I’ve spent years tinkering with different kava-based drinks, trying to create something that captures both the traditional spirit of kava and the refreshing vibe of a good cocktail. After plenty of trial and error with friends as my taste-testers, I finally landed on what I call Kava Bliss.
For a little background, kava has been a staple in Pacific Island cultures for centuries. Traditionally, it’s pretty earthy – and I’ll admit, it’s an acquired taste. But in this cocktail, I tried to keep the heart of kava while softening its edginess with tropical flavors, making it way more welcoming for first-timers.
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I’ll never forget the first time I made this for a group of friends: my buddy Mark, who normally makes faces at anything remotely “herbal,” finished his glass and immediately asked for a second. That’s when I knew I was onto something.
The secret, I think, is in the balance – the coconut water takes the edge off kava’s bite, pineapple and lime brighten everything up, and the fresh mint isn’t just a garnish. It plays up the natural cooling effect that kava leaves on your tongue.
Just so you know: kava is famous for its relaxing properties, but it’s not alcoholic. Some commercial extracts can have preservatives, so double-check your ingredients before mixing.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce (30 ml) kava root extract
- 2 ounces (60 ml) coconut water
- 1 ounce (30 ml) pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- 5 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Ice cubes
How to Make It
- Gently muddle the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker to release their oils.
- Add the kava, coconut water, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a tumbler over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint. If you want to get extra festive, throw on a pineapple wedge too.
I like sipping this slowly, letting the flavors change as the ice melts just a bit. The mint and lime pop first, then the pineapple adds a hint of sweetness, and finally you get that signature kava finish.
If you’re making this for a group and want a non-kava version, swap out the kava for a couple dashes of non-alcoholic bitters and an extra splash of coconut water. It’s not quite the same, but it’s still tasty and keeps the tropical theme alive.
There’s lots of room to riff on this. My neighbor Tom loves adding a splash of ginger beer for a little zing. My sister prefers honey syrup instead of pineapple juice when she wants extra smoothness. The base recipe can handle all sorts of tweaks.
These days, this has become my go-to “I survived another week” reward, especially after spending a Saturday working in the garden. There’s just something about sitting on the porch, muscles tired, drink in hand, that feels like an instant escape.
If you give this a try – or come up with your own spin – I’d honestly love to hear about it. Cheers!
