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. Whether you're kneading traditional grind by hand or stirring instant powder into water, a few small adjustments can make a big difference to your experience.
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 — but 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.
Instant Kava
The convenient option — just stir into water and drink. No strainer, no kneading, no mess. Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
Traditional Grind Kava
The classic way to prepare kava — just as it's been done across the Pacific for centuries.
What You'll Need
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.
500-600ml Water
Cold or lukewarm — roughly 15ml per 1g 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 with extraction.
Knead for 5 Minutes
Step 2
Tightly close the strainer bag and knead the kava well under the water. Squeeze, press, 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 extract 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 warm 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 3-4 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, no kneading, no mess. Just stir and drink. Perfect for beginners, travel, or anyone short on time.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
16g Instant Kava
2 heaping teaspoons or 2 sachets. Browse our instant range
2 Cups Cold Water
About 200-250ml per serving. Cold water works best.
Add Instant Kava to Glass
Step 1
About 8g (1 heaping teaspoon) per cup. Our instant kava is made from freshly harvested roots with coarse fibres removed, then dried and milled into an ultra-fine powder.
Pour in Cold Water
Step 2
About 200-250ml per serving. Cold water dissolves the powder 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 3-4 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 single-origin, noble cultivars, tested for purity.
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 exclusively made from kava harvested to order - never old village-dried stock. All plants undergo rigorous assessment: cultivar verification, freshness inspection, contamination screening, and rejection of any unhealthy or damaged roots.
Cleaned and dried to fresh perfection
Freshly harvested roots are meticulously cleaned and dried using proprietary methods. The process preserves maximum potency, fresh aroma, and bioactive compounds, while ensuring food safety. Each batch is immediately vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed, locking in peak 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