Serving kava at a dinner party
Serving kava to guests is easy to get right. There are just a few hosting rules, and the first one matters most. Kava goes on a separate table from the wine, because it shouldn't be mixed with alcohol.
Pass-around cans
Easiest for a table: chill a few cans, set out glasses and ice. Botanical Brewing Co.'s Orange Dream (creamsicle citrus) and Tutti Frutti (mixed fruit) look good poured, and brands like Leilo also make sparkling kava cans.
A kava "spirit" for mixed drinks
If you like playing bartender, bottled kava "spirits" such as Kava Haven are poured by the ounce into mocktails. Follow the serving size on the bottle.
Prices, ingredients and flavors from each brand's own site and major retailers, checked September 2026. Brands change formulas, so check the can.
A kava mocktail for the table
Kava citrus fizz (one glass): 1 can Kava Orange Dream over ice, 1/2 oz fresh lime, topped with a splash of soda water and an orange wheel. One can per glass, so one glass is one serving.
With food
Citrus flavors before and during dinner, and a dessert-style can like Tutti Frutti afterwards.
Hosting rules
- Label it, and tell guests what's in it.
- Always have non-botanical options: sparkling water, NA wine, a pitcher.
- Never alongside alcohol. If some guests are drinking wine, kava isn't for them tonight.
- Nobody drives after drinking it.
Who should skip kava
- Kava drinks are for adults 21+.
- Kava has rare reports of liver problems, mostly linked to concentrated supplements. Skip it if you have a liver condition, are pregnant or nursing, or take medications that affect the liver or nervous system.
- Don't mix it with alcohol, and don't drive after drinking it. Talk to your doctor if you're unsure.
Related: Your first kava night at home · Why kava and alcohol don't mix · What to drink instead of wine