Kava 2 Scaled 1 E1786120578703 — New kava bar Noble Pursuits opens August 8. (Nathan Watson / The Bama Buzz)

A first-of-its-kind-in-Alabama gathering spot is officially opening its doors in Birmingham this weekend. Noble Pursuits—Alabama’s first bar specializing in traditional kava drinks with house-made speciality beverages—opens Saturday, August 8 in Birmingham’s Lakeview district.

But what is kava?

Both the name of a plant and the traditional beverage made from its root, Kava is a psychoactive drink that offers relaxing, calming effects without clouding the mind. The plant and drink are native to the Pacific Islands, where it’s played an important ceremonial and social role for more than three millennia.

“Essentially, Kava is both the plant and the drink you make from the plant’s root. It’s a Pacific Island cultural practice that we’re trying to engage with, honor and contribute to.
Clayton Scogin, General Manager, Noble Pursuits