Kava Shots: Where to Buy and Frequently Asked Questions in 2025

Kava shots are popping up left and right. But would it surprise you that this centuries-old herbal supplement is, well, centuries old?

Nowadays, people are looking for concentrated kava beverage effects without the earthy, bitter taste that turns many people away from it in the first place. From Fiji to your local smoke shop, kava root extract has traveled thousands of miles and evolved from a ceremonial drink to a shelf-stable wellness shot.

New to kava consumption? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re seeking stress relief or a plant-based alternative to alcohol, understanding what this herb offers—and its limitations—is your best bet for an enjoyable experience.

• Kava shots contain 100-180mg kavalactones, delivering a relaxing feeling within 20-30 minutes
• Mitra9 drinks offer third-party tested kava products with natural flavors masking the bitter root taste
• Many clinical studies support kava’s anxiolytic effects for mild to moderate anxiety
• Side effects of kava include potential liver issues with long-term use or when combined with alcohol
• Kava is legal in the U.S. as a dietary supplement, but statements haven’t been evaluated by the FDA
• First-time users should start with 75-150mg kavalactones according to clinical research

Finding quality kava shots takes some knowledge of what to look for (and what to avoid). Searching “buy kava shots online” is one thing, but sorting through the bunch?

Look beyond marketing claims and straight to the brand’s third-party lab testing and Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) that confirm potency and safety. The market is currently flooded with supplements making unverified health claims, but reputable retailers will always provide transparency about their kava extract sourcing and testing.

Mitra9 leads the market in reputable, quality kava by making all lab results easily accessible to customers. Their commitment to transparency goes far beyond basic compliance—every single batch undergoes testing for contaminants and kavalactone content. You’ll know exactly what you’re consuming.

Mitra9’s kava shots deliver a serious punch of relaxation in a small bottle designed for maximum convenience and potency.

Wind down naturally with the Lavender Sunrise Kava Shot. This drink combines a juicy grape flavor with calming lavender notes, delivering a soothing end-of-day ritual powered by 180mg of kavalactones.

• Dose: 180mg kavalactones per 2oz bottle
• Flavor: Grape with lavender notes
• Ingredients: Purified water, cane sugar, natural flavors, citric acid, malic acid, steviol glycosides, sodium citrate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.
• Key Features: Sugar-free, caffeine-free, water-soluble formula
• Best For: Evening relaxation and stress relief

The Cool Breeze Kava Shot pairs crisp mint with 180mg of fast-acting kavalactones for an instant calm you can take anywhere.

• Dose: 180mg kavalactones per 2oz bottle
• Flavor: Refreshing mint
• Ingredients: Purified water, cane sugar, natural flavors, citric acid, steviol glycosides, sodium citrate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.
• Key Features: Portable, fast-acting, ethically sourced
• Best For: Social situations or unwinding after work

If you’re after a combination of botanicals, Mitra9 drinks also include innovative blends mixing kava with kratom leaf extracts for well-rounded tension relief.

The VYBE9 Crisp Apple Shot delivers a tart Granny Smith bite and provides a steady kick that keeps mood and energy in sync.

• Dose: 100mg kavalactones + 50mg mitragynine
• Flavor: Granny Smith apple
• Ingredients: Purified water, cane sugar, natural flavors, malic acid, sucralose, sodium citrate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.
• Key Features: Dual-action formula for mood and energy
• Best For: Balanced daytime boost

The VYBE9 Blue Razz Shot is crafted for creative flow. This Mitra9 drink contains 100mg of kavalactones and 50mg of mitragynine for a natural energy boost and steady relief.

• Dose: 100mg kavalactones + 50mg mitragynine
• Flavor: Blue raspberry
• Ingredients: Purified water, cane sugar, natural flavors, malic acid, sucralose, sodium citrate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.
• Key Features: Plant-based energy without caffeine
• Best For: Creativity, focus, and relief

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a tropical plant native to islands in the South Pacific. The kava root has been used ceremonially for more than 3,000 years. The root contains kavalactones, which are compounds that produce calming effects by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), clinical trials show positive benefits for kava treatments in patients with anxiety. While studies show promising results, researchers note that quality, dosage, and preparation methods play a critical role in its safety and effectiveness.

Traditional kava has a strong, earthy flavor that’s often described as bitter and slightly peppery. Many first-timers describe it as “drinking dirt.” It also produces a natural mouth-numbing effect, which is part of its traditional effects but can be off-putting for drinkers.

Modern kava shots, like Mitra9’s, mask the unpleasant taste with natural mango flavors, lemonade notes, or mint for a more palatable and refreshing experience.

A kava drink is similar to tea. It involves steeping ground root in water, creating a murky beverage that’s consumed from coconut shells. Kava shots concentrate the active kavalactones into 2-ounce servings. Think espresso versus drip coffee—same plant, different concentration and convenience.

Generally, yes—shots contain 100-200mg kavalactones versus 70-250mg in normal kava consumption like drinks and teas, but in much less liquid. This concentration means faster absorption and more potent, predictable effects.

Absolutely. Products like Mitra9’s Lavender Sunrise completely mask the bitter taste with delicious fruit flavors. Many curious consumers want to explore kava but avoid it simply due to its unpleasant taste. Modern-day shots make the experience something enjoyable rather than something that has to be endured.

Research shows people use kava mainly for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and mild sedative effects. A comprehensive review notes the dramatic rise in popularity of kava as a clinical nutrient for relaxation and anxiety management with additional neurological and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Clinical research on the properties of kava highlights how kava shot effects include anxiety reduction, muscle relaxation, and improved sleep quality. Research discusses both benefits and risks, but the majority of individuals experienced general calm and happiness. Some report gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or rare skin reactions called kava dermopathy.

No. Kava doesn’t produce intoxicating effects like alcohol or marijuana. Instead, many users report a clear-headed calm that feels like social lubrication and general body relaxation without cognitive impairment. You won’t get “high” in the traditional sense, not even in high doses.

With a kava oral dosage, the Cleveland Clinic recommends starting with 150-300mg kavalactones daily for mild anxiety. For first-time users, most clinical studies say it’s best to start with 75-150mg kavalactones (about half a kava shot) to gauge your tolerance.

Expect the effects of kava shots to kick in within 20-30 minutes on an empty stomach, peaking around 1-2 hours. Food delays absorption, but it may also reduce the stomach upset some users experience. Pick your battles.

Pharmacokinetic studies show kava metabolites are completely eliminated within 18-48 hours for most people. However, some traces may remain up to 72 hours, depending on the dose and the person’s metabolism.

Yes, the short-term use of kava shots at the recommended doses is generally safe for healthy adults. The issue is long-term use. Clinical reviews on the effectiveness and safety of kava highlight rare cases of severe liver injury with long-term use or when combined with alcohol or medications. These products aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Yes. According to the California Department of Public Health, kava is legal in the United States as a dietary supplement. However, the FDA restricts its addition in food products due to safety concerns and has not evaluated or approved any health claims related to kava.

Within the United States, you can generally travel with kava shots without issues. However, international rules vary widely. While kava is legal in the U.S., some countries restrict the amount you can bring in, and others may ban it completely. Always check the regulations of your destination before packing kava products.

A systematic review on the effectiveness and safety of kava mentions some side effects of kava, which may include headache, gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and skin rash. More serious concerns that come with long-term use include kava’s potential to cause liver toxicity. Kava is not considered suitable for pregnant women, and those on medications should speak with a healthcare provider beforehand.

Standard drug screens don’t test for kava, but research shows kavain interference can rarely cause false positives for amphetamines in some immunoassay tests. Confirmatory testing (GC-MS) will later identify true positives. But since kava is legal in the United States, it shouldn’t trigger positive results.

When it comes to products like functional kava shots, our goal is to provide context that helps you decide what’s right for you – from ingredients and flavors to how they fit into everyday routines. Herb has spent many years exploring cannabis and plant-based industries, tracking how products are made, what sets quality brands apart, and the trends shaping the market.

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