How to Make a Kava Drink: 3 Easy DIY Recipes

Kava kava, or “kava” for short, is a plant native to the Pacific Islands. It’s a historic, cultural staple for many indigenous peoples in the region and has a long legacy as the key ingredient in a traditional ceremonial drink. Kava is known for its calming, relaxing, anxiety-reducing properties, and making your own kava drink is a wonderful way to enjoy these benefits!  

‍

Now, there are even easier ways to get all the benefits this peppery plant has to offer. With simple-to-use extracts, you can mix up a kava drink yourself—no root-grinding required! We’ll share some of our favorite ways to enjoy kava with some easy, delicious recipes you can make at home.

First, What is Kava?

‍

‍

Kava, meaning “bitter” in Tongan, is a special plant with a long history in the Pacific Islands. Native island communities in places like Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga have cultivated kava as a traditional crop for thousands of years. A member of the pepper family, it has a bitter, earthy flavor, which is where it gets its catchy name.

‍

Traditionally, kava root was dried, crushed, and soaked with water in a large bowl to make a potent ceremonial drink. These communal rituals were steeped in rich symbolism and spiritual significance, and kava continues to play a vital role in many native communities.

‍

Today, kava’s popularity has blossomed beyond the islands, and many people around the world now enjoy the soothing effects of this ancient plant. 

How does kava work?

Kava’s calming properties are largely thanks to compounds known as “kavalactones.” These enhance the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain—an inhibitory neurotransmitter known for its calming effect on the nervous system.

‍

Kavalactones may also increase dopamine levels, which is likely why kava is also associated with a mild sense of euphoria, joy, and overall well-being. 

What is a Kava Drink?

While kava is traditionally consumed as a tea, modern extraction methods allow us to enjoy the effects of kavalactones in all manner of tasty beverages. A kava drink is any drink made with the root of the plant or its extracts, and that means the options are endless!

‍

You can find kava in coffee, sparkling water, mocktails, and more. What’s more, you can easily whip up a kava drink at home with a few simple ingredients.

How to Make a Kava Drink from Scratch

While the traditional tea is worth a try, it’s not the most accessible option for the kava-curious. With kava extract, you can enjoy the pleasant, calming effects of kava in your drink of choice. 

‍

Whether you’re in the mood for something fun and fruity or warm and soothing, a high-quality kava extract means you can create a delicious kava drink with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Our 3 Favorite Kava Drink Recipe Ideas

Whether you’re mixing up a mocktail for yourself or sharing some tea with your closest friends, there are many simple, delicious ways to enjoy the benefits of kava. We’ve gathered a few of our favorites so you can whip up your own calming kava drinks in the comfort of your home.

1. Homemade Kava Tea (Hot or Iced)

‍

It’s never a bad time for some tea! This is a great way to make a few servings of tea to enjoy whenever you’re in the mood for an icy treat or a warm, soothing drink. There’s nothing like a good tea to help you lean into the natural stress-relieving properties of kava. 

‍

This recipe makes 3 servings, so adjust quantities as needed. 

Ingredients

• 4 cups filtered water
• 3 black tea bags (or any tea of your choice!)
• Kava extract (to taste)
• Optional: sugar or honey (to taste)

Directions

For iced tea:

• Add half the water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Remove from the heat and add the tea bags.
• Let tea bags steep for 10 minutes.
• If using a sweetener, add it while the water is hot and stir until dissolved.
• Add the remaining water and your desired amount of Kava. 
• Refrigerate until fully chilled.
• Enjoy!

‍

For hot tea:

• Boil water.
• Put tea bags into a teapot.
• Pour water into the teapot and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
• Add your sweetener while the water is hot and stir until dissolved.
• Add your desired amount of kava extract.
• Pour and enjoy!

2. Fruity Kava Smoothie

‍

Smoothies are a sweet, refreshing treat any time of day. This classic strawberry banana recipe is the perfect way to enjoy your kava on the cool side. It’s a simple ingredient list, so feel free to add whatever juices, fruits, or extras you like, and don’t be afraid to get creative!

‍

This recipe makes two servings, so adjust as needed. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (any kind)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 frozen banana cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 1/2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• Ice (as needed)
• Kava extract (to taste)
• Optional: honey (to taste)

Directions

• Add the milk and yogurt to your blender.
• Add the banana chunks, strawberries, and honey, if using.
• Blend until smooth. 
• Add your desired amount of kava extract and give it another quick blend. 
• Add ice to thicken the smoothie, if needed.
• Pour and enjoy!

3. DIY Fruity Kava Mocktail

‍

This simple mocktail is great with or without kava! It’s a refreshingly bubbly blend of fruity flavors. If you’re not keen on bubbly drinks, you can swap out the sparkling water for iced tea or even still water to keep it simple. 

‍

This recipe makes a single serving, so multiply the ingredients as needed!

Ingredients

• Orange juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Sparkling water
• A 12-ounce glass with ice
• Kava extract (to taste)

Directions

• Add 1/4 cup each of grapefruit and orange juice to your glass.
• Stir in your kava extract (as much or as little as you please).
• Top off the glass with sparkling water.
• Optional: use flavored sparkling water for a little more pizzazz!
• Enjoy!

Other Options for Enjoying Kava

Now we know that there are many ways to enjoy kava, so it’s time to look beyond the beverages. Here are some other forms you’ll find on the shelves:

‍

• Kava Gummies: Like CBD or THC gummies, these are gummies made with kava extract. They make it extra easy to find your perfect dose.
• Kava Shots: Much like our key ingredient in our drink recipes, these are concentrated shots of kava extract that are often flavored or mixed with other beneficial ingredients.
• Kratom and Kava: The blend of these two creates the perfect balance of smooth energy and focused calm. You’ll most often find kava and kratom together in shots.

Pro Tips for Making Delicious Kava Drinks

Before you drive into your kava concoctions, here are some tips that will help you get the most out of the experience. As always, when you’re considering trying a new substance, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor first. 

‍

Here’s how to best enjoy your curated kava beverage:

‍

• Start low and go slow. Begin with a low dose of kava and work your way up to a dosage that’s comfortable for you.
• Avoid mixing with alcohol or other sedatives. Both kava and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, so it’s generally best to avoid blending the two. This can also put unnecessary strain on the liver. 
• Stay hydrated. Kava can slightly dehydrate you, so drink plenty of fluids. 
• Use in the evening. Kava can make you slightly drowsy, so it’s best to use it when you’re ready for a relaxing night. 

Find Kava Products from Reliable Sources at Green Dragon

The key to a great kava drink is simple: great ingredients! And that means high-quality kava. At Green Dragon, we have the kava products you need to create the perfect kava experience. Whether you’re looking for a new mocktail ingredient to help you unwind or a new gummy to help take the edge off, you’ll find it here. 

‍

Trouble finding your perfect product? Reach out to our team for a free consultation!