This is a "new" kava recipe that I have heard alluded to but have never actually found. After some experimenting, I think I have found an efficient way to make a strong kava drink w/ some taste to it, and hopefully which maintains the traditional spirit.

1. Mix anywhere from ½ oz - 2 oz powdered kava root (depending on the number of consumers and the desired strength of the brew) w/ 1 can coconut milk, then fill can w/ water and add it, also. I have also used a can of coconut juice (sweetened water w/ chunks of coconut) instead of water w/ excellent results. Coconut definitely helps lessen the bitter-soil taste of kava without overpowering the characteristic "kava" taste.

2. Blend intermittently in short bursts for about 5 minutes. I believe the longer you blend the pulp, the more kavalactones are released.

3. Pour into nylon stocking or other strainer and wring out into large kava bowl (there will be a thick white emulsion that I call "Kava Butter"; I believe this is strong stuff and try to scrape all of it off of the strainer, but it's texture can make it a little bit tough to gulp down from the cup.) Make sure to wring as much liquid from the pulp-mass as possible, but take care not to tear the strainer (important for nylon hose)

4. This should make about 2-3 coconut shells/coffee cups of kava, which can be drunk in ½ cup increments. Personally I prefer to knock back 1-2 shells/cups quickly and then relax in a dimly lit room and enjoy that warm, relaxed feeling.

5. Pour the kava from the strainer back into the blender (especially if you used a larger amount). Even though traditionally kava is not kept but rather consumed immediately, I have found that it keeps for a day or two in the refrigerator and since I use 2 oz. At a sitting, I generally get 2-3 batches out of this amount. You can also start w/ a smaller amount (½ oz.) and save it and add another ½ oz. per batch.

6. Finally, the amounts above are guidelines. I find ½ an ounce to be a rather small amount for me (200+ lbs.) but would probably be fine for a smaller person. If I were having a gathering in which several people were going to partake, I may use even 3 or 4 oz., depending on the type of relaxing experience I wanted the brew to invoke.

I hope you find this recipe idea tasty and effective.
Bright blessings.
Doug

If you have any great kava recipes, please let us know.  If we like it we will post your idea and/or recipe and send off a free package of Kona Kava Powdered Root as thanks to you.