How to Make Kava
Kava Preparation Methods
Let’s Prepare Kava Root Powder: Choose Your Method!
Explore the variety of ways to prepare kava, the elixir of relaxation. Every kava product requires different methods for preparation, but you get to have fun mixing and matching the prep methods to meet your needs. Find your product below and click to discover how to prepare a delicious kava beverage.
Medium Grind Kava Root Powder Preparation
With medium grind kava root products, you can choose your adventure for how you want to prepare your kava: the traditional way or the easy way. Choose the method of preparing kava that best suits you and your lifestyle!
The Traditional Way
Making kava the traditional way is a lot like brewing tea. Kava root powder is placed in a straining bag and steeped in warm water. Gather together the supplies you’ll need to prepare kava the traditional way (scroll to see our checklist) and follow the simple steps below to make kava the traditional way.
Supplies
- High-quality medium grind kava root
- A strainer bag (A muslin bag is best, but you can use a synthetic strainer, a cheesecloth, or even an old T-shirt)
- Warm/hot water (Tap water-level of hot is perfect)
- A medium-sized bowl
Kava Drink Preparation: the Traditional Way
Step 1
Measure out a single serving of kava root. Typically, a standard serving size for one individual is 2-4 tablespoons of medium grind kava root. People often will double this amount and plan on having 2-3 servings in an evening, so they make all of the servings they want at once. Then, they put the extra kava drink in the fridge to chill it for later.
Add the kava root to your strainer bag and place the bag into your bowl.
Step 2
Measure out 8-12 oz. of hot tap water (about 100-120 degrees*) per serving. Vary the amount of water depending on how strong you want your kava root tea to taste. Next, pour the hot water directly into the bag with the kava powder.
Let the kava steep in the bag in the bowl for 10 minutes. Traditional kava preparation involves steeping just like you brew tea.
Step 3
After steeping, twist the top of your kava strainer closed and press out all the air. Knead the kava root in the bag in the water in the bowl. Alternate between kneading the kava and squeezing the bag to strain the liquid into the bowl. Be careful not to let any actual root escape the bag.
The water in the bowl will turn a milky brown color and begin to look like chocolate milk. After 5-10 minutes of kneading, wring the straining bag tight to remove all liquid. Leave the root in the bag, possibly for a second wash or brew.
Step 4
Lastly, refrigerate your kava drink for a short while and/or throw in a few ice cubes. Kava liquid goes down easier when it is chilled.
Once your kava is sufficiently chilled, pour it into a cup and start enjoying it right away. For maximum relaxation effects, kava is best consumed on an empty stomach.
The Easy Way
It’s called “the Easy Way” for a reason! The key to this quick, simple way of kava preparation is using a blender instead of steeping and wringing out your kava. Check out this lightning-fast method of kava prep below.
Supplies
- High-quality medium grind kava root
- A strainer bag (A muslin bag is best, but you can use a synthetic strainer, a cheesecloth, or even an old T-shirt)
- Warm/hot water (Tap water-level of hot is perfect)
- A blender
Kava Drink Preparation: The Easy Way
Step 1
Add 2-4 tablespoons of kava root powder and 8-12 oz. of hot tap water per serving to a standard blender.
Step 2
Blend on high for approximately 4 minutes.
Step 3
Empty and strain this through a cloth strainer.
Step 4
Chill and enjoy!
Product-Specific Kava Preparation Tips
Prepping a Kava Beverage with Micronized Kava
Micronized kava makes prepping a kava beverage sleek and simple—there are only two steps! Micronized kava doesn’t require brewing or straining because all the coarse fibers in medium grind kava root have been removed. To prep a micronized kava beverage, simply mix 1 tablespoon of micronized kava into 8-12 fluid ounces of a nonalcoholic beverage of your choice.
Create a Kava Drink with Kava Concentrate
Fun and flavorful, kava concentrates are perfect for creating an easy kava beverage that has a tasty, fruity kick to it. And it takes mere seconds to prepare, too! Just dilute 1 oz of the kava concentrate of your choice with 5 oz. of water or another nonalcoholic beverage of your choice.
Kava Drink Preparation Using Kava Extract
Using a kava extract like our NobleNano™ to make a custom kava drink is a refreshing and effortless way to enjoy the benefits of kava. Just add 1 ml of NobleNano™ to a nonalcoholic beverage of your choice. That’s it!
Instant Kava = Instant Kava Beverage
Instant kava is aptly named—it can be made in an instant. Simply add 1/2 Tablespoon of instant kava to any nonalcoholic beverage of your choice. Chill your kava drink or add ice and enjoy!
A Look at Kava Dosage
One frequently discussed topic among kava enthusiasts is dosage, or how much kava to consume in a single serving or session. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Several factors come into play when determining a kava serving size, like kava quality, when the kava was harvested, kava variety, the type of product, and your own preferences. For the best kava experience, always adhere to the suggested serving size provided on our Kalm with Kava product labels. Follow the preparation instructions, then adjust according to your personal needs. Learn more about all things related to kava dosage below.
Kava Root Powder Preparation Tips & Tricks
Just like kava, we want to make prepping a bilo of kava soothing, enjoyable, and uplifting. Finding which kava products or methods for preparation fit your needs and preferences can take time, so we curated a short list of tips to help enhance your relaxation experience now and into the future.
Use tap hot water to make a traditional kava tea
We recommend using water only as hot as the water your kitchen faucet provides because boiling water breaks up the starches and turns it into a kava sludge, impossible to strain. Cold water or water that is lukewarm works as well, but tap-hot water provides about a 30% stronger brew and will make for the best kava drinking experience.
Serving size is not session size
In the kava world, serving size is not the same as “session size.” Like alcohol, you can have more than one drink or serving of kava in a kava drinking session. However, timing is important. The full effects of a drink of kava, especially one prepared the traditional way, may not kick in for 15-30 minutes. Wait a while to feel the effects and let these seep in before enjoying a second serving. Experiment until you find yourself experiencing the relaxation effects you desire. Also, if you want to prepare several severings of kava in one go, a large synthetic strainer bag is perfect for the job.
Mask the earthy taste with a custom recipe
Turn the distinct taste of kava into something uniquely delightful by trying out one of our custom kava recipes. It’s a fun way to make your kava experience truly yours and truly tasty!
Relax Your Mind & Body Naturally
Now that you’ve graduated from Kalm University, why not try some for yourself?