Kava Drink Preparation

Used as a ceremonial beverage in the islands of the South Pacific for centuries, kava kava is a big hit in the alternative medicine market worldwide. Thanks to its ability to reduce anxiety and stress and impart a smooth, calming feeling to those that drink it, it has attracted many fans among the stressed-out citizens of the modern world. You can buy kava kava in bulk root or in powder form and prepare a relaxing kava drink right in your own kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• 4 oz kava root or powder
• Muslin bag strainer
• Blender
• 2 tbsp soy lecithin or vegetable oil
• Large mixing bowl

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Instructions

• 1

  Put 4 oz kava-kava root or powder in the blender with 2 cups water and 2 tbsp of lecithin or vegetable oil. The active ingredients in kava kava are not water soluble so adding a fat source helps to extract them.

• 2

  Blend the kava kava, water, and lecithin together until you get a nice thick but smooth pulp.

• 3

  Place this thick mixture in the muslin filter bag, which should be inside a large bowl to collect the strained liquid.

• 4

  Mash the muslin bag with your hands, squeezing the pulpy kava-kava mix and wringing it out. It should produce an opaque, creamy but grayish substance. Periodically dip the bag back into the bowl to collect more moisture and repeat the process, wringing out the pulp until the juice has been extracted.

• 5

  Throw away the contents of the muslin straining bag after it no longer produces the creamy extract. Take the bowl of kava-kava juice and pour into shot glasses. Serve to all those who want to try this powerful beverage.