Kava & Company, Jacksonville, FL
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What Is Kava? The Pacific Root Drink Explained

Answered by the Kava & Company crew in Jacksonville, FL · 3 min read · Updated
A kava drink on the pool table at Kava & Company in Jacksonville
The short answer

Kava is a drink made from the ground root of Piper methysticum, a pepper plant from the South Pacific. Islanders in places like Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa have shared it for generations at ceremonies and gatherings. Today people drink it as a relaxing, alcohol-free social drink.

Where kava comes from

Kava has been part of Pacific Island life for centuries. It's used to welcome guests, mark ceremonies, settle disagreements and simply hang out at the end of the day. Fiji's famous toast, "Bula!", is why you'll hear it shouted around our bars.

How kava is made

Traditionally, the root is pounded or ground, mixed with water, then kneaded and strained through cloth. The result is a muddy, earthy drink served in a coconut shell. Today you'll also find micronized and instant kava that mixes straight into water. Want to try it at home? Check out our take-home products.

What kava feels like

The relaxing compounds in kava are called kavalactones. Most people describe a calm body, an easy mood and a chatty, social feeling while staying clear-headed. A tingly or numb mouth is normal. Full breakdown: will kava get you high.

Noble kava

"Noble" kava refers to traditional varieties grown for everyday drinking. Food-safety reviews, including a World Health Organization report, have recommended using the root of noble varieties prepared with water, which is how traditional kava is made.

What kava is used for today

Mostly as a social drink and an alternative to alcohol. Kava bars like ours are "third places" for people who want a night out without booze. Read kava vs alcohol for how the two compare.

People also ask

What does kava taste like?

Earthy and peppery, a bit like muddy water with a woody bite. Most bars, including ours, also blend it into fruity drinks.

Is kava alcohol?

No. Kava has no alcohol. Kava & Company is a zero-proof bar.

Is kava legal?

Yes, kava is legal in the US. Kava & Company serves guests 18+.

Where can I try kava in Jacksonville?

At any of Kava & Company's three Jacksonville locations: San Marco, Mandarin and Jax Beach.

Visit us in Jacksonville

Kava & Company is Jacksonville's first kava bar. Grab a shell in San Marco, Mandarin or Jax Beach, or take kava home from our take-home products.

Kava & Company San Marco

1224 Kings Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 551-3809
Sun-Tue 9am-12am · Wed-Sat 9am-2am

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Kava & Company Mandarin

11018 Old St Augustine Rd, Ste 123
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 900-3606
Daily 10am-10pm

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Kava & Company Jax Beach

223 9th Ave S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 595-5150
Sun-Wed 9am-12am · Thu-Sat 9am-2am

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This article is for general education only and isn't medical or legal advice. Statements about kava, kratom and kanna have not been evaluated by the FDA, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Kava & Company serves kava to guests 18+. Florida law requires buyers of kratom to be 21+.