As a kava drinker, pay attention to the variety you are enjoying and to the effect it is having on you. In some ways, learning to drink Kava is like developing a discerning appreciation for wine. This is because, in addition to variations in taste and smell, the different combinations of kavalactones in the many strains of kava produce differences in experience, and some can be quite subtle.* We have included our favorite recipes below; ones that offer the strongest drink to ones that offer the most pleasant drink.  Enjoy!


Favorite Kava Drink Recipes

  • Personal Favorite – Kava Colada
  • Personal Favorite – Tropical Splash
  • Customer Submitted – Delicious Sun Kava
  • Customer Submitted – Coconut Milk Kava
  • Customer Submitted – Hot Cocoa Kava
  • Customer Submitted – French Press Kava
  • Customer Submitted – Very Strong Kava
  • Customer Submitted – Strong Soy Kava
  • Customer Submitted – Tropical Kava Smoothie
  • Customer Submitted – Kava Chameleon
  • Customer Submitted – Kula Down
  • Kava Guru Original – Cocoa Kava
    Blend 2 tbs kava with 8oz water, strain. Add 1/2 cup high cocoa content chocolate and blend again.
  • Kava Guru Original – Cinnamon Honey Kava
    Blend 2 tbs kava with 8oz water, strain, add 1tbs honey, 1tsp cinnamon, 4 ice cubes and blend again.
  • Kava Guru Original – Lemon-Lime Kava
    Blend 6 tbs kava with 3 Cups water, strain, add 1/4 cup lime or lemon juice and 2 tbs honey.
  • Kava Guru Original – Cocoawa
    Blend 2 tbs kava with 8 oz coconut milk strain and enjoy.
  • Kava Guru Original – Modern Drink
    Blend 2 tbs of kava with 8 oz water for about 4 minutes. Strain & drink.
  • Kava Guru Original – Fast & Tasty:
    Blend 2 tbs of kava with 8 oz of any fruit or vegetable juice, strain and enjoy.

Traditional Preparation

Strain the dried kava powder in water. In Hawaii the strainer is often a nylon stocking, cheesecloth, one gallon paint strainer, or muslin bags. Use 1 to 2 ounces of powder per person (2 – 4 tablespoons). Place the powder into the strainer bag, hold its edges together at the top with your hand so that none of the powder escapes.  Then, immerse the bag into a bowl of cool water. The amount of water will vary according to taste but a good rule of thumb is 2 ounces of powder to a quart of water. Use your hand to knead the kava under the water or bring the strainer out and squeeze then immerse it again in the water.

The kneading is the most critical step in the entire process!

The kava should feel oily at first which is due to kavalactone levels. Keep repeating this process until the kava in your strainer no longer feels oily. The water should take on the appearance of mud. That’s it; you are finished!

Traditionally, each serving of this prepared ‘awa is swallowed in one or two quick gulps from a coconut shell and always with thoughts of giving thanks. It is a good idea to space serving at least 10 minutes apart as the kavain, the kavalactone highest in most Hawaiian ‘awa varieties is usually felt quite soon after drinking, but other kavalactones effects may not register for 20 minutes or so.

These days, the kneading has been replaced by the electric blender.  Approximately 2-4 Tablespoons of kava and 8 oz (1 cup) water make for 1 serving of a drink. Simply add the kava and water in a blender for about 4 minutes. Pour mixture into a nylon sieve or cheese cloth, squeeze excess liquid into a bowl. Discard pulp and enjoy.

If you want a different variation with a little extra “kick”, our family has a tradition of preparing our kava drinks with fresh yellow hibiscus mashed into a sort of “slime”, which acts like lecithin and makes it into an emulsion making the drink extra strong.

Never boil Kava when making beverages as it will decrease the strength of the drink! 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease.