Kava is a drink made from the root of Piper methysticum, a pepper-family plant that Pacific Island communities have shared for centuries. It tastes earthy and peppery, and many people describe feeling relaxed and sociable while staying clear-headed. Today you can try it the traditional way, as ground root mixed with water, or in ready-to-drink kava seltzers and tonics.
In This Guide
If you have seen a kava bar open in your city or spotted a kava seltzer next to the sparkling water, you are probably wondering what it actually is. Here is the short version: kava is a plant-based drink with deep cultural roots, a taste all its own, and a reputation as something people sip to unwind with friends.
This guide walks through where kava comes from, how it is made, what it tastes like, what people say it feels like, and how to try it responsibly. If you are exploring kava because you want to drink less, our guide to kava as an alcohol alternative is a great next read, and our alcohol-free CBD drinks are another easy swap.
Where Kava Comes From
Kava, sometimes called kava kava, grows across the South Pacific. Its botanical name is Piper methysticum, which places it in the same plant family as black pepper. The name "kava" is often traced to a Polynesian word for bitter or sour, a fair description of the taste. In Hawaii it is known as awa, and in Pohnpei as sakau.
In Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa and other island nations, kava has been part of community life for centuries. It is shared to welcome guests, mark weddings and other milestones, settle disagreements, and simply bring people together at the end of the day. In Fiji, visitors traditionally present kava root to a village chief as a sign of respect, a custom known as sevusevu.
That social spirit is what kava bars in the United States are built around: a shared drink, slow conversation, and no alcohol.
How Kava Is Prepared
Kava is made from the root and lower stem of the plant, never the leaves. Traditionally the root is harvested, dried, and pounded or ground into a fine powder. The powder goes into a cloth strainer bag, which is kneaded and squeezed in a bowl of cool water until the water turns cloudy and tan. The bag is wrung out and the liquid is served right away.
In Fiji the drink is mixed in a large wooden bowl called a tanoa and poured into half coconut shells. People clap, say "bula," and drink it down, often chasing it with a bite of fresh fruit.
Modern kava comes in more convenient forms too. Instant powders dissolve without straining, and kava extracts make it possible to put kava into canned seltzers and small tonics you can open and sip cold. For step-by-step options, read our guide on how to drink kava.
What Does Kava Taste Like?
Honestly, traditional kava is an acquired taste. Most people describe it as earthy, peppery and a little bitter, with a muddy texture that some compare to watered-down tea made from roots. That is why fruit chasers are so common.
Kava also creates a light tingling or numbing feeling on the lips and tongue that fades within a few minutes. Longtime drinkers often see it as a sign of a well-made batch, but it surprises first-timers.
Ready-to-drink kava is a different experience. Flavored seltzers and tonics soften the earthy notes with fruit, citrus and other flavors, so the taste is closer to a sparkling drink than a bowl of root water. If the traditional taste is not for you, a flavored can is an easy place to start.
What Does Kava Feel Like?
Experiences vary, so think of this as what people commonly report rather than a promise. Many people describe a calm, easygoing feeling: a relaxed body and a clear head. Some say conversation comes more easily, which helps explain why kava has always been a social drink. Others notice very little at first.
How kava feels depends on the variety, the product, how much kavalactone it contains, your body, and whether you have eaten recently. Some people report heavy-feeling limbs or drowsiness, especially with stronger preparations. With canned drinks, many people say they notice something within 15 to 30 minutes.
Kava affects everyone differently. Give yourself time, pay attention to how you feel, and do not drive or operate machinery until you know how kava affects you.
Kavalactones, Explained in Plain Language
The natural compounds in kava root that most people credit for its effects. Researchers have identified six major ones: kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin and desmethoxyyangonin.
Every kava variety has its own mix of these six compounds. That mix is one reason two kava drinks can feel different even when they look the same. Scientists are still studying how kavalactones work in the body.
When you read a label, notice what is being measured. Some products list the amount of kavalactones per serving. Others list the amount of kava or kava extract. Those are not the same number, so compare labels carefully. For example, our No. 505 Kava Seltzer lists 150mg of kavalactones per can, while No. 502 lists 100mg of kava.
Ways to Try Kava
| Form | What It Is | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Root powder | Ground kava root, strained in cool water the traditional way | Most authentic taste and ritual; takes a few minutes of prep; strength varies by variety |
| Kava seltzers | Sparkling canned drinks made with kava extract | No prep, served cold, flavored; the label lists what is in each can |
| Kava tonics | Small canned drinks made with kava extract | Compact and flavored; ours also contain kratom, so they are 21+; check your local kratom laws |
| Kava shots | Concentrated liquid kava in a small bottle | Small format, often stronger per sip; read the label and sip slowly |
If you are curious about kava but want to skip kratom entirely, choose a kava-only seltzer. Not sure how the two plants differ? Our kratom vs. kava guide breaks it down.
Quality and Noble Kava, in Plain Terms
Not all kava is the same. In Vanuatu, where many kava varieties originate, the law separates noble kava, the varieties traditionally grown for regular drinking, from tudei ("two-day") kava, named for the long-lasting effects people report. Noble varieties are the ones most kava drinkers and many sellers prefer.
A World Health Organization review of kava published in 2007 recommended products made from noble varieties, using only the peeled root and rhizome, prepared with water. In everyday terms, here is what to look for:
- Made from kava root, not leaves or stem peelings
- Noble varieties, ideally with the origin stated
- A clear label that tells you what is in each serving
- A brand that shares lab testing for its products
Start Low, Go Slow
Start low, go slow. That is the rule for every kava product, whether it is a bowl of traditional kava or a can from the cooler. Read the label so you know what each can or tonic contains, sip slowly, and give it time. Wait at least 30 minutes before deciding whether to have more.
Talk with your doctor before trying kava if you are pregnant or nursing, take prescription medication, or have a liver condition. Our guide to kava safety covers what health authorities say in more detail.
Do Not Mix Kava With Alcohol
Do not combine kava with alcohol. Health authorities, including the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, caution against the combination. If you are reaching for kava instead of a drink, let it be the swap, not an addition.
Is Kava Legal?
Yes. Kava is legal across the United States. Kratom is a different story: it is not legal in every state, and Tennessee prohibited it as of July 1, 2026. Some of our kava drinks are blended with kratom, so those products are 21+, and you should check your local laws before buying them. Kava-only seltzers contain no kratom.
Finding the Right Kava for You
The right kava comes down to taste, format and whether you want kratom in the mix. Our team of Doyens is happy to walk you through the options in person. Find a CBD Kratom store near you, and call ahead to check what kava is available that day.
Shop This Guide
Try a kava-only seltzer if you want a classic introduction with no kratom. Our blends pair kava with kratom and are clearly labeled.
16oz cans, bright grapefruit Paloma flavor, 100mg of kava per can. Alcohol-free, no kratom.
16oz cans, mild hops and orange flavor, 150mg kavalactones and 300mg ashwagandha per can. Non-alcoholic, no kratom.
Limited edition. 16oz can, sweet gooseberry flavor, 200mg kavalactones and 40mg mitragynine.
Kava with a blend of green kratom strains. 2 oz can, tropical coconut flavor, 65mg mitragynine alkaloids. Shake well.
Kava with a blend of red kratom strains. 2 oz can, tropical coconut flavor, 65mg mitragynine alkaloids. Shake well.
Browse every option in our kava collection, or see the full lineup on our shop by category page. Prices and availability can vary by store and online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kava?
Kava is a drink made from the root of Piper methysticum, a pepper-family plant from the South Pacific. Pacific Island communities have shared it in ceremonies and social gatherings for centuries. Today it is also sold as powder, seltzers, tonics and shots.
What does kava feel like?
Experiences vary. Many people describe feeling calm and relaxed while staying clear-headed and social. Some notice very little at first, and some report heavy-feeling limbs or drowsiness with stronger preparations.
What does kava taste like?
Traditional kava tastes earthy, peppery and a little bitter, and it can leave a light tingle on your lips and tongue. Flavored kava seltzers and tonics taste much more like a fruit-forward sparkling drink.
How long does kava take to kick in?
With canned kava drinks, many people say they notice something within 15 to 30 minutes. Start low, go slow, and wait at least 30 minutes before deciding whether to have more.
Can you drink kava with alcohol?
No. Do not combine kava with alcohol. Enjoy kava on its own, as an alternative to a drink, not alongside one.
Is kava legal in the US?
Yes, kava is legal across the United States. Kratom is not legal in every state, so kava drinks blended with kratom are 21+ and you should check your local laws before buying them.
Sources & References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Kava. NIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/kava
- World Health Organization. Assessment of the Risk of Hepatotoxicity with Kava Products. Geneva, 2007.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consumer advisory on kava-containing dietary supplements, 2002.
- Republic of Vanuatu. Kava Act No. 7 of 2002.
- Lebot V, Merlin M, Lindstrom L. Kava: The Pacific Elixir. Yale University Press, 1992.
- Korthal's Collection product labels as listed on shopcbdkratom.com, October 2026.
