RIVR Launches With Natural, Functional Beverages Rooted in Ancestral Wisdom

Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA (2024) — In late 2024, RIVR will launch with a line of natural functional beverages rooted in over 1,000 years of ancestral wisdom. Owned by California’s Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, RIVR’s products are crafted with a range of time-honored natural ingredients—including yerba mate and herbal teas blended with functional mushrooms, hemp-derived THC, and adaptogens—dating back before the days of modern medicine.

RIVR is more than just a beverage; it honors the heritage of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, whose mission is to build financial freedom and sustainability for their future generations. Each of RIVR’s six SKUs combines centuries-old practices with modern innovation, offering consumers a range of wellness benefits through thoughtfully curated ingredients. 

"RIVR is a full-circle realization of our Tribe’s ancestral wisdom—in a format that is most innovative and accessible to modern consumers," said  Michael Castello, tribal member and representative of the Soboba Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). “Created sustainably with natural, functional ingredients, these drinks offer holistic benefits to a wide range of audiences who are seeking a true-to-land experience within the products they consume.”

RIVR’s products feature adaptogenic ingredients including: yerba mate for natural energy, functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi for cognitive and immune support, ashwagandha for stress-relief, concentration, and energy support; and microdosed hemp-derived THC for a balanced, elevated experience. 

The launch lineup includes six SKUs including 3 functional (0mg THC) and 3 microdosed (5mg THC) options—designed to enhance various aspects of daily life, from focus and energy to relaxation and rejuvenation. All products are all naturally sweetened with Agave Nectar (7g) and flavored with real fruit juice. They each contain 35 calories a can.

Functional (undosed) 

• Raspberry Hibiscus | Awaken — Enhance your mood, increase energy, and awaken the mind and body. Organic yerba mate and brewed hibiscus tea with Lion’s Mane (150mg), Cordyceps (150mg), and natural caffeine (100mg). Naturally flavored with fruit juices including raspberry, blackberry, and lemon.
• Mango Passionfruit | Awaken — Enhance your mood, increase energy, and awaken the mind and body. Organic yerba mate and brewed hibiscus tea with Lion’s Mane (150mg), Cordyceps (150mg), and natural caffeine (100mg). Naturally flavored with fruit juices including mango, passionfruit, guava, and orange. 
• Raspberry Hibiscus | Adventure — Uplift your mood, increase energy, and invoke adventure. Organic yerba mate and brewed hibiscus tea with microdosed hemp-derived THC (5mg), Lion’s Mane (150mg), Cordyceps (150mg), and natural caffeine (100mg). Naturally flavored with fruit juices including raspberry, blackberry, and lemon.

THC Microdosed 

• Mango Passionfruit | Adventure — Uplift your mood, increase energy, and invoke adventure. Organic yerba mate and brewed hibiscus tea with microdosed hemp-derived THC (5mg), Lion’s Mane (150mg), Cordyceps (150mg), and natural caffeine (100mg). Naturally flavored with fruit juices including mango, passionfruit, guava, and orange. 
• Blackberry Lavender | Serene — Free your mood, unwind, and find serenity. Organic lavender and hibiscus tea with microdosed THC (5mg), Reishi mushrooms (75mg), and Ashwagandha (100mg). Naturally flavored with fruit juices including blackberry, prickly pear, and lemon. Caffeine-free. 
• Blackberry Lavender | Peace — Balance your mood, relax, and find peace of mind. Organic lavender and hibiscus tea with microdosed THC (5mg), Reishi mushrooms (75mg), and Ashwagandha (100mg). Naturally flavored with fruit juices including blackberry, prickly pear, and lemon. Caffeine-free. 

With its launch, RIVR sets a new standard in the functional beverage space. Each SKU is naturally flavored with real fruit juices and lightly sweetened with agave nectar—providing a refreshing and health-conscious alternative to existing options. The products spotlight functional ingredients leveraging an “entourage effect,” which refers to the way the combined formulations create true-to-land experiences. 

RIVR stands out in the crowded beverage market not only for its innovative ingredients but also for its deep commitment to community and sustainability. The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians has long been stewards of their environment, with practices rooted in preserving natural habitats and ensuring resources for future generations. This dedication is mirrored in RIVR’s use of ethically-sourced, natural ingredients and its alignment with active, wellness-focused communities.

“Sustainability, community, self-sufficiency, and resilience are core values of our tribe,” Castello explained. “These values are deeply embedded in our way of life and guide us in all our endeavors. We strive to be self-sufficient and resilient, ensuring that our community can thrive for generations to come."

RIVR will be available for direct-to-consumer purchase via its website as well as in select retail locations, offering a range of entourage effects and natural flavors that cater to a diverse audience—ranging from outdoor enthusiasts and conscious consumers to creatives and fitness and wellness enthusiasts. For more information, visit drinkrivr.com and @drinkrivr. 

ABOUT RIVR

Owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, RIVR is a functional beverage born from over 1,000 years of ancestral wisdom. Crafted with a blend of yerba mate and herbal teas, natural ingredients, functional mushrooms, hemp-derived THC, and adaptogens, RIVR inspires a profound appreciation for the natural world through products delivering true-to-land experiences. The brand’s mission is to honor the Tribe’s resilient spirit, preservation of heritage and community, and their deep understanding of the connection between the mind, body, and land.

ABOUT THE SOBOBA BAND OF LUISEÑO INDIANS

Established by the United States government in 1883, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians is a federally recognized tribe based in Southern California. The tribe has a long history of resilience, community, and respect for the natural world. Through initiatives like RIVR, the Soboba Tribe continues to build financial sustainability and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.