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Kava is a plant-based drink with centuries of history behind it — and in 2026 it's showing up in a new form: ready-to-drink seltzers. If you've seen kava drinks at a smoke shop or heard about them as an alcohol alternative, here's everything you need to know.
What Is Kava?
Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant native to the Pacific Islands — Fiji, Vanuatu, Hawaii, and surrounding regions. For thousands of years, Pacific Island communities have used kava root in ceremonial and social settings, preparing it as a traditional drink by grinding and mixing the root with water.
The active compounds in kava are called kavalactones. Unlike kratom, kava does not interact with opioid receptors. Instead, kavalactones act on GABA receptors — the same pathway as alcohol and benzodiazepines — producing feelings of calm, reduced anxiety, and mild sociability without intoxication.
What Does Kava Feel Like?
- Relaxation — kava's most consistent effect; muscle tension reduces noticeably
- Reduced anxiety — social anxiety in particular responds well to kava
- Mild numbing — traditional kava causes slight numbing of the mouth and lips
- Clear-headed — kava does not produce the brain fog or memory issues of alcohol
- No hangover — most users report no next-day effects at normal doses
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Kava Drinks vs Traditional Kava
Traditional kava preparation involves grinding the root, mixing with water, and straining — a process that takes time and produces a thick, earthy drink that takes getting used to. Ready-to-drink kava seltzers like Mitra 9 Kava Seltzer use standardized kava root extract in a sparkling format — consistent dose, no prep time, and a much better taste experience.
Kava vs Alcohol
| Feature | Kava | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Active compound | Kavalactones | Ethanol |
| Mechanism | GABA receptors | GABA + other receptors |
| Anxiety relief | Yes | Short-term yes, rebound anxiety next day |
| Hangover | No | Yes |
| Calories | Very low | High |
| Liver impact | Safe at normal doses | Cumulative damage with heavy use |
| Addiction potential | Low | High |
Kava Drinks at DeltaCloudz
We carry Mitra 9 Kava Seltzer in four flavors — all 12 oz sparkling seltzers with standardized kava root extract. No kratom, no THC, just kava. Perfect as a daily relaxation drink or alcohol replacement.
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Is Kava Legal?
Yes — kava is legal in all 50 US states and federally. It is not a controlled substance and is widely available as a dietary supplement. Unlike kratom, there are no state-level bans on kava.
Kava vs Kratom — What's the Difference?
Both are botanical drinks used as alcohol alternatives, but they work differently:
- Kava — acts on GABA receptors, produces calm and muscle relaxation, no opioid receptor activity
- Kratom — acts on opioid receptors, produces mood lift and mild stimulation at low doses
- Mitra 9 Kratom Seltzer combines both — kava for the body calm, kratom for the mood lift
If you want to explore both, browse our kratom drinks or check out the full Mitra 9 collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kava safe to drink every day?
At normal doses, kava is considered safe for regular use. Traditional Pacific Island cultures have used kava daily for generations. The key is moderate use — very high doses over extended periods have been associated with liver stress in rare cases.
Does kava show up on a drug test?
Standard drug tests do not screen for kavalactones. Kava will not trigger a positive result on a typical workplace or urine drug test.
Can you mix kava and alcohol?
We don't recommend it. Both affect the central nervous system and the combination can intensify sedative effects unpredictably. Use kava as an alcohol alternative, not an addition.
How much kava seltzer should I drink?
Start with one can and assess how you feel after 30 minutes. Most users find one can is enough for a relaxation effect. Always follow the label directions.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Kava products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Must be 21+ to purchase.
