Best Kava Mocktail Drink Recipes

5 kava mocktails that provide a little buzz without any booze

If you’ve ever wished for a drink that takes the edge off without the hangover, the regret texts, or the 3 a.m. spiral of existential dread—meet kava. She's earthy, she's ancient, and she’s here to help you relax... naturally.

What is Kava?

Kava (rhymes with lava, which is honestly kind of the energy we want) is a root from the South Pacific that’s been used for centuries in ceremonial drinks. Traditionally consumed to promote relaxation and connection, kava works its magic via active compounds called kavalactones. These little guys cozy up to your brain’s GABA receptors—the same ones targeted by anti-anxiety meds—helping to calm the nervous system without making you loopy or foggy.

What Does Kava Feel Like?

Imagine your brain taking a deep breath, your shoulders dropping two inches, and your inner monologue switching from “must get everything done right now” to “eh, it’ll be fine.” That’s kava. Within a couple of minutes your mouth is going to feel a little numb and tingly (this is because the kava root is similar to the peppercorn family) - it's totally normal and expected with a quality kava, so don't be alarmed. After about 15 minutes, you’ll start to feel a mellow wave of calm wash over you—it’s not intoxicating like alcohol, but more like your nerves just got gently tucked in with a cozy blanket. You stay clear-headed, grounded, and maybe even a little smiley. Basically, it’s relaxation... minus the hangovers.

What Does Kava Taste Like?

Okay, real talk: traditional kava root tastes… like dirt. And not in a poetic, “earthy and grounding” kind of way. We’re talking muddy water with a peppery kick and the mouth-numbing aftershock of a dentist visit. It’s definitely an acquired taste, and unless you grew up in the South Pacific, you probably haven’t acquired it.

That’s where Kava Haven comes in clutch. It’s a premixed kava spirit blended with natural juices and flavors that actually taste good, with no added sugar and only 30 calories per 1.5 oz. Smooth, gingery, a little citrusy, and way easier on the palate, it’s like someone took traditional kava to brunch and gave her a makeover. You still get the chill, but with way less grimace. You can save 15% off your bottle here with code SoberishMom15.*

Is Kava Safe?

You may have seen scary headlines warning about potential liver damage in connection with kava. This was the result of a small number of cases in Europe in the early 2000s, which led to the ban of kava in several countries. However, later investigations found that those cases involved poor quality kava, alcohol-based extracted products, and people taking kava alongside other medications or having preexisting liver conditions. If you have liver issues or are on prescription meds, check with a doctor first. The WHO (World Health Organization) and peer-reviewed science indicates that properly sourced, root-only kava, is generally safe. It’s been used for centuries in Pacific Island cultures for a reason—and now with better regulation and premium brands, it’s easier than ever to sip confidently and chill out, worry-free.

5 Best Kava Mocktail Recipes

Basic Kava Spritz Formula This is how I make it almost every time I drink it, swapping in and out different juices and mixing with whatever sparkling water I have on hand.

• 1.5 oz Kava Haven

• 2 oz juice (my favorites for mixing are cherry, lemonade or orange juice)

• 3 oz sparkling water

• Squeeze of fresh citrus

Instructions:

• Fill a glass with ice and mix all ingredients together. Cheers and chill!

Coconut Cooler

• 2 oz Kava Haven

• 2 oz pineapple juice

• 2 oz coconut water

• .75 lime juice

Instructions:

• Fill a glass with ice and mix all ingredients together. Cheers and chill!

  

Kavaloma

• 1.5 oz Kava Haven

• 2 oz grapefruit juice

• 2 oz sparkling grapefruit soda

• .75 lime juice

• .5 oz simple syrup

• Optional: Tajin or salt rim

Instructions:

• If using Tajin, rim the glass with lime juice and add Tajin or coarse salt. Fill the glass with ice and add all ingredients. Mix well and garnish with a lime or grapefruit wedge.

Kava Mule:

• 1.5 oz Kava Haven

• .75 lime juice

• 4 oz ginger beer

Instructions:

• Fill the glass with ice and add all ingredients. Mix well and garnish with a lime.

Kavarita Mocktail

• 2 oz Kava Haven

• 1 oz lime juice

• .5 oz agave syrup

• 1 oz orange juice

• Optional: Tajin or salt rim

Instructions:

• If using salt, rim the glass with lime juice and add Tajin or coarse sea salt. Fill the glass with ice.

• In a shaker filled with ice, combine first four ingredients. Shake well to combine.

• Strain into prepared glass.

• Garnish with a lime

You can save 15% off Kava Haven with code SoberishMom15*. Cheers!

*Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that this post may include affiliate links which means if you make a purchase using one of my links or codes I may be financially compensated, at no additional cost to you. Affiliates do not impact my reviews and opinions are my own.