Easy Kava Cocktails: Simple Recipes for Any Occasion

Here's some simple easy kava cocktails that I make during the holidays and whenever I'm introducing people to kava who are adverse to the flavor.

Pro Tips

Sparkling Water Hacks: Get a SodaStream adapter and an industrial-sized food-grade CO2 tank. It'll save you headaches of those little SodaStream tanks and will last you for over a year on a single charge. Up-front costs are about $80–$100, but I've been using the same one for over 3 years and it's still going strong. We've easily used over a couple hundred bottles of sparkling water.

Why Straws Are Necessary: Instant kava tends to settle in cold drinks, so the straw helps to get the good bits before they get stuck in ice as you sip.

Important Ingredients Mixing Order: Make sure to mix the instant kava with the mixer first. This step is crucial because the instant kava powder is a dehydrated juice and needs time to rehydrate and blend properly into the drink. If you reverse the order and pour sparkling water directly onto the powder, a reaction occurs. When the powder tries to absorb water molecules from the sparkling water, it releases the CO2 gas bonds pressurized by the tank. This reaction causes foaming that spills over the cup, resulting in a flat drink, which is lame.

Blender Hacks: Remember to add the kava powder AFTER pouring in the colada mix or ice to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the blender.

Kava Cranberry Fizz

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cranberry juice
• 1–2 tsp instant dehydrated kava juice (cerebral style)
• 3 oz sparkling water
• 2 cups ice

Directions:

Pour cranberry juice into glass. Mix in instant kava and make sure to emulsify before adding ice. Add a straw and slowly pour sparkling water or soda of choice on top. Stir slowly and add more sparkling water to your liking.

Kava Margarita

Ingredients:

• 4 oz of Margarita Mix
• 1–2 scoops of instant dehydrated kava juice (Raw Epicure)
• Ice cubes
• Soda water (optional)

Directions:

To make a single drink, pour approximately 4 oz of margarita mix. Add a scoop or two of your preferred instant kava (we suggest Raw Epicure). Stir all the components together, then add some ice cubes. Remember to use a straw.

I like to have it sparkling so I'm usually adding soda water on top of the ice. You can also transform it into a swift spritzer by adding some sparkling water on top. This step tones down the sugary edge of the margarita mix and imparts a more refreshing finish.

Kava Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 2 oz of Daiquiri Mix
• 1–2 tsp of instant dehydrated kava juice (Raw Epicure)
• Soda water (optional)
• Ice cubes

Directions:

In a glass, pour 2 oz of Daiquiri mix. Incorporate the instant kava (preferably Raw Epicure) and stir well. After mixing thoroughly, add ice and a straw. To reduce sweetness, add some sparkling water or soda water.

Pro Tip: Daiquiris tend to run thicker and become more viscous as they get colder, so I use a whisk to mix in here. If you mix it at room temperature it may be easier to mix.

Kava Mojito

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces of Mojito Mix
• 1–2 scoops of instant kava (Raw Epicure)
• Soda or Sparkling water (optional)
• Ice cubes

Directions:

Pour 4 ounces of Mojito mixer (approximately 2 double shot glasses) in a glass. Add 1–2 scoops of instant kava and stir. Then, put in the ice cubes. For an extra multidimensional experience, top it off with soda.

Pro Tip: Make sure to mix the instant kava with the mixer first. This step is crucial because the instant kava powder is a dehydrated juice and needs time to rehydrate and blend properly into the drink. If you reverse the order and pour sparkling water directly onto the powder, a reaction occurs that causes foaming.

Kava Mule

Ingredients:

• 1 oz of Lime juice or Margarita Mix
• 1–2 scoops of instant kava
• 4 oz Ginger Beer
• Ice cubes

Directions:

Pour 1 oz of lime juice or margarita mix into a glass and add 1–2 scoops of instant kava. Stir thoroughly, ensuring the instant dehydrated juice blends in completely, before adding ice and ginger beer. Pour ginger beer slowly as it may foam a bit when reacting with the initial solution. Finish by adding ice and pouring ginger beer on top.

Kava Kombucha

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Kombucha
• 1 shot glass of water, fruit juice (apple juice works well here), or cocktail mix
• 1–2 scoops of instant kava
• Ice cubes

Directions:

In a glass, pour 1 shot glass of water or fruit juice. Add 1–2 scoops of instant kava and stir. Add the ice next. Finally, pour in the kombucha slowly, taking care not to disturb the sediments, and give it a gentle stir.

Frozen Kava Colada

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Pina Colada mix
• 1–2 scoops of instant kava powder
• Few splashes of grenadine syrup or cranberry juice (optional for color)
• 2 cups of Ice
• Blender

Directions:

Place ice, pina colada mix, and 1–2 scoops of instant kava powder into a blender and blend thoroughly. Remember to add the kava powder AFTER pouring in the colada mix or ice to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the blender. Pour the blended mixture into a glass and for extra color, add a very small amount of grenadine syrup or cranberry juice.

Conclusion

Well, folks, that wraps up our journey into these simple kava concoctions. I hope you found a little liquid magic to sprinkle into your festive moments. Remember, simplicity is key during these times—no need for fancy mixology acrobatics.

Whether you're sipping on a cozy cup of dehydrated juice instant kava or shaking up a quick kava-infused creation, the goal is to keep it easy, enjoyable, and shareable. Because let's face it, nobody wants to spend their holiday playing bartender while the rest of the crew gulps down the good stuff.

So, from our family to yours, here's to a season filled with warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of kava kick to make those moments truly memorable.

Until next time, stay festive, stay easy, and most importantly, stay rooted. Cheers, my friends!