Abstract: A method of extracting Hovenia dulcis includes crushing Hovenia dulcis to form a crude powder. An ethanol/water solution is used in an extraction tank to create an extracted solution, which is de-colorized using activated carbon. The extracted solution is concentrated and filtered, after which beta-cyclodextrin is added, resulting in a guest/host molecular complex solution. This solution is spray dried, resulting in a DHM rich solution. A beverage additive may include a dihydromyricetin (DHM)/beta-cyclodextrin molecular complex, wherein the DHM/beta-cyclodextrin molecular complex is a guest/host molecular complex, wherein DHM is present in an amount of at least 35 w/w %, and wherein the beverage additive is completely water soluble.