The winter holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a tradition that will warm your heart this season, try out one of our delicious kava drink recipes. From that extra glass of champagne to that cider nightcap, traditional holiday drinks are filled with empty calories and loaded with sugar, resulting in an unpleasant hangover the next day. Kava is a safe, healthier alternative to alcohol during the holidays. Our holiday kava recipes taste great with either almond or dairy milk! If desired, put your spin and add some cocoa or cinnamon powder to make things extra special!

Kava Eggnog Recipe

Eggnog without rum? Yes, please! This drink is considered healthier than traditional alcoholic beverages because there are no added sugars or other processed ingredients. This recipe makes two servings, so share the holiday fun with a loved one!

Ingredients: 

  • ¼ cup kava root powder
  • ½ cup cool water
  • 2 cups eggnog

How to Prepare:

  1. Place the kava power inside an 8” x 8” square of cheesecloth and wrap the ends tightly together. If you do not have a cheesecloth, a strainer bag or old t-shirt works as well!
  2. Submerge the wrapped kava powder in the water and knead it gently. Massage until the water is opaque tan and produces an oily sheen and discard the kava root. 
  3. Combine eggnog and the kava mixture in a blender until it becomes smooth- about 30 seconds. Enjoy!

Holiday tip: Try this with a dash of ground nutmeg for the extra holiday spirit! 

Kava Hot Cocoa Recipe 

Traditionally Kava is prepared cold, but if prepared correctly, Kava could be prepared warm without destroying the active kavalactones. Just be sure to keep the temperature below 140° Fahrenheit! Since Kava and chocolate already pair well, why not kava hot chocolate this holiday season? 

Ingredients: 

  • ¼ cup kava root powder
  • ½ cup cool water
  • 2 cups milk or nut milk
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar or cane sugar (or a pinch of stevia, to taste)

How to prepare: 

  1. Place the kava power inside an 8” x 8” square of cheesecloth and wrap the ends tightly together. If you do not have a cheesecloth, a strainer bag or old t-shirt works as well!
  2. Submerge the wrapped kava powder in the water and knead it gently. Massage until the water is opaque tan and produces an oily sheen and discard the kava root. 
  3. Place milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Add cocoa powder and sugar. Stir until dissolved. The texture should be smooth with no lumps.  
  4. Remove saucepan from the stove. Combine the kava mixture and vanilla extract. Whisk together until frothy.

Cooking tip: The ideal temperature for hot milk is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius).

Holiday tip: Add marshmallows for some holiday fun!