Forget what you’ve heard about kava. We found out the real deal behind this super-relaxing (and very earthy-tasting) drink – but first, what *is* it?

Kava (ˈkävə/) noun: kava, a South Pacific island plant root harvested by local tribes + farmers that has been used as a “greeting” method for centuries. There are several types of kava, mostly because the islands are geographically separated (and it takes 3-5 years to harvest).

MYTH: Only drug users drink kava.

FACT: Kava is ideal for those who suffer from anxiety, social anxiety, alcoholism, addictions, chronic pain, or have trouble sleeping

MYTH: You can’t drive after drinking kava.

FACT: Unlike alcohol, kava doesn’t cloud your judgement. Yeah, you can drink allllll the kava you want and be totally fine to drive. Your tolerance is the highest when you first drink kava. The more often you drink it, the easier it is for kava to affect you (the total opposite of alcohol).

MYTH: All kava tastes like dirt.

FACT: We’ll be real with you, kava doesn’t exactly look appetizing, but Kava Konnection makes creative kava drinks that look more like your favorite alcoholic cocktails (like the Kavarita instead of a margarita or a Kava Kolada instead of a Pina Colada). Bonus: They even have kava chocolate.

Here's what our team thought:

Kendall: It takes like freakin’ LaCroix.

Jordan: I had the Helium kava drink (which was amazing + 100x better than plain kava) Kava is definitely better mixed with something else…like chocolate.

Heather: Once you get used to the taste, it’s smooth sailing. I also highly recommend it after an evening workout to help settle down your body + mind.