How to Make Kava
Traditional and Easy Prep
Kava Preparation Methods
Below we share all you need to know to learn how to make kava root tea using medium ground kava root powder as well as a quick and easy kava preparation method using a blender. Choose the method of preparing kava that best suits you and your lifestyle.
How to Make Kava: Traditional Preparation Method
Learning how to make kava the traditional way is much like brewing tea. Kava root powder is placed in a straining bag and steeped in warm water. Gather together all you need to prepare a kava drink the traditional way and then follow the simple steps below to make kava the traditional way.
Things you’re going to need:
- High-quality medium ground kava root. Available in our shop.
- A strainer bag (A muslin bag is best but you can use cheesecloth, or even an old T-shirt).
- Warm / hot water (tap hot is perfect).
- A medium-sized bowl to prepare the kava in.
Step 1
Measure out the right amount of kava root. Typically, in kava preparation, a standard serving size for one individual is 2-4 Tablespoons for medium grind kava. Many times people will double this amount and plan on having 2-3 servings in an evening and just make it all at once (putting the extra in the fridge to start cooling it).
Add the kava root to your strainer bag and place the bag into your bowl.
Step 2
Measure out 8-12 oz. of tap hot 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 a tea.
Step 3
The third step in kava preparation is an important one. 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 nice 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, since kava liquid goes down easier chilled, either refrigerate your liquid for a short while and/or throw in a few ice cubes.
Once your kava is sufficiently chilled pour into a cup and start enjoying right away.
Note: for maximum relaxation effects kava is best consumed on an empty stomach. See our tips for the best kava drinking experience.
Kava Preparation Pro Tip
We recommend using hot water from your faucet for kava preparation as overall this is generally the right temperature (around 120 degrees) and extracts the most active ingredients, or kavalactones, from the root. There is debate on whether using boiling water in kava preparation better extracts the lactones or kills their effectiveness. Boiling water will leave your resulting kava tea with more of a bitter taste. And water over 140 degrees can cause kava to congeal and make it harder to strain.
Easy Kava Preparation: Blender Method
Step 1
Add 2-4 tablespoons of kava root powder and 8-12oz. of hot tap water per serving to a standard blender.
Step 3
Empty and strain this through a cloth strainer.
Step 2
Blend on high for approximately 4 minutes.
Step 4
Chill and enjoy!
Step 1
Add 2-4 tablespoons of kava root powder and 8-12oz. 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!
Relax Your Mind & Body Naturally
Now that you’ve graduated from Kalm University, why not try some for yourself?