5 Tips for Your First Kava Bar Visit

Ready to try kava for the first time? Welcome — you're in good hands. Our team at Elixir Lounge pours shells every night of the week, and we love walking newcomers through their first bula. Here are five tips to make your first visit a great one.

1. Know What You're Drinking

Kava is made from the root of Piper methysticum, a South Pacific plant in the pepper family. The root is ground, kneaded with water, and strained — a preparation method that Pacific Island communities have used for centuries. At our bar, it's traditionally served in a half coconut shell called a bilo. Read more on our What Is Kava page.

2. Expect an Earthy Taste

Let's be honest: kava tastes like the root it is — earthy and peppery. That's part of the tradition. A sweet chaser helps, and pineapple is the classic pick. Prefer something more approachable? Ask about our mixed and flavored kava drinks.

3. Start With a Flight

Not sure what to order? Our kava and elixir flights let you sample four flavors for $16.50 — the easiest way to find your favorite on the first visit.

4. Learn the Shell Ritual

Kava culture comes with its own etiquette, and joining in is half the fun. Before you drink, clap once and say "Bula!" — Fijian for "hello" or "life." Finish your shell, clap three times, and say "Maca!" to signal you're done. Don't worry about getting it perfect; our kava-tenders will coach you through it.

5. Come at Happy Hour and Ask Questions

Happy Hour runs Monday through Wednesday, 4–7pm: $3 single shells, $6 double shells, and $8 loaded lixirs. It's the perfect low-stakes way to explore the menu — and our team genuinely loves answering questions, so ask away.

Plan Your Visit

Find us at 206 Main St in Old Town Spring, TX 77373. We're an alcohol-free venue for guests 18 and up, open seven nights a week. Browse the menu, check upcoming events, order ahead through Toast, or contact us — we look forward to saying bula!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kava products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Elixir Lounge serves guests 18 years of age or older.