Is Kava The New Wine? What Is It And How To Drink It
/Kava is an ancient root having a modern revival as people are catching on to its natural buzzy effects as a good replacement for a glass of wine. Here’s everything we know about kava, where to find it and how to consume it safely!
Photo Credit: Kava Culture, 2022.
Table of Contents
Embracing Kava in Your Alcohol-Free or Sober(ish) Journey
Kava is a traditional beverage derived from the roots of the kava plant native to the Pacific Islands and has gained popularity worldwide for its calming effects which can ease anxiety, promote relaxation and improve sleep. Incorporating kava into mocktails is a brilliant way for anyone reducing their alcohol intake to enjoy a relaxing drink without compromising their wellness goals.
We’ve tried kava as both a pre-made seltzer and as an ingredient in mocktails and here’s what we discovered about this ancient elixir and what we experienced when we drank it.
What is Kava?
Kava or kava-kava, known scientifically as Piper methysticum, is a plant native to the Pacific Islands where it has been used for centuries in social ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. It’s especially prized for their therapeutic properties, which can bring about a sense of calm and relaxation without impairing cognitive function.
Historically, kava was prepared by drying the roots of the kava plant, then grinding them up with a mortar and pestle, and then mixing with water and straining out through a cheesecloth. Today you buy it prepared in lots of different formats that make it easy to add to other liquids, or take as a supplement.
What does Kava taste like?
Kava has a distinctive taste that is earthy and somewhat bitter, often described as akin to muddy water by first-time drinkers. The flavor profile of kava is complex, marked primarily by its pungent, peppery undertones that can linger on the palate. Some people detect a slight nuttiness or woodiness, which can vary depending on the specific strain and preparation method. To enhance its palatability, it is commonly mixed with other ingredients in beverages.
We first experienced it in a seltzer with watermelon and strawberry and that combo was really tasty, and did a pretty good job of balancing out the dirty taste of the kava.
One interesting thing to note is that when people first taste alcohol, they don’t usually like the taste of it, but they drink it anyway and our tastebuds adapt ; kava is similar - you won’t really love the taste of it at first, but you get used to it and you drink it for the benefits, less the taste.
Mouth-numbness and tingling when drinking kava
One funny side effect of drinking kava is that it immediately makes your tongue, the roof of the back of your mouth and a little bit of your throat tingly and slightly numb. This is normal and is a result of the key ingredient in kava, the kavalactones, which have a slightly anesthetic properties. It goes away in 10 minutes and you won’t notice it again in that same day/evening.
The Benefits of Kava for Relaxation & Stress If You’re Not Drinking Alcohol
Natural Stress Relief
One of the most celebrated effects of kava is its ability to alleviate stress - and who doesn’t have stress right now? The active ingredients in kava, known as kavalactones, have been shown to affect the brain’s neurotransmitters that calm the nervous system in ways similar to alcohol but without the side effects. If you’re looking at the clock and it says 5:00 on a Friday, kava could be a better option to help you unwind after a long week and manage the stresses of daily life more effectively.
Promotes Relaxation and Improves Sleep
Kava has a well-documented history of promoting relaxation. Its sedative effects are beneficial for those who struggle with sleep disturbances. Consuming kava can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep, helping to reset the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This is particularly beneficial for women in perimenopause who are struggling with sleep quality without relying on pharmaceutical sleep aids.
Supports Mental Clarity
Unlike alcohol, which can cloud judgment and reflexes, kava is known for promoting a clear-headed calm. It can enhance mental clarity and focus, making it a suitable substitute for that glass of wine or cocktail, especially for those who wish to engage in social activities without the side effects associated with drinking.
Eases Symptoms of Anxiety
After one dose of kava, the anxiety cloud kind of just melts away. Numerous studies have highlighted kava’s effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of anxiety - the opposite of true when it comes to alcohol, which actually increases anxiety. Kava’s natural anxiety reduction is attributed to the kavalactones’ ability to modulate the activity of key neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, including GABA and dopamine. For those practicing mindfulness and stress reduction, kava provides a natural complement to other wellness practices.
Muscle Relaxation
Kava's muscle-relaxing properties are another benefit that can be particularly appealing to anyone who carries tension from work-induced strain, physical activity or are just feeling physically sore and tense.
Does Kava actually relax you?
If you’re familiar with that ‘two-drink’ feeling of being relaxed but slighty tipsy, this is not what you’ll get from kava. The relaxation and calming sensation of kava is very mild, depending on how much you drink, but it’s definitely noticeable. It’s a lot easier to sit down and watch TV or read a book without your mind racing, if that’s your normal state. If you have high-anxiety, you can feel a reduction in your doomsday thoughts for a few hours.
Once, we also found ourselves giggling uncontrollably, almost like the first time we gardened in highschool (if you know what I mean!). Not sure if that was a natural high, or my kids making me sillier than usual.
***CAUTION: Kava is not a magic pill, and using it regularly at high doses can lead to liver damage so be cautious and speak with a naturopath or herbal medicine specialist about your needs.
Kava's Popularity in Non-Alcoholic Beverages
In recent years, kava has seen a remarkable surge in popularity within the realm of non-alcoholic beverages and is carving a niche in the beverage industry. This trend is driven by a growing consumer interest in health and wellness, coupled with an increasing desire for social drinking experiences that don’t involve alcohol.
A Shift Towards Health-Conscious Consumption
The rise of kava in non-alcoholic beverages aligns with a broader shift towards more health-conscious consumption habits. As people become more aware of the effects of alcohol on their health and seek alternatives that align with a healthier lifestyle, kava stands out as a natural and beneficial option. Its stress-relieving and anxiety-reducing properties make it an appealing choice for anyone considering an alternative to a glass of wine or beer at the end of the day.
The Mindful Drinking Movement
Kava fits perfectly into the "mindful drinking" movement, which emphasizes conscious choices about what and how much one drinks. This movement isn’t just about cutting down on alcohol; it’s also about exploring novel, sophisticated alternatives that offer a similar social lubrication without the drawbacks of alcohol. Kava's calming effects provide a sense of relaxation and well-being that can enhance social interactions, making it an ideal ingredient for non-alcoholic cocktails.
Cultural and Exotic Appeal
The exotic origin of kava, with its deep roots in Pacific Island traditions, adds a layer of cultural intrigue and authenticity to beverages. This aspect is particularly appealing in the culinary world, where consumers are continuously looking for unique and authentic experiences. Kava-based drinks often come with stories of their cultural significance, adding a rich, narrative layer that enhances the drinking experience.
Expanding Availability in Cafes and Bars
Kava is not only popular in homes but is also increasingly available in specialty cafes and kava bars, which have begun popping up in cities around the world. These venues offer a variety of kava-based concoctions, appealing to those interested in trying kava in a more social setting. The growth of these establishments speaks to the increasing demand and interest in kava as a mainstay in the non-alcoholic beverage scene.
Innovation in Beverage Formulations
Beverage manufacturers are continually experimenting with new and innovative ways to incorporate kava into non-alcoholic drinks. Kava doesn’t taste great and has a very herbal and pungent taste and texture, but an increase in beverage innovation and the use of AI is pushing the ability for complementary flavors to be developed and packaged making kava more palatable.
Is Kava safe?
While kava is generally safe for most people, it is essential to consume it responsibly. 250mg per day is the recommended safe quantity of kava, and do not take it daily for longer than three months.
Quality matters, as poor-quality kava products have been linked to health issues, primarily affecting the liver. Always opt for kava sourced from reputable suppliers and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Where to find kava and in which format
Kava is available as a root powder, tablets, tinctures, extracts and now as liquids (or ‘spirits’) you can add to drinks and mocktails or already mixed to just pop-the-tab and drink. Apothekary and MaryRuthOrganics are the largest producers of kava tinctures and you can just add a few drops to your drinks and sit back and relax.
Kava Non-Alcoholic Spirits
USE CODE MAKEITNONALCOHOLIC15 for 15% OFF KAVA HAVEN
Kava Haven is the first beautifully balanced kava-based spirit designed to melt away stress and ease you into a relaxed, happy state. With 150mg of kavalactones per serving, it delivers that signature kava calm—without the muddy, earthy taste that turns some people off. Instead, you get bright lemon and ginger flavors that work beautifully in mocktails! ($53 USD, 750mL)
Kava Seltzers
Kava seltzers are relatively new to the wellness space, but there are starting to be quite a few options available online. We’re loving a brand called Mitra-9 for several reasons.
1. They source very high quality kava for their seltzer, which is really important to prevent side-effects and prevent ingesting unnecessary toxins from processing.
2. They taste amazing and most of their flavours do an incredible job of masking the bitterness of the natural kava extract. Our current favourite is the strawberry watermelon and sparkling lemonade.
Use code SARAHKATE at checkout for a 20% discount!
How to Use Kava in Mocktails
Mocktail Recipes Using Kava
Kava has a very distinctive and pungent taste that requires a suitably strong flavour to pair with. Citrus and sweet flavour combinations are one of the best ways to counter the bitterness of kava. Here’s are three beginner recipes for you to try it out with!
KAVA MULE
Click here to get our full recipe for this spicy and lemony mocktail that will have you chilling on a Friday night.
2. BLACKBERRY LEMON KAVA FIZZ MOCKTAIL
1.5 oz non-alcoholic gin
¼ cup blackberries
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup or honey syrup (.5 oz honey mixed into .5 oz hot water until dissolved)
1 serving of Kava Haven (as directed on the bottle)
4 oz lemon lime seltzer
- Muddle blackberries in the bottom of a highball or Collins glass.
- Add lemon juice, honey syrup and Kava extract into the glass and stir to combine.
- Add ice.
- Top with lemon/lime seltzer.
3. STRAWBERRY PASSION FRUIT GIN FIZZ MOCKTAIL
Courtesy of Angela Holmstrom from @HealthyMocktails
To a glass add:
1.5 oz non-alcoholic gin
½ oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz strawberry syrup
20 drops (1 mL) kava liquid extract (or 1 serving AS DIRECTED on the bottle)
Stir to combine. Add ice and top with a low-sugar strawberry passion fruit prebiotic/probiotic soda.
Visit Angela’s profile on Instagram for instructions on how to make strawberry syrup and more mocktails using Kava and Ashwagandha.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating kava into your wellness routine through delightful mocktails offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the soothing benefits of this traditional herb without alcohol. Whether you're seeking relaxation, mental clarity, or a social beverage that aligns with your health goals, kava provides a versatile and effective solution. By exploring the various ways to prepare and enjoy kava, you can enhance your daily wellness practice and enjoy the communal spirit and cultural richness it brings. We encourage you to experiment with the recipes and tips shared in this article and discover the calming effects of kava for yourself. Embrace this natural, healthful way to unwind and refresh your mind and body, one sip at a time.
