Kratom is an herb native to Asia that’s used as an alternative treatment for overall health. In recent years, it’s become popular across the world for supporting emotional wellness and promoting relaxation.

Unfortunately, the herb has a bitter taste that can make it unpleasant for some people to consume. To make it taste better, keep reading for these eight kratom drink ideas from Sunwink. 

But before getting to the recipes, let’s talk about what kratom is and how it works. 

What Is Kratom? 

Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia, where it’s been used for centuries primarily as a natural way to reduce discomfort. Kratom has also had more general uses, such as maintaining mental wellness and feelings of clarity. 

Kratom contains many chemical compounds that potentially affect the brain and body. Two compounds are especially well-known: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds are believed to have an effect that’s both stimulating and calming — providing a “best of both worlds” effect. 

Kratom is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat any health conditions. However, it’s used by millions of Americans to help alleviate discomfort. Many people use kratom to enhance general wellness. 

Those who use kratom report both stimulant and opioid-like effects. 

Kratom is typically sold as a bitter-tasting powder. It can be swallowed in capsules or mixed with other ingredients to mask its taste. Those who aren’t bothered by its taste brew kratom leaves into a tea and drink it hot or cold — with optional honey and lemon. 

How Does Kratom Work? 

Kratom contains many chemical compounds that can affect the brain and body. So far, we know the most about two compounds: mitragynine 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Mitragynine is an opioid agonist, which means that it acts on pain-relieving receptors in the brain. It’s made up of large molecules, so it’s broken down when it gets digested. The result of this process is 7-hydroxymitragynine, which activates opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. 

The stimulant effects of kratom aren’t as well understood. Kratom likely releases brain chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which affect mood, energy, and motivation. More research is in the works to better understand kratom and how it works in the body. 

Of course, like all supplements, the effects of kratom depend on many factors. It’s important to consider the dose taken, how potent it is, how it’s ingested, and any other substances it’s been mixed with. Generally, it’s unsafe to mix kratom with alcohol or drugs. 

What Is Kratom Used for? 

Kratom has a few different uses, ranging from tension relief and relaxation to enhancing cognitive function.

Kratom can produce calming and relaxing effects that are perfect for a quiet night in. 

Kratom may also provide the same effects as a nootropic. Nootropics are natural or synthetic substances that can support brain performance. Because of kratom’s stimulant-like effects, it can be used to support focus, attention, and motivation. 

What Is the Best Way To Consume Kratom?

Traditionally, kratom is consumed as tea. Some people even chew on the tree leaves — although it’s certainly not for everyone. Today, kratom is often sold as a ground-up powder, which is similar in color and texture to matcha. 

The best way to consume kratom is to mix it with your favorite liquid — juice, a superfood tonic, or a plain ol’ glass of water — and drink it. This is simple and guaranteed to get the kratom working fairly quickly. 

Another benefit of drinking kratom powder is that you can adjust the dose. You can start with as little as ¼ teaspoon to see how your body reacts to it and work your way up. Given that your kratom powder is free of additives, you can mix it with any ingredients you like. 

Of course, following a recipe for a delicious kratom concoction is never a bad idea. Keep reading to discover eight unique ways to serve kratom. 

8 Unique Kratom Drink Ideas 

1. Kratom & Fresh Green Juice

Juicing your greens — instead of eating them whole — can make it easier for your gut to absorb all their good-for-you compounds. Mix your kratom with your favorite green juice to get a healthy boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Realistically, any fruits or veggies will do. Here’s one idea to get you started: 

What You'll Need: 

• 1 bunch of kale
• 1 cucumber, peeled
• 1 inch ginger, peeled
• 1 large lemon, peeled
• 4 celery stalks
• 2 granny smith apples, peeled 
• Kratom powder (your dose of choice)
• Our Detox Greens Superfood Powder

How To Make It: 

1. Juice all your ingredients (except for the kratom and Detox Greens Superfood Powder).
2. In a glass, mix the juice with kratom powder and Detox Greens Superfood Powder. 
3. To break up clumps, use an immersion blender.
4. Add ice and enjoy.

2. Kratom Chocolate Smoothie 

Raw cacao doesn’t only make your smoothies feel a bit more decadent but adds a rich dose of polyphenols — potent antioxidants to help support your wellness. 

To reap cacos full benefits, ensure you’re using raw cacao, not cocoa powder. While they look and taste the same, cocoa powder is usually heated to extremely high temperatures, which can damage the potentially beneficial compounds found in the cacao plant. 

What You'll Need: 

• 1 banana
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon nut butter of choice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Dash of sea salt
• Kratom (your dose of choice)
• Our Cacao Clarity Superfood Powder

How To Make It:

• Combine all the ingredients (except the kratom and Cacao Clarity Superfood Powder) in the blender.
• Blend on high until everything combines.
• Add the kratom and Cacao Clarity Superfood Powder and pulse several times.
• Taste the smoothie — if it’s bitter, then feel free to add more banana.

3. Kratom Apple Cider 

Adding an acidic ingredient, like apple cider vinegar (ACV), can keep kratom from losing its potency. Of course, ACV with kratom doesn’t seem like the most pleasant gastronomic experience. For this reason, we prefer to combine it with homemade apple cider. 

What You'll Need:

• 10 medium apples, peeled and quartered
• 2 oranges, peeled and quartered 
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon cloves 
• 1 whole nutmeg
• ½ tablespoon allspice
• ½ cup sweetener of choice (we prefer maple syrup)
• 3 apple cider vinegar
• Kratom 

How To Make It:

1. Fill a large pot with filtered water.
2. Add all the ingredients except the sweetener and the kratom.
3. Simmer for about two hours.
4. Use a fine-mesh strainer to get rid of the fruit solids.
5. Add the sweetener.
6. Add the kratom, whisking to break up any clumps.

4. Kratom Lemonade 

Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a lemonade. And nothing feels better than a flat stomach with no bloat. 

To support your digestive health, mix Sunwink’s Digestion Lemon Tonic with kratom powder. Use an immersion blender to get rid of any clumps, and add some ice to cool down the drink. 

5. Kratom Iced Coffee

Although kratom may already have a stimulating effect, you can get even more energy if you combine it with coffee. Plus, the bitter taste of coffee can help mask kratom’s unique flavor if you find it unpleasant. 

While you can certainly drink it hot, we think that iced coffee gives you more options for getting creative.

What You'll Need:

• 1 cup cold brew coffee
• ¼ cup milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon sweetener
• Any optional add-ins you want, like Sunwink’s Cacao Clarity Powder
• Kratom 

How To Make It: 

• In a tall glass, combine all ingredients (including the kratom).
• Use an immersion blender to break up clumps.
• Add ice and enjoy. 

6. Soothing Kratom Milk 

There’s nothing more soothing than a glass of warm milk before bed. Even if you’re skipping dairy and going for nut milk options, this beverage's comforting feeling can’t be beat. Adding kratom to your milk can help enhance its soothing effects. 

What You'll Need: 

• 1 cup of milk (if non-dairy, we prefer macadamia nut milk)
• Kratom
• Honey (for serving)

How To Make It: 

• On a stovetop, simmer the milk.
• Add in the kratom and mix until combined.
• Serve with honey (optional).

7. Kratom Mint Tea 

Mint is an excellent superfood for easing digestive issues. As a tea, it’s light and refreshing. Since mint tea is also caffeine-free, it won’t keep you up at night if you drink it too late in the day.

What You'll Need: 

• 1 cup filtered water
• 6-7 fresh mint leaves
• Kratom 
• Lemon slice (optional)
• Honey (optional)

How To Make It: 

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. 
2. Add in the mint. 
3. Let simmer for about 3 minutes. 
4. Sift through a fine mesh strainer.
5. Add in the kratom, honey, and lemon.
6. Stir well until combined.

8. Kratom Lemon-Ginger Tea

For those days you’re feeling sick, nauseous, or just bleh, the eye-opening scent of a ginger-lemon tea can be all you need to feel reinvigorated.

What You'll Need:

• 1 cup filtered water 
• 1 piece ginger
• ½ lemon, juiced 
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Kratom 

How To Make It: 

1. Simmer the water, ginger, and lemon for about five minutes.
2. Add in the kratom and stir until combined.
3. Add honey (more is generally better for masking the taste of kratom).

Yummy Kratom Drinks You’ll Actually Love 

Kratom is a supplement traditionally used in Southeast Asia. It has both stimulating and relaxing effects, making it ideal for those looking for a way to support feelings of energy or a sense of calm.

The right drink recipe will make your kratom much easier to take regularly. At Sunwink, we make superfood tonics that taste delicious — and may be the perfect addition to your kratom.

Sources: 

Kratom Use Within the Context of the Evolving Opioid Crisis and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States | Frontiers

Prevalence and Description of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study | NCBI

Current Perspectives on the Impact of Kratom Use | PMC