Combinations - Kava Java - Coffee and Kava

[Bajeda]

My panda experimented with 'Kava Java' back when he first started using kava. He first tried some simple concoctions with instant kava powder (already flavoured) and expresso. These worked well enough, but weren't anything to write home about. Later on he would sporadically mix some store bought coffee drinks into his kava and found the effects pleasurable. Still, the panda isn't much of a coffee drinker and found he would rather just make regular kava brews most of the time. Until recently that is...

A little while back panda and friends decided to try making kava java again. They had been drinking kava quite regularly (though not daily as in previous years) and thought some experimentation was worth a shot. Plus they had a small sample bag of coffee grounds no one wanted to use.

After perfecting the method and ingredients with a few trial runs, the pandas resolved to not bother with regular coffee anymore (aside from emergency pick-me-ups and after dinner at a restaurant of course!). The kava and caffeine synergize perfectly, providing a reasonable level of energy and focus without the heightened jitteryness or impulsivity that caffeine would generally cause consumed by itself. The flavour is pleasurable enough, and seems more manageable than a regular kava brew (good for those disgusted by kava's taste). On the whole, panda and friends have found that Kava Java works as an adderall substitute if extra focus is needed but one doesn't want to commit to the full duration of effects and after effects, such as in the evening, and it is good as a general pick-me-up, except without any of the irritating side effects some people get from caffeine (panda generally gets them as he needs alot of caffeine to feel anything from it). On the flip side of things, panda & co. also found Kava Java useful for reducing excessive sedative effects of the kava (problem with certain strains of kava) while still allowing for a relaxed state of mind. Less coffee and more kava works for this.

Of course, panda & co. are seasoned kava drinkers who enjoy the effects and taste of piper methysticum brews. They also tend to not drink a whole lot of coffee, though they certainly don't dislike it. This undoubtedly influenced their positive perception and glowing reviews of Kava Java, but all biases aside, it is still well worth trying if one has the opportunity and inclination to do so.



Anyways, here is a quick rundown of the process panda and friends use to make Kava Java. There are most certainly alternative methods that work just as well, but this is the one they settled upon given the particular items they had available to work with.


Mix the following ingredients in a blender:

1. Water - Slightly warm. Temperature doesn't matter so much, but coffee absorbs somewhat better with warmer water. At least a cup per person.

2. Kava - As much as desired given the quantity to be made, the particular strain being used, sensitivity / tolerance of the consumers to kava, etc. Panda & co. usually just shovel it in by the spoonful as they can gauge relative strength by eye at this point.

3. Ground Coffee - Again, as much as desired depending on circumstances. Instant coffee also works, but tended to produce a less desirable taste. The panda had read elsewhere that the coffee should be brewed first before adding it, but this method is much easier and works just fine, so forget that.

4. Honey (Optional) - This helps to sweeten the deal by reducing the combined bitterness of the kava and coffee (mostly coffee, but depends on kava strain used). Panda has used both expensive quality honeys and cheap ones that come in plastic containers shaped like bears Even flavoured ones as well. He recommends a middle ground for best results. The subtle flavours of high quality honeys is lost in the mix, and if using the cheapest honeys possible you might as well just add sugar.

5. Cinnamon (Optional) - Panda breaks up around an 1"-1.5" of cinnamon bark per several cups of water. Just adding cinnamon powder also works. Too much and the taste will overpower everything (particularly with powder), but the right amount will go nicely with the peppery taste of the kava. If using the bark without a nice expensive blender mr. panda highly suggests breaking it up into fairly small bits first.

6. Vanilla Extract (Optional) - Just a bit. Better to not taste it at all than have it overpower the beverage.


These are the ingredients panda and friends use time and time again. There are other possibilities of course, such as nutmeg, other flavours of extracts, mint, etc. etc. Further experimentation could be rewarding, but the panda is happy with the status quo for the time being.

Blend all the ingredients together. You should get a nice dark brown colour. The panda uses the 'ice crush' function (similar to turning the blender from off to on rapidly) repeatedly to get a nice frothy mix. He generally blends a bit, lets it sit a minute or two, then blends some more.

Get some cheese cloth, and a strainer as well for convenience if you wish. The panda finds it easiest to place the cheese cloth over the strainer and then pour the mixture in so he doesn't have to hold the cloth the entire time. Once most of the liquid has diffused through, he can let the strainer sit on the receptacle container and then twist the remaining liquid out of the cloth before disposing of it.

Now the Kava Java is essentially ready. Go ahead and drink away, or chill in the refridgerator for a cooler beverage. The panda occasionally will stir in some milk and then let it sit in the fridge for a bit to get a nice iced-coffee / frappuccino type drink.




Any other recipes for making Kava Java, experiences with Kava Java, opinions, etc., would be appreciated.

Reputation Comments on this post:

	very rich report on the combination, pleasure to read
	wonderful recipe, well written and interesting read.
	Brand new kava user who had to give up coffee because of the anxiety it caused, thanks you! Excellent write up!

[Richi]

Sounds like a very good recipe. PH has tried Kava and a Java in the past, since the stimulating effects of caffeine work well to negate the sleepyness that kava causes, but he hasn't tried mixing them together. He knows high temperatures destroy the kavalactones, but cold coffee would work. Thanks for the idea!

[RX420]

swims friends makes a great tasting drink, kava java chai tea..

its has great effect. gets swiyou going yet chills swiyou totally out. great for the morning.

all swims friends do is make the coffee,,put the chai tea bag in the coffee, than toss and wash as much kava swiyou want...

sounds gross but not bad and has a great effect.

just one weird concoction swims friends came about..


ps...canna kava java chai is great....(we don't add the canna, totally wigs out the experiance)

RX420 added 45 Minutes and 18 Seconds later...

thanks...swim did not see this...seems like a lot of swimmers have not tried.