Whether or not you have heard of a kratom bar, you’re probably familiar with regular bars (the ones that serve alcohol) and coffee shops. Kratom bars aren’t much different from those establishments. Instead of serving up draft beers and cocktails, though, they sell beverages infused with the versatile herb known as kratom.
If that interests you even a little bit, we’re here to tell you all about these new-ish places that put a contemporary twist on the classic concept of pubs, taverns, and hangout halls. Even if the idea of kratom bars doesn’t interest you in the slightest, we’d love the chance to change your mind.
What is a “Kratom Bar?”
A kratom bar is a culinary establishment that primarily offers kratom-infused beverages and, sometimes, food items. More than a few have sprung up since kratom started gaining popularity beyond its home base in Southeast Asia. Each one’s vibe is different, but they usually fall somewhere between bars on weekend evenings and coffee shops on a Monday morning.
Many people use kratom for medicinal purposes. Highly responsible kratom bars typically provide all the information about kratom’s effects that patrons request, but most kratom bars focus on recreational use. They might also host trivia competitions, live music, and special events.
Back to Basics: What is Kratom, Anyway?
Kratom is the informal name for Mitrygana speciosa, an evergreen plant that primarily grows in Southeast Asia. Users seek the psychoactive effects of alkaloids found in the plant’s leaves. Kratom’s benefits range from energizing at the lower end of the dosing spectrum to sedating and opioid-like at the higher end.
Kratom Effects & Side Effects
So, what does kratom do? To some people, asking what kratom can’t do is the better question. It would take us far too long to list every possible benefit of kratom, but we can advise you on some of the more common ones, which include:
- Improved cognition and memory
- Enhanced mood
- Increased sociability
- Reduced stress
- Full or partial alleviation of physical pain
- Increased arousal or enhanced sexual experiences
- Lessened symptoms of opioid withdrawal
- Sleepiness
- Euphoria/intense happiness
That all sounds pretty good, right? Kratom products come in three primary vein colors. It may take some time to find the right color and strain, and one very important consideration is the potential for side effects.
Some kratom side effects to watch out for are:
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Constipation
- Unwanted drowsiness
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Dizziness
- Hallucination
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizures
- Liver problems
- Physical dependence
There is still much to be learned about kratom, as studies are few and far between. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not endorse kratom for any medical purposes. For these and other reasons, you should take care when using kratom and, if at all possible, speak with a doctor before starting. No matter what, Gold Dragon Kratom does not recommend everyday use of kratom for more than a month, as it can cause dependence.
Is Kratom Legal?
As of March 2025, six states have outlawed kratom. They are:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Some municipalities, counties, and jurisdictions of similar levels have also banned kratom. As kratom becomes more prevalent in the U.S., more may follow suit.
Should I Visit a Kratom Bar? What to Expect
Heck yeah, you should! As long as you start with a low dose for the first time (one or two grams) and talk with your doctor beforehand, kratom is exceedingly safe to use.
Whether you’re a kratom novice or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone at kratom bars:
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Friendship: Nothing brings people together like a shared interest. Kratom bars are perfect for forging bonds with fellow users, and who knows—if you’re on the market, maybe you can finally ditch the useless dating apps.
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Education: Any kratom bar worth its salt employs knowledgeable, helpful staff who can help you find the best kratom product for you.
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Support for your local economy: Most kratom bars are non-chain small businesses. Keeping your dollar local can really help your community thrive.
How to Open a Kratom Bar of Your Own
Now that you’re a kratom expert, you’re ready to buy that nearby vacant commercial property and set up your very own kratom bar, right?
Just in case the answer is "yes," we’ve highlighted some popular kratom drink recipes below to help get your business idea off the ground.
What to Include on Your Kratom Bar Menu
The sky’s the limit! It may help, though, to start with the following:
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Kratom Tea: This is one of the oldest and most popular ways to consume kratom. Simply steep some kratom leaves in hot water, wait a few moments, and sip.
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Kratom Coffee: If you REALLY need some help waking up in the morning, kratom coffee may be the way to do it. You might want to go low and slow for the first time, however.
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Kratom Powder: You can put kratom powder (crushed leaves) into almost any food or drink you like.
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Kratom Tea Blends: Once you’re comfortable making kratom tea, consider adding some other elements to maximize its effects or flavor.
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Kratom Shots: These products consist of concentrated kratom (a high percentage of alkaloids) mixed with natural or artificial flavoring. Pay extra close attention to the recommended dosing.
Can I mix kratom and alcohol?
We do not recommend mixing kratom and alcohol. Their effects may become more intense when combined, which may result in an unpleasant experience. You may also increase your chances of overdose.
3 (Alcohol-Free) Kratom Drink Recipes to Try
You didn’t think we’d let you leave without letting you in on our favorite kratom drink recipes, did you?
1. Kratom “Mojito”
If it’s summer, it’s mojitos. Warm weather wonderfully complements this tart, fruity, sweet cocktail, but there’s never a bad time for a mojito. Don’t forget your Gold Dragon Kratom signature shaker cup!
Ingredients
- Kratom powder (dosage as per preference)
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- One lime
- Mint leaves (anywhere from two to 12, depending on your taste)
- Two to four ounces of chilled club soda
- Ice
Directions
- Slice out a portion of the lime for a garnish and squeeze the rest for ¾ ounce of fresh lime juice.
- Muddle the desired amount of mint leaves in a glass or shaker cup.
- Add lime juice, kava powder, and simple syrup. If you’re using a shaker cup, fill it halfway with ice and shake for 10–20 seconds. If you’re not using a shaker cup, fill your glass to the rim with ice.
- After pouring everything into your glass full of ice, fill the remaining space with club soda and mix well with a long spoon. If you want an even mintier taste, clap some mint leaves between your hands and add to the cocktail.
- Enjoy!
2. Gingery Honey Lemon Kratom Tea
No other home remedy for the common cold can even come close to honey lemon tea. Even if you’re not sick, it’s hard not to sip the brew and instantly feel like you’re relaxing on the couch under a warm, cozy blanket.
Ingredients
- Kratom powder (dosage as per preference)
- Fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
- Honey (to taste)
- 2.5 cups water
- 1.5 sliced lemons
Directions
- Bring water to a boil and add kratom. Quickly reduce heat.
- Let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add lemons and ginger. Simmer for five additional minutes.
- Pour the desired amount of tea into a mug. Add honey to taste.
- Enjoy!
3. Chocolate Banana Kratom Smoothie
If you really want to indulge your sweet tooth, we cannot recommend this chocolate banana smoothie enough. It’s a bona fide dessert in its own right, but we won’t stop you from making it the main course for breakfast or lunch.
Ingredients
- Kratom powder (dosage as per preference)
- One sliced, ripe banana
- One to two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- One cup of milk
- Ice
- Honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or other topping (optional)
Directions
- Add ice, kratom, banana, cocoa powder, milk, and ice into a blender. Blend until the mixture has reached the desired consistency.
- Pour mixture into a glass. Add honey or maple syrup if desired. Add toppings if desired.
- Enjoy!
Elevate Your Kratom Experience with the Help of Gold Dragon
We hope this article got you thinking about some creative and tasty ways to consume kratom. If things are busy right now and you don’t have the time to make artisanal beverages, our online kratom shop has everything you’d ever want. From kratom capsules to kratom powder and even kratom chocolate bars, you’ll feel like Charlie Buckets.
If you have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact our staff anytime. We’re always here to help and provide free consultations to help you find the right products for your lifestyle.
