Kava is growing in popularity across the country. Check out exactly what this plant is, where it comes from, and some of the places you can try it for yourself.
The American food scene is rife with drink destinations. You’ve got coffee and tea shops for all of your caffeine needs, smoothie shops to give you a boost of nutrients, bars to relax in at the end of the day—the list goes on. There are even pet-friendly cafes across Michigan for those who want to combine coffee and canines. Still, a new type of establishment is cropping up across the country and bringing with it a wild amount of intrigue: kava bars.
Never heard of kava? You’re not alone. Like tea, kava is a plant, and it’s been consumed by humans for thousands of years. It originally had its heyday in the U.S. in the ‘90s, though in more niche circles. Now, it’s ready for the limelight and slowly rising as a new superstar drink that claims to be packed with health benefits.
But we’re not going to just let you jump on any trend unprepared. No, we’re here to break down exactly what this plant is, where it comes from, its health benefits, and more. So buckle up, because you’re going to want to drive to your nearest kava bar by the time you’re done here.
What is kava?
As we’ve established, kava is a plant, but let’s narrow that down. It’s a green, leafy plant from the pepper family, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to taste like its relative, black pepper. Like other pepper plants, kava is grown in warm, moist environments—namely, the Pacific Islands. It’s there that kava has been consumed ritually for thousands of years. You can recognize this plant by the yellow line that often outlines its leaves. You may have heard it called kava kava instead of just kava, but other names include ava root and kawa.
Now, you may be wondering how this leaf turns into a yummy beverage. Think of it like matcha. The roots are pulverized until they can be mixed with a liquid to become a ritualistic drink that’s said to come with health benefits. In the Pacific Islands, that liquid could be, say, coconut water, but here, many folks consume it more like a latte with their milk of choice and even sweetened flavor syrups.
What are kava’s benefits?
The main benefit that people associate with kava is feeling relaxed. This drink is said to put you at ease and help you unwind, whether you’re by yourself or want to feel more sociable for time with friends or a date.
The good news, too, is that you shouldn’t have to worry about forming a dependence on kava. “One interesting aspect is that kava binds to a different GABA receptor than benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, or Ativan,” Dr. Robert D. Ashley explained to UCLA Health. “This aspect may make kava less addictive than these other medications used for situational anxiety and may play a role in helping those who are addicted to other medications.”
Is kava safe and legal?
Kava naturally earns a lot of comparisons to marijuana because it’s a plant that mellows humans out, which can make people wonder if it’s legal. Luckily, yes, it is legal, and it’s also generally deemed safe for human consumption. Some concerns have popped up regarding long periods of usage potentially leading to liver issues, but nothing has been confirmed.
More studies still need to be done on kava to understand it to the fullest extent, but nothing seen throughout history or in contemporary use has concretely indicated that kava harms humans. The worst issue that most people experience is temporary mouth numbness. Just drink it in moderation like you would tea, coffee, alcohol, or even CBD drinks.
Where to try kava in Michigan
1. Kava Kasa
Address: 962 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10 am-12 am; Friday-Saturday: 10 am-2 am; Sunday: 10 am-12 am
One of the best places to try kava for the first time in Michigan is undoubtedly Kava Kasa. It’s true that Grand Rapids is full of awesome local coffee shops, but here, you can unwind late in the night with friends or family, soaking up the good vibes while indulging in seriously good sips. Why are they so good? Well, you essentially get to build your own kava drink with your flavors and milk of choice. Your options include caramel, mango, pistachio, rose, white chocolate, and so much more. You can even add chai, early grey, golden milk, and more to your kava.
Kava Kasa was the first true kava bar to hit Michigan, and its Google rating sits at a pretty 4.6 stars from hundreds of reviews. “Friendly staff. Nice neighborhood. Friendly clientele. Good drinks. … Made me feel relaxed. I am not from the area but will be back when I am in the area,” one visitor shared in their review.
2. Rooted Socialite
Address: 2010 E Michigan Ave #104, Lansing
Hours: Monday: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm; Tuesday-Thursday: 2:15 pm-10:30 pm; Saturday-Sunday: 2:15 pm-11 pm
Rooted Socialite is a one-stop tea shop in Lansing, and here, tea extends to kava, too! The teas here are all picked for their specific flavor profiles and properties, and the consumer knows exactly where they came from. The kava, too, is sourced intentionally, and the type of kava found in the store rotates. Rooted Socialite has a lovely atmosphere that makes for great mingling, and its kava drinks are only $6, so there’s really no reason to not give one a try one night.
“Super excited about this place! Great atmosphere, friendly service, the kava is amazing,” one reviewer wrote on Google, where Rooted Socialite has a 4.7-star rating. “Great place. Kava good and bitter. Proprietor helpful and chill. Atmosphere like your best friend’s older brother’s first apartment. Recommended,” another wrote. That sold it to us!
3. Sen Kava
Kava Kasa and Rooted Socialite may be your best steady brick-and-mortar options for hanging out with a good kava, but if you’re willing to follow a brand that moves around, then you need to give Sen Kava a shot. This mobile botanical bar pops up at different places and is hirable for events, but what we particularly love is that Michiganders who want to try kava but don’t have immediate access to it can order it from Sen Kava’s website. The brand offers two types of kava—one for social mingling and one for peak relaxation—and each starts at 1 liter (about eight servings) for $25.
Sen Kava is a young business, but it’s building a loyal following. On Google, it has a perfect 5-star rating, and the reviewers can’t seem to get enough. “I’m really glad I found Sen Kava. The taste is smooth and not too bitter, and it gives me that calm, relaxed feeling without making me groggy,” one pleased reviewer shared. “Very well crafted Kava. The price to quantity given is impressive, and the natural ingredients are what keep me coming back,” another wrote. Consider our interest piqued!
