Kava Mixology

Mixing Up Kava: A Little History

Are you the designated bartender in your friend group? Maybe you have a knack for finding those perfect flavor combinations, and your palette can lead the way into pairing everything from the bitter, sweet, fruity, and sour, to floral, smooth, milky, and earthy tastes.

It’s not only fun…it’s science!

That being said, two generations appear to be leaning away from alcohol and finding solace in zero proof cocktails…

That’s right. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge and bringing about interest in alcohol alternatives, with some cutting out booze completely. And those who are looking to shy away from liquor may find Kava options taking up shop on their shelves.

What is Kava?

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a tropical evergreen shrub located in the South Pacific Islands of Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. It boasts heart-shaped leaves and can reach up to 10 feet in height. The real wonders happen beneath the soil though. The wondrous benefits of kavalactones are located within Kava root.

These thick, knobby roots are harvested, ground into powder, placed in a strainer, and mixed with cold or room-temperature water. The Kava drink delivers a unique buzz, eases the mind, and brings about a sense of calm and human connection. The natural flavor is quite earthy, and definitely an acquired taste when you haven’t grown up with it like the native islanders have.

…And they’ve been engaging in Kava drinking rituals for over 3,000 years.

This has Kava enthusiasts on the prowl for ingredients to complete their ‘ how to make kava taste better ‘ quest.

In addition, Kava drinkers would also prefer to mix their Kava with a beverage that will not reduce kavalactone potency…

Myth 1: Acidic or citrus drinks destroy kavalactones.

Don’t worry. If lemonade and orange juice are your prime mixers, those kavalactones are not in danger. Acid does not chemically destroy them, and confusion might arise because acid can change flavor perception, as well as reduce the signature tongue numbness that Kava brings.

Myth 2: Hot liquids destroy kavalactones.
While room temperature water is the common mixer with traditional Kava prep, hot liquids are also acceptable. Actively boiling or simmering Kava for long periods of time, however, will degrade some kavalactones.

Versions of Kava tea exist, as well. These steep like tea and often contain micronized Kava or extract. Kava can also be added into hot tea (chamomile, ginger, and peppermint are solid options!) and this can improve the flavor and complement the calming effect.

*** Thank you for reading this far! Special Limited Time Offer: GET 10% OFF Kavaly Blueberry Lemon Tonics with Coupon Code: ISLANDCHEER

Myth 3: Carbonated drinks will ruin Kava

Bubbles are welcome! Carbonation does not chemically degrade kavalactones, so that sparkling water and bottle of cola are more than welcome to join the Kava party. People may believe the kavalactones are meddled with because bubbles can change sensory perception and lower PH slightly (mild acidity).

Myth 4: Alcohol cancels out Kava

Nope, even alcohol doesn’t chemically destroy kavalactones, but combining the two does increase sedation. Liver safety should be taken into consideration, as well, since both have a rather heavy impact on the liver, especially if ingested often.

Quick Fun Fact: very prolonged high heat, over-dilution, and long-term exposure to light and air are the only components that can destroy kavalactones.

Can Certain Drinks Amplify Kava?

While no single beverage can double the kavalactones’ strength, it’s important to note that kavalactones are fat-soluble.

This makes milk and fattier liquids the best mixers for kava to improve extraction and absorption, and also smooth out that quirky earthy taste. Drinks may also feel smoother and less gritty.

• Solid options:
  Whole Milk
• Half-and-Half
• Heavy Cream
• Coconut Milk: popular option! This fatty liquid adds natural sweetness and also matches Kava’s Pacific Islands origin
• Oat Milk
• Almond Milk

Our Kava Drinks

Sometimes even mixing up a tasty beverage sounds like too much effort after a long day of work. Those looking to take a night off from bartending can delve into premade kava drinks. And all it takes is a little pop of the tab or a little screw off the top. 

Check out our selection below!

Kavaly Kava-Infused Non-Alcoholic Spirit – though we do recommend mixing this with sparkling water to bring that refreshing taste of lemon to the next level.

Kavaly Social Tonic
New Brew Euphoric Seltzer
Magic Dose Euphoric Seltzer