How we picked
We looked at the things you notice when you actually drink kava: how it tastes, whether it's a can or a mix, how much kava is in it (when the brand tells you), and what you pay per serving. Then we ranked for the most common situation, someone who wants a good kava drink at the end of the day without a learning curve.
Kava Orange Dream
Orange Dream is the kava drink we recommend more than any other, because it solves kava's biggest problem: the taste. Traditional kava is earthy and peppery. Orange Dream leads with zesty, sparkling orange and lets the kava sit quietly underneath. It's 50 calories, zero alcohol, and comes in 4, 12 or 24-can packs.
Best for: first-timers, and anyone who wants an end-of-day ritual that isn't a beer. Read our full Orange Dream review.
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Kava Tutti Frutti
Tutti Frutti is Botanical Brewing's kava mocktail, and the flavor on the can is rainbow sherbet: berry, citrus and tropical fruit. It's sweeter and more playful than Orange Dream, and it's the easiest way we know to win over a kava skeptic. 60 calories, zero alcohol.
Best for: sweet tooths, porch nights, and the friend who swears they hate kava. Read our Tutti Frutti review.
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Kava Sucker Punch
Sucker Punch is double-strength kava from Botanical Brewing's Brewer's Series. If you already drink kava at a kava bar, or the regular cans feel mild to you, this is the step up. If you're new to kava, start with #1 or #2 instead.
Best for: experienced kava drinkers.
Shop Sucker Punch at Botanical BrewingAffiliate link: we may earn a commission.Mitra9 Paradise Lychee Kava Seltzer
Mitra9 makes kava seltzers in lemonade, orange dreamsicle, strawberry watermelon and paradise lychee. Their big advantage: they print the dose. Each seltzer lists 500 mg of kava extract with 150 mg of kavalactones, the active compounds in kava. Paradise Lychee is the most distinctive flavor of the set, softer and more floral than citrus.
Best for: label readers who want the kavalactone number on the can.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link: we may earn a commission.Leilo Berry Kava Drink Mix
Leilo's Berry Kava Drink Mix comes in single-serve stick packs: tear one open and stir it into 12 to 16 oz of cold water. Each stick lists 1,000 mg of a kava root extract blend, 5 calories and no sugar. It's not as satisfying as cracking a cold can, but it fits in a carry-on.
Best for: trips, gym bags and desk drawers.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link: we may earn a commission.Can or mix?
Get cans if you want it cold, sparkling and ready the second you open the fridge. That's most people, most of the time.
Get a mix if you travel a lot, want to stash some at work, or care about cost per serving more than the experience.
How to drink kava for the first time
- Start with one can and give it 20 to 30 minutes.
- Drink it cold. Kava's earthy taste softens a lot when it's ice cold.
- Don't mix kava with alcohol. The point is to replace the drink.
- Not sure which flavor you'll like? The kava variety pack has every Botanical Brewing flavor in one box.
Questions people ask
What is the best kava drink?
For most people, Botanical Brewing Co. Kava Orange Dream: it tastes like a bright orange soda, has 50 calories and zero alcohol, and makes kava easy to like.
What is the best-tasting kava drink?
Kava Orange Dream if you like citrus, Kava Tutti Frutti if you want something sweeter. Both hide kava's earthy taste well.
Is kava better as a can or a mix?
Cans are better for the experience: cold, sparkling and ready to drink. Mixes are better for travel and cost per serving.
Which kava drink is the strongest?
Of our picks, Botanical Brewing's Sucker Punch is the double-strength option. Mitra9 lists 150 mg of kavalactones per can, if you want a number to compare.
Can you drink kava with alcohol?
We don't recommend it. Kava is best as a replacement for a drink, not an addition to one.
Kava isn't for everyone. If you're pregnant, take medication, or have liver concerns, check with your doctor first. Don't mix kava with alcohol.
