A New Wave of Wellness Meets Nightlife
The future of nightlife might just be non-alcoholic. At a recent preview and tasting at The Butcher’s Daughter, the beloved plant-based café and cocktail bar, Iconic Tonics—the functional beverage brand co-founded by Snoop Dogg and Evan Eneman—unveiled their newest adaptogenic creation centered around Kanna, a South African botanical known for its mood-lifting and heart-opening properties.
We spoke with Denise Lepow at the New York NoLita location. Lepow, head of Brand Strategy and Partnership Development, explained that the goal is to offer guests an experience that connects mind, body, and community. “As this non-alcoholic culture rises, people still want that sense of connection,” Lepow explained. “Kanna gives guests a feeling of presence and joy—without losing clarity.”
Meet Kanna: The Plant Powering the Movement
Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, has been used for centuries in South Africa as a natural stress-relief and mood-enhancing plant. In beverage form, it delivers gentle euphoria and emotional warmth—effects that can be felt within minutes.
“The feedback we’ve received from our guests is that it’s a ‘moment of bliss and connection,’” Lepow shared. “It’s subtle, beautiful, and designed for the kind of mindful social experience we want to create here.”
While traditional adaptogens like reishi or lion’s mane build over time, Kanna’s effects are immediate—perfect for an intentional cocktail that bridges wellness and lifestyle.
Iconic Tonics: Snoop Dogg and Evan Eneman’s Functional Vision
Iconic Tonics enters the market at a pivotal moment for functional beverages—a $2.4 billion and growing industry. Founded by entertainment and wellness visionary Evan Eneman alongside Snoop Dogg, the brand champions drinks that support mood, focus, and balance without alcohol or cannabis.
Their collaboration with The Butcher’s Daughter represents a shift in how we experience social drinking. “We’re careful not to blur the lines with THC or alcohol,” Lepow noted. “We want guests to have an authentic, elevated moment—something that’s good for the body and mind.”
Recipe: The Grilled Lemon Spritz (1 Serving)
The Grilled Lemon Spritz has quickly become the signature Kanna cocktail at The Butcher’s Daughter—a sparkling, herbaceous drink that feels both grounding and euphoric.
Ingredients
- ½ lemon (for grilling)
- 0.75 oz grilled lemon juice
- 0.75 oz fresh ginger juice (or muddled and strained ginger)
- 0.75 oz mint syrup
- 1.5 oz Amaro Falso
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Soda water, to top
- 1.0 mL Kanna extract (per spritz)
- Garnish: long sprig of fresh mint + dehydrated lemon wheel
Method
- Grill the lemon until lightly charred; juice it.
- Combine grilled lemon juice, ginger juice, mint syrup, and Amaro Falso in a shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly and pour over fresh ice.
- Add soda water to top and stir gently.
- Measure and add 1 mL Kanna extract; garnish with mint and a dehydrated lemon wheel.
The result: a bright, citrusy elixir that feels like sunshine and serenity in a glass—balanced, mindful, and unexpectedly powerful.
Beyond the Spritz: Building Connection Through Culture
As Lepow explained, this is only the beginning. “We’re expanding the beverage program seasonally and plan to explore other adaptogenic profiles,” she said. “It’s all about continuing to connect people—through plants, music, and creativity.”
The Butcher’s Daughter, already a mainstay of conscious dining, is now the only restaurant and bar in the country serving Kanna-based cocktails. Iconic Tonic beverages will also appear both in the restaurant and at their vinyl listening lounge concept, Only the Wild Ones, which currently operates in Los Angeles and will launch in New York later this year—a natural extension of the brand’s ethos of connection and artistry.
With partners like Iconic Tonics, The Butcher’s Daughter is at the forefront of a new kind of cultural shift—one where wellness, design, and nightlife coexist effortlessly.
For more visit The Butcher's Daughter and Iconic Tonics
