The Natural Alchemy of RIVR’s Ancestral Ingredients

At RIVR, we believe that true connection is rooted in the wisdom of those who came before. Crafting our beverages is a journey shaped by centuries-old knowledge and understanding of how nature supports and nurtures life. 

Each herb, mushroom, fruit, and adaptogen is a tribute to the bond between nature and the human spirit—a relationship we carry forward in every can.

We’ve selected these ingredients with intention, not only for their entourage effects but also for their cultural and historical significance.

Adaptogens and Functional Mushrooms

Adaptogens have been valued for centuries in traditional medicine for their ability to help the body adapt to stress and restore natural balance.

Functional mushrooms hold a sacred place in traditional Eastern practices and have historically been incorporated into food, beverage, and medicine.

Ashwagandha

Known as a “rasayana,” or rejuvenator, ashwagandha has been a core component of Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. It is a cornerstone of India’s traditional health practices—used to relieve stress, increase energy, and support cognitive health.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi is a functional mushroom and adaptogen known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” in Chinese culture, valued for over 2,000 years for its role in supporting immunity, reducing stress, and promoting longevity. In Japan, it’s revered as the “10,000-year mushroom.”

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Known as the “Mountain Priest” mushroom in Japan, Lion’s Mane is most often used to support cognitive function and nerve health. Used by Buddhist monks for centuries to enhance focus and meditation, this mushroom is rich in compounds that promote mental clarity and neuroprotection.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Cherished in Tibetan and Chinese medicine for its energy-boosting properties, Cordyceps was first discovered by yak herders who noticed their animals becoming more vigorous after consuming it. Emperors and healers alike have used Cordyceps to enhance stamina, respiratory health, and endurance.

Fruits: Vitality from the Earth

Fruits have been part of human tradition for centuries for their flavor but also for their nutrient-rich profiles. At RIVR, we choose fruits for their bright flavor, natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Mango

Native to South Asia, mangoes have been cultivated for over 4,000 years. Known as the “king of fruits,” they’re rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health and digestion. Introduced through trade routes, mangoes were embraced by Indigenous peoples across the Americas for their versatility and nutritional benefits. 

Guava

Native to Central and South America, guava has long been valued by Indigenous communities for its benefits to immunity and digestion. Rich in vitamin C and fiber, guava brings both flavor and function, a fruit respected across the Americas for its natural strength.

Prickly Pear

Native to the arid regions of the Americas, prickly pear cactus has been a dietary staple for Native American tribes for generations. Its fruit, rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins, supports heart health and digestion. Prickly pear’s resilience in harsh landscapes reflects nature’s adaptability, and its presence in RIVR honors this enduring strength.

Herbs and Botanicals

Herbs are among humanity’s earliest connections to the land. Long before modern practices, botanicals were part of daily life, valued across cultures for their role in tradition, community, and well-being.

Yerba Mate

Called the “drink of the gods” by the Guarani people of South America, yerba mate has a history rooted in ritual and community. For over a millennium, it’s been used to enhance mental clarity and vitality and inspire connection. In RIVR blends, yerba mate continues this tradition, offering a natural way to energize both mind and body.

Hibiscus

This vibrant flower has symbolized health and refreshment for centuries. In ancient Egypt, hibiscus tea—known as “Karkadeh”—was enjoyed by Pharaohs to cool the body and support heart health. Rich in antioxidants and tart in flavor, hibiscus infuses RIVR with a touch of ancient wisdom.

Lavender

Originally native to the Mediterranean, lavender made its way to North America, where it became part of Indigenous traditions as a symbol of calm and balance. Often prepared as a tea to soothe the mind and support restful sleep, lavender brings its gentle essence to RIVR, inviting a peaceful moment with each sip.

Hemp

Cannabis has a storied history of use across cultures, dating back to ancient Central Asia, where it had both medicinal and spiritual uses. Cannabis can relieve pain, soothe the mind, and support relaxation and recovery. We use microdoses of hemp-derived THC to tap into these benefits, creating an experience that’s both grounding and uplifting.

A Tribute to Generational Knowledge

Each ingredient in RIVR is a link to the past—a source of knowledge, resilience, and respect. Every sip is a reminder that we are part of a lineage that cherishes the land and believes in the power of nature. As we carry these ancestral teachings forward, we’re building a future that honors the past while nurturing the present.