Kava is a traditional South Pacific islands drink created by combining the ground or beaten root of the Piper methstycicum plant with water. In South Pacific villages, the drink is often offered ceremonially to welcome visiting dignitaries. In larger cities, kava is also drunk as a natural alternative to alcohol and is known for its ability to alleviate stress and induce relaxation. Westerners interested in enjoying the effects of kava can order ground kava or fresh kava root from specialty online retailers or from a local health store.
Step 1
Pour warm water into a large bowl. Use water that is no hotter than warm to the touch. Use approximately one cup of water per cup of kava you want to make.
Step 2
Make a traditional version of kava by draping cheesecloth over the top of the bowl and pouring kava powder onto the cheesecloth. Use 2 to 4 tbsp. of kava powder per cup of kava you want to make. For example, if you are making two cups of kava, you should use between 4 to 8 tbsp. of kava powder.
Step 3
Tie the ends of the cheesecloth together so that none of the kava powder escapes. Soak the cheesecloth of kava powder in the warm water for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the cheesecloth from the water. Holding the wet bundle over the bowl, squeeze the cheesecloth. A thick liquid will begin to come out of the cloth. When the cloth feels only damp to the touch, dunk it into the water again and repeat the squeezing process. When you're finished, the water in the bowl will look cloudy and take on the texture of a thick mud.
Step 5
Use a blender as an alternative to the traditional method of making kava. Pour 2 to 4 tbsp. of kava powder per person into the blender. Add one cup of warm water per person into the blender. Allow the kava to soak for 30 minutes.
Step 6
Blend on high for approximately four minutes. After blending, strain the mixture to separate the juice from the root pulp. Place the cheesecloth over a large bowl and slowly pour some of the kava mixture from the blender onto the cheesecloth. Grip the ends of the cheesecloth in one hand and with the other hand squeeze the cloth so that the kava juice is released into the bowl. Repeat until you have strained the whole batch.
Step 7
Drink kava immediately or pour from the bowl into a large pitcher and refrigerate.
Things You'll Need
- Kava powder
- Blender
- Warm water
- Cheesecloth
- Large bowl
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