| yee |
Kanaka Kava in Kona, Hawai'i makes a Kava Colada along with their standard beverage, and btw serves Hawaiian food. Based on what I have tried, the colada, standard beverage, and Hawaiian plate (I selected lau lau, ulu, and poke), all are excellent. Of the kava bars I've been to, this one is certainly a favorite and a fine model to follow. Because their colada was so good, it inspired me to find a recipe.
Kanaka Kava uses an extract with their colada, presumably to ensure strength and allow a brighter color. This recipe, which I found on the web (sorry I forgot the source), doesn't. I will try it later, thought I think I'd add two tablespoons of kava instead of a teaspoon because I like it strong.
Kava Colada
This is the ultimate chill-out cocktail with a Polynesian twist. The active ingredient, kava kava, is a root from the South Pacific that has been used for centuries as a ceremonial relaxant.
Serves 1
2 cups ice
1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/2 cup premium coconut milk
1 teaspoon organic kava kava powder
1 tablespoon raw honey
Pineapple wedges
1) Fill blender with ice, pineapple juice, coconut milk, kava kava powder and honey and blend until smooth.
2) Pour into a tall 16-ounce glass and garnish with pineapple wedges. |
| yee |
Gee, it's a quiet night...
Here's what I liked
2 tablespoons Hawaiian kava powder
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 cup chilled pineapple juice
1 tablespoon honey
Blend all ingredients together for about a minute, then serve.
Notes
The Hawaiian kava powder we provide has much of the chafe removed, so filtering is not really a concern. It's not so gritty.
I used the skim version of Thai Kitchen coconut milk ($2.69 per 14 oz. can). Next time perhaps I'll use the premium version, which has more calories and fat, presumably more flavor, and is $0.40 cheaper (from 99 Ranch Market in 'Aiea). Both do not use preservatives or artificial flavorings.
Instead of two cups of ice, I measured out an additional 1/2 cup of chilled pineapple juice. I figured the flavor would be richer and not watery that way. Though I can see how some might like it more watery - either by ice cubes or more pineapple juice - perhaps as a sipping drink.
The cheaper brands of coconut milk are about a 1/3 of the cost but probably has a preservative (potassium sulfate). The flavor might also be different.
I'll be making more of these kava coladas as they're really tasty and provide an adequate effect.
I just had some about 1/2 hour ago. I'm so happy. [:)] |