Upstate Elevator is expanding beyond cannabinoids with a pair of zero-proof functional spritzes infused with kanna and kava: Pink Grapefruit Uplift Spritz and Lychee Blood Orange Uplift Spritz, which launches later this month. Both 0% ABV, THC-free botanical drinks are crafted with a blend of clinically studied Zembrin kanna, noble kava root extract, and L-theanine and support mood and mental clarity without intoxication.
As part of its first dual kanna and kava beverage line, Upstate Elevator also introduced a kava-forward Blackberry Zinger Unwind Soda (with 100mg kava extract, 15mg Zembrin kanna, and 90mg L-theanine) to promote calm and relaxation without alcohol or THC. "Consumers are ready for functional beverages they can actually feel that go beyond cannabinoids," said Dylan Raap, Founder and CEO of Upstate Elevator.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Zero-proof Botanicals
- Alcohol-free beverages infused with mood-supporting botanicals are creating new premium occasions for consumers seeking sensory complexity without intoxication.
- Kanna-kava Formulations
- The pairing of clinically studied kanna and noble kava introduces a differentiated functional platform for beverages positioned around calm, clarity, and emotional balance.
- Cannabinoid-free Relaxation
- THC-free functional drinks are broadening the relaxation category by appealing to consumers who want noticeable effects without cannabis associations or alcohol.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Functional Beverages
- Ingredient-led innovation is reshaping ready-to-drink formats as brands compete to deliver perceptible mood and wellness benefits in convenient cans.
- Non-alcoholic Drinks
- The zero-proof market is expanding beyond mocktail substitutes into benefit-driven products that combine sophisticated flavors with functional claims.
- Botanical Supplements
- Extracts such as kanna, kava, and L-theanine are gaining relevance as supplement ingredients migrate into lifestyle beverages with everyday use cases.
