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Welcome To The Bar-Tea The unassuming exterior of the former gas station at the intersection of Magnolia and First downtown is no indication of the vibe and energy that will greet you once you walk inside Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar. // B Y K A R I N FA B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y
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for hundreds of years in places like Fiji, Hawaii and Tonga. The root and stem of the shrub offers users a natural, non-narcotic way to alleviate anxiety and ease insomnia. “One of our best sellers is the Queen Bee,” says Kibbie. “It’s a kavabased tea with organic coconut creamer and locally sourced honey, and it’s delicious. The Nut Job is a cold-brewed hazelnut coffee that also includes an infusion of kava and coconut creamer.” “Adding kratom to drinks is a natural way to release the body’s opiate receptors, and it’s a great alternative to pain medication. We use only the leaf of the plant, and there are no synthetic extracts. We only buy topquality ingredients and products,” says Kibbie. The Organic Apple Kratom is one such drink, flavored with organic French vanilla coconut creamer and a splash of organic cinnamon. They also have a great shot to alleviate the ails of PMS. The aptly named PMS is loaded with minerals and iron and includes
natural cacao. Steamed in a frother and not overcooked, it’s delicious and beneficial for you, according to Kibbie. “Coconut and almond syrups can be added, and it tastes just like an Almond Joy,” she says. “It’s chocolately and tasty but not pumped full of chemicals and additives.” Muddy Lotus Tea serves a great selection of organic herbal teas as well, including elderberry, chai, orange blossom and more. Or try the sweet tea, black lemonade detox, organic nitro-brewed medium-roast coffees or kombucha drinks. Another popular seller is the CBD oils and gummies, starting at just $1. They don’t serve food, but you can bring in your own or order delivery to enjoy. The bar plays host to weekly art gatherings, including Poi LED hoop spinners, fire spinners and more on Saturday nights at 9pm on the patio. No one under the age of 18 is allowed, even though alcohol isn’t served, to maintain the adult vibe. “Come on in and give us a try,” says Kibbie. “We offer a feel-good, relaxing environment with an alternative health aspect.” Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar // 520 NE 1st Avenue, Ocala // (352) 559-3003 // muddylotustea.com // Open WednesdaySaturday at 4pm // Closes at 10pm Wednesday and Thursday, 12am Friday and 1am Saturday
Photos by Scotty Fraser
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elaxing and magical are words that easily come to mind. Your senses will be awakened, from the colorful art murals on the walls to the scent of delicious brews and essential oils. Muddy Lotus Tea is a bar unlike any other in Ocala. First and foremost, there’s no alcohol. Instead, the bar is all about creating an inviting, welcoming atmosphere where people of every background can gather for conversation, relaxation and camaraderie. Co-owners Kibbie Fulton and Sonya Ritchie considered all aspects of the sensory environment when creating their unique kava bar. “The floor looks like water, the bathroom looks like fire and the tea wall represents earth,” says Kibbie. “One of my favorites is the black chalk walls where people can leave inspirational, beautiful messages for each other. Local artwork is scattered throughout, and the guitars hanging on the walls are available to anyone who wants to get one down and play.” And then there’s the drinks. Think of them more as a treat for your whole body, mind and soul included, rather than just a way to quench your thirst. Kibbie, who studied at the Matthew Kenney Raw Chef’s School, has a passion for plant-based, natural foods, and the duo incorporated that passion into their menu. One of the main draws to Muddy Lotus Tea is the assortment of drinks that include kava and kratom. Kava, a psychoactive herb, has been used