How to Prepare Kava
Simple techniques for the perfect shell, whether you knead by hand or stir instant powder.
Making kava is simple, but technique matters.
The amounts suggested here are good starting points for one person per session, based on high-quality noble kava. Many people find these amounts perfect for regular use, while others may prefer to go slightly higher or lower over time. They're a reliable place to start.
For a deeper read, see our posts on kava ratios and consumption pace and kava dosage.
Choose Your Method
Two Ways to Prepare Kava
Traditional Grind
The classic method: knead dried root powder in a strainer bag. Fullest flavour and the most authentic experience. Takes about 5 minutes.
Jump to Traditional Instructions
Instant Kava
The convenient option: just stir into water and drink. No strainer and no kneading. Good for beginners or anyone short on time.
Jump to Instant Instructions
Traditional Grind Kava
The classic way to prepare kava, just as it's been done across the Pacific for centuries.
What You'll Need
Traditional Grind Ingredients
30-35g Kava Powder
Around 1/3 cup of Traditional Grind Kava. Explore our range
Strainer Bag
We recommend our food-grade kava strainer bags.
500ml Water
Room temperature, roughly 15ml per gram of kava.
Extra Cup of Water
Optional, for a second wash to get more from your kava.
Add Kava to Strainer Bag
Step 1
Place 30-35g of Traditional Grind Kava into your strainer bag. Set the bag in a bowl and add 500ml of room-temperature water.
Make sure the bag is large enough to give the kava room to move freely. This helps the kava release into the water.
Knead for 5 Minutes
Step 2
Tightly close the strainer bag and knead the kava well under the water. Squeeze and work the root powder thoroughly. This is where the active compounds are released into the water.
You'll see the water turn a rich, muddy brown. That's what you're after.
Squeeze Out Excess Water
Step 3
Wring the bag thoroughly to get every last drop of liquid. Don't be gentle. The final squeeze is where a surprising amount of potency hides.
Serve and Enjoy
Step 4
Pour into half-sized cups (shells). Swallow each shell in 1-2 quick gulps. Kava is best taken swiftly, not sipped. Have fresh fruit ready to cleanse the palate.
Alternative Approaches
Blender Method (Not Recommended)
Quicker but inferior to kneading. Blending chops fibres very fine, allowing them to pass through the strainer and potentially cause digestive discomfort. Place kava in a blender with cold water (1:15 ratio), blend on high for 2-3 minutes, then pour through a strainer bag. See our research on why kneading is better.
Second Wash (Optional)
Add half the original amount of fresh room-temperature water to the same strainer bag and knead again. The result is weaker but still pleasant. Drink separately or combine with your first batch for a milder, longer session.
Get the Most from Your Session
Tips for Traditional Grind
Drink Quickly
Prevents sediment settling and tastes better than sipping. About 100-150ml per serving.
Use a Chaser
Fresh fruit or coconut milk helps with the earthy taste. Many regulars come to enjoy it straight.
Wait Between Shells
Give 15-20 minutes between shells. Kava builds gradually. Patience rewards you.
Empty Stomach
Avoid eating for 4 hours beforehand. This makes a significant difference to the experience.
Listen to Your Body
Start with the suggested amounts and adjust over time. Consume slowly and mindfully.
Reverse Tolerance
Some people need a few sessions before they fully appreciate kava's character. Be patient.
Instant Kava
No strainer and no kneading. Just stir and drink. Good for beginners and for travel.
What You'll Need
Instant Ingredients
8g Instant Kava
One heaped teaspoon, or one sachet. Browse our instant range
1 Cup Cold Water
About 200-250ml. Cold water works best.
Add Instant Kava to Glass
Step 1
About 8g (1 heaped teaspoon) per cup. Our instant kava is made from freshly harvested roots, with the insoluble fibres removed using water before drying and milling into an ultra-fine powder.
Pour in Cold Water
Step 2
About 200-250ml per serving. Cold water mixes the powder in cleanly and makes for a smoother drink.
Stir and Enjoy
Step 3
Give it a good stir and drink. Malok.
Get the Most from Your Session
Tips for Instant Kava
Scull or Sip
Instant can be drunk quickly like traditional, or sipped slowly. Your call.
Stir Occasionally
If sipping slowly, the powder tends to settle. A quick stir keeps it mixed.
Use a Chaser
Fresh fruit helps with the earthy taste. Many people grow to love it neat.
Wait Between Shells
Effects take 15-20 minutes to develop. Give each shell time to settle in.
Empty Stomach
Avoid eating for 4 hours beforehand for the best experience.
Reverse Tolerance
Some people need a few sessions before they fully appreciate kava's character. Be patient.
Ready to Knead or Stir?
Browse our full range of traditional grind and instant kava. All noble kava, every batch tested.
Organically Grown Noble Kava
100% pure noble kava from pristine volcanic soils. Our farmers cultivate specific single cultivars in regions best suited for each variety. Each plant matures for 3-5+ years using traditional organic farming methods passed down through generations.
Always Processed from Fresh
Each batch is made from kava harvested to order, never from old village-dried stock. Plants are inspected on arrival for the right cultivar, for freshness, and for contamination. Anything that doesn’t pass is rejected.
Cleaned and Dried to Fresh Perfection
Freshly harvested roots are meticulously cleaned and dried using bespoke methods developed over years of research and refinement. The process preserves potency, fresh aroma, and active compounds. Each batch is then vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed to lock in freshness.
Every Batch Tested
Our kava undergoes comprehensive testing using UHPLC analysis (superior to standard HPLC), full microbiological screening, and chemotype verification in an advanced in-house laboratory. Every batch comes with complete certificates of analysis and exceeds FSANZ Standard 2.6.3 requirements.
Check out our Certificates of Analysis