New Drink Illegal in Indiana, Selling Very Well in Illinois

Looking for a drink that makes you feel euphoric without the hassle of alcohol? Well, Illinois has just the thing—unless you live in Indiana, where it’s banned for, let’s just say, reasons.

New Brew: Because Who Needs Alcohol to Feel Euphoric?

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Move over, hard seltzers—there’s a new kid on the block, and it’s apparently bringing the feels without the booze. Introducing New Brew, the non-alcoholic seltzer that promises to take you on a mental vacation, complete with an interaction with your brain receptors. Because nothing screams "refreshing beverage" like plant-based neurotransmitter hijacking.

New Brew is all the rage in Illinois, where it's selling like hotcakes (or should we say like brain-tingling bubbly).

Thanks to its secret sauce—kava and kratom—this seltzer claims to give you "effects you can feel." Yeah, it's non-alcoholic, but don’t worry, the company still found a way to make it possibly addictive.

What is Kava?

Kava is a plant native to the Pacific Islands, and its root is used to make a drink known for its calming, mildly euphoric effects. Traditionally, kava is consumed for relaxation or as part of social and ceremonial activities. The active compounds, called kavalactones, interact with brain receptors, which is why people often feel relaxed or mellow after drinking it.

What is Kratom

Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its leaves contain compounds that can have both stimulant and sedative effects, depending on the dosage. In lower doses, kratom tends to act as a stimulant, making people feel more alert or energetic. In higher doses, it can have sedative effects, promoting relaxation and pain relief.

Kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, which is why it's often used by some people to manage pain or as a substitute for opioids. However, it can be addictive and is banned in some places (like Indiana) due to concerns over its safety, especially when used excessively or improperly.

The New Brew fine print suggests you shouldn't drink it every day, which is always reassuring when talking about seltzer, right?

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But don't try to snag a can in Indiana, where they’ve slapped a big "nope" on it because of one of those special ingredients, according to wgntv.com.

Apparently, Indiana State Police aren't too jazzed about beverages that mess with your head, and they've issued a PSA to remind people to, you know, actually understand what they're drinking. Also, fun fact: driving under the influence of anything that makes you think you're floating on a cloud? Still illegal. So, keep your New Brew consumption to the passenger seat—or just stick to good ol' H2O.

The most important thing is, as a consumer, you need to know and understand anything that you put in your body. Number one, what are you taking and what are the effects of that is going to be on your body. We all know what’s going to happen when we drink water, however if you consume too much alcohol, or you are consuming this type of drink that’s going to make you become addicted to it, is that something that you want to be in your body on a regular basis. (Sgt. Matt Ames – Public Information Officer – Indiana State Police)

Meanwhile, in Illinois, where rules are more, uh, flexible, you can sip away. Just maybe don’t make it a habit.

Illinois State Police also reminds us that driving under the influence of anything that impairs our motor skills is cause for arrest.

If you're thirsty for more, visit drinknewbrew.com.

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