparkling teas will be on tap. There will also be kava and kratom-based non-alcoholic specialty mixed drinks.
Kava tender and company trainer, Jason Marhenke says kava is from the root pepper family and kratom comes from the coffee family.
Kratom comes from places like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
There is a market of consumers who use kratom as a holistic alternative for things like relaxing before bed or as a pain reliever, but Sanford says further tests are required and are being pushed forward to medically prove its benefits.
Until this is resolved, Botanical Brewing Co. does not list its benefits.
When it comes to kava, they only use the root, not the leaves.
“It’s been a traditional root and traditional beverage for centuries,” Marhenke said. “More of a ceremonial drink. Tribes come together and drink it for weddings, births and other gatherings.”
Marhenke says they’d take the kava root, mash it up into a giant bowl, and drink it out of that.
“It doesn’t make you high, drunk, etc.,” Marhenke said. “It gives you a slight euphoric feeling. You can still maintain your motor skills.”
They make their kava brews in-house and the plants are imported from Indonesia.
“Because we’re able to get them in bulk from where the plant originated to ensure the best quality,” Sanford said. “It’s best to source the plants from the source. The plant’s effectiveness is affected by things like climate, soil and different nutrients in the soil.”
Botanical Brewing Co. also plans on hosting weekly events like a health and wellness bazaar, different bands and spiritual fairs.
“We are a family friendly, pet-friendly establishment and we welcome all ages,” Sanford said. “Bring your kids. We welcome everyone.”
For kids, they have non kava-based juice drinks.
They want to bring something different to Cape Coral.
“Something fun and beneficial to people’s lives,” Sanford said.