New to kava or planning your first visit? This is the most complete kava FAQ we could write, covering what kava is, how it feels, whether it is safe and legal, how to drink it, and what to expect at Kava Works in Colorado Springs. General information only, not medical or legal advice. Guests must be 18 or older to order kava, and we check ID.
Kava Basics
What is kava?
Kava is a drink made from the root of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), native to the South Pacific. It contains compounds called kavalactones that promote calm and relaxation without alcohol, while keeping your mind clear. People have shared it in community and ceremony for over 3,000 years.
Where does kava come from?
Kava is native to South Pacific islands including Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, and Hawaii, where it has been central to social and ceremonial life for thousands of years.
What is kava made from?
Kava is made from the root and underground stems of the kava plant. The root is dried, ground into powder, and steeped in water to release its active kavalactones, then strained into an earthy, tan-colored drink.
What are kavalactones?
Kavalactones are the naturally occurring active compounds in kava responsible for its relaxing effects. Different kava varieties have different kavalactone profiles, which is why some feel more relaxing and others more uplifting and social.
What does kava taste like?
Traditional kava is earthy, peppery, and slightly bitter, an acquired taste for many people. Flavored kava sodas, teas, kombucha, and extract shots are much more approachable if you are new to it.
Is kava a tea?
Not exactly. Kava is brewed by steeping ground kava root in water, so it resembles a tea in preparation, but it comes from a root rather than tea leaves and has its own distinct, relaxing effect.
How do you pronounce kava?
Kava is pronounced KAH-vah.
Why are kava bars becoming popular?
Kava bars are growing because more people want a social night out without alcohol, for health, recovery, the sober-curious movement, or simply to avoid hangovers. Kava offers the relaxed, social feeling of a drink while keeping you clear-headed.
Effects and Experience
What does kava do to you?
Kava relaxes your muscles, eases tension and social anxiety, and creates a mild, pleasant sense of well-being, all while keeping you clear-headed and in control. It does not intoxicate or impair you the way alcohol does.
Does kava get you high?
Not in the intoxicating sense. Kava produces relaxation and mild euphoria while you stay lucid and in control. You will not slur, black out, or lose your judgment the way you might with alcohol.
What does kava feel like?
Most people feel a calm, relaxed, pleasantly social state with a clear head, loosened muscles, eased anxiety, easier conversation, and a mild sense of contentment that can edge into light euphoria.
How long does it take kava to kick in?
Kava usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes to take effect when sipped traditionally, and faster, often 10 to 20 minutes, with a concentrated extract shot or on a relatively empty stomach.
How long do kava's effects last?
Kava's effects typically last about 1 to 3 hours, tapering gently, depending on the kava, the amount, and your body.
Why do my lips go numb when I drink kava?
A brief numbing or tingling of the lips and tongue is a normal, harmless effect of fresh kava. It simply means the active kavalactones are present.
Does kava help with anxiety?
Many people find kava eases anxiety and social tension, and its calming properties have been studied. That said, kava is a beverage, not a medical treatment, so talk to your doctor about any anxiety condition.
Does kava help you sleep?
Many people find kava's relaxing effect helps them wind down in the evening, which can make falling asleep easier. It is not a sleeping pill or a medical sleep treatment.
Does kava give you energy?
Kava is primarily relaxing, not stimulating. Some lighter, heady varieties feel uplifting and social, but kava will not energize you the way coffee does.
What is the difference between heady and heavy kava?
Heady kava feels uplifting, euphoric, and social. Heavy kava feels relaxing, sedating, and body-calming. Many house blends are balanced between the two. Tell your kavatender which feeling you want.
Will kava make me drowsy?
It can, especially in larger amounts or with heavy varieties. If you feel notably relaxed or sleepy, do not drive, and never drive if you have combined kava with anything else.
Safety and Side Effects
Is kava safe?
For most healthy adults, traditional water-based kava is considered safe when enjoyed responsibly and in moderation. Avoid mixing it with alcohol or sedatives, do not overdo it, and avoid kava if you have liver problems, take interacting medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if unsure.
What are the side effects of kava?
Common, usually mild side effects include temporary lip and tongue numbing, drowsiness, and occasional stomach upset. Very heavy, prolonged daily use can cause a reversible skin condition called kava dermopathy.
Is kava bad for your liver?
Traditional, moderate, water-based kava is generally well tolerated. Liver concerns have been linked mainly to certain low-quality concentrated extracts and heavy overuse. People with liver conditions should avoid kava, and no one should combine kava with alcohol or liver-affecting medications.
Is kava addictive?
Kava is not considered physically addictive the way alcohol, nicotine, or opioids are, and it does not cause a dangerous withdrawal. It is still best enjoyed in healthy moderation.
Can you overdose on kava?
Kava is not associated with life-threatening overdose the way some substances are, but drinking too much can leave you overly sedated, nauseated, or groggy. Moderation is key, so start slow and find your comfortable level.
What is kava dermopathy?
Kava dermopathy is a dry, scaly, flaky skin condition associated with very heavy, prolonged daily kava use. It is reversible and resolves when use is reduced. It is not something moderate kava drinkers typically experience.
Who should not drink kava?
Avoid kava, or check with your doctor first, if you have liver problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, take sedatives or medications metabolized by the liver, have been drinking alcohol, have upcoming surgery, or are under 18.
Can you drink kava while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Kava is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are expecting or nursing, skip kava and ask your doctor about safe options.
Can you mix kava with alcohol?
No. Never mix kava with alcohol. The combination is hard on your liver and unsafe. This is the single most important kava rule.
Can you take kava with medications?
Be cautious. Kava can interact with sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, and drugs processed by the liver. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining kava with any medication.
Is kava natural?
Yes. Kava is a plant-based beverage made from the root of the kava plant. Like anything, natural does not mean use without limits, so enjoy it responsibly and in moderation.
Legality and Age
Is kava legal?
Yes. Kava is legal at the federal level in the United States. It is not a controlled substance; the FDA regulates it as a dietary supplement and food ingredient rather than a drug.
Is kava legal in Colorado?
Yes. Kava is legal in Colorado. There is no state law banning it, and it is sold and served openly in kava bars and shops across the state, including in Colorado Springs.
Do you have to be 21 to drink kava?
Kava is not restricted by a statewide minimum-age law like alcohol, but reputable kava bars serve it as an adult beverage and require guests to be 18 or older with valid ID. Kava Works requires a valid ID and serves guests 18 and over.
Can you drive after drinking kava?
Kava does not impair you the way alcohol does, and many people are fine to drive after a modest amount on its own. But if you feel notably relaxed or drowsy, wait, and never drive after mixing kava with alcohol or other substances.
Does kava show up on a drug test?
Standard drug tests screen for substances like THC, opioids, and amphetamines, not kava or its kavalactones, so kava is not typically detected on a standard drug test. If you have a specific testing requirement, check with the testing authority, as policies vary.
Is kava a controlled substance?
No. Kava is not a controlled substance in the United States and is not scheduled by the DEA.
Kava vs. Other Things
What's the difference between kava and alcohol?
Kava relaxes you and eases social tension while keeping your mind clear, with no typical hangover. Alcohol impairs your judgment and coordination, dehydrates you, disrupts sleep, and carries long-term health risks. Kava is a popular alcohol-free alternative.
Is kava better than alcohol?
For people who want to relax and socialize without impairment, hangovers, or alcohol's health risks, many find kava a better fit. The right choice depends on your goals, but kava offers a clear-headed, hangover-free experience.
Is kava the same as kratom?
No. Kava and kratom are completely different plants. Kava comes from the root of a South Pacific pepper plant and promotes calm, clear-headed relaxation. Kratom comes from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree in the coffee family and has different, dose-dependent effects and a higher dependence risk.
Is kava safer than kratom?
For most healthy adults using it responsibly, kava is generally well tolerated and is not physically addictive like opioids. Kratom carries a higher potential for dependence and more regulatory scrutiny. Neither should be mixed with alcohol.
Is kava the same as CBD or hemp?
No. Kava is a root-based drink with kavalactones; CBD comes from the hemp plant and contains cannabinoids. They are different plants with different compounds and effects, though both are used by people seeking relaxation.
Is kava like marijuana?
No. Kava does not contain THC or cannabinoids and will not produce a marijuana-style high. It is a relaxing, clear-headed botanical drink, a different plant with a different effect.
What is the difference between kava and coffee?
Coffee stimulates and energizes you with caffeine; kava relaxes and calms you with kavalactones. In a sense they are opposites, coffee winds you up, kava winds you down.
Drinking and Preparing Kava
How do you drink kava?
Kava is traditionally served in a cup or shell and drunk in a few quick sips rather than slowly. Expect an earthy taste and a brief lip tingle, then give it 15 to 30 minutes to relax you. Enjoy it in rounds over the evening and pace yourself.
How do you prepare kava at home?
Add ground kava root to a strainer bag in a bowl, pour in warm not boiling water, knead and squeeze the bag underwater for 5 to 10 minutes until the water turns earthy tan, wring it out, strain, and serve. Or skip the work and order it at a kava bar.
How much kava should a beginner drink?
Start with one serving and wait 15 to 30 minutes to see how you feel before having more. Aim for relaxed and clear-headed rather than as much as possible. With kava, finding your level beats chasing strength.
Can you drink kava every day?
Many people enjoy kava regularly, but moderation matters. Heavy daily, high-dose use is where issues like kava dermopathy concentrate. Occasional-to-moderate enjoyment is a very different thing, so listen to your body and keep it reasonable.
Should you drink kava on an empty stomach?
It is best to eat a little first. Kava on a totally empty stomach can hit harder and may cause stomach upset. A light snack helps you feel comfortable.
How can I make kava taste better?
Try flavored versions like kava sodas, teas, or kombucha; drink it chilled; use a chaser of fruit or juice; pair it with food; and take quick sips rather than slow ones.
What does "Bula" mean?
Bula is a Fijian word meaning life or health, used as a toast like cheers before drinking kava. It is a warm nod to kava's South Pacific roots.
What is a kava "shell"?
A shell is a serving of kava, named for the coconut-shell cups traditionally used to drink it. At a kava bar, ordering a shell means ordering a single serving.
Buying and Taking Kava Home
Where can I buy kava in Colorado Springs?
You can buy and drink kava at Kava Works, which has two Colorado Springs locations, North at 6820 N Academy Blvd and Downtown at 111 E Pikes Peak Ave, and offers to-go kava products like shots, chocolates, and gummies.
Can you take kava to go?
Yes. Kava Works offers to-go products including farm-fresh kava shots, chocolates, kava gummies, and canned options so you can enjoy kava at home.
How much does kava cost?
At Kava Works, traditional kava starts around 9 dollars for a 12 oz serving, with kava sodas, teas, extract shots, and to-go products at a range of price points. Check the current menu for exact pricing, and visit during nightly happy hour from 6 to 7 p.m. for specials.
What is noble kava?
Noble kava refers to high-quality kava varieties traditionally selected for pleasant, balanced, daily-drinking effects and good tolerability. It is the standard reputable kava bars serve, as opposed to harsher tudei kava.
Visiting Kava Works
Where is Kava Works located?
Kava Works has two Colorado Springs locations: North at 6820 N Academy Blvd (80918), reachable at 719-698-9037, and Downtown at 111 E Pikes Peak Ave (80903), reachable at 719-394-4907.
What are Kava Works' hours and specials?
Kava Works is open 7 days a week with nightly happy hour from 6 to 7 p.m., plus weekly specials like BOGO Mondays, 7 dollar Tea Wednesdays, and Thursday game nights. The Downtown lounge hosts karaoke, trivia, and live music. Check our Google Business Profile for exact daily hours and our events calendar for what is on.
Do I need a reservation to visit Kava Works?
No. Kava Works is walk-in friendly. Just come by either lounge, and the bar team will help you find a first drink.
Is Kava Works alcohol-free, and what should I know before my first visit?
Yes, Kava Works is completely alcohol-free. For your first visit, tell your kavatender it is your first time and they will recommend a beginner-friendly drink. Start with one serving, expect a brief lip tingle, and give it 15 to 30 minutes to relax. Bring a valid ID, since you must be 18 or older to order.
Does Kava Works host events?
Yes. Kava Works hosts community events such as live music, karaoke, open mic nights, tournaments, trivia, and seasonal gatherings. Check the events calendar for the latest schedule.
Still have a question?
We love talking kava. Call 719-698-9037, drop by either Colorado Springs lounge, or read our learning-center guides to get started. Start slow. Stay chill.