What is Kava?

If you’ve ever walked into Oasis at the Mill and wondered, “What exactly is kava?” you’re not alone. Kava is a traditional botanical beverage made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, a member of the pepper family native to the South Pacific Islands (which is why you might notice that your tongue may get a little tingly when you drink it). Don't be alarmed is natural.  For centuries, people in places like Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, and Vanuatu have gathered around kava for ceremony, conversation, relaxation, and connection. Long before modern wellness trends existed, kava was already being used to bring people together in a calmer, more grounded way.

Today, kava has grown far beyond the islands and has become popular around the world as a relaxing alternative to alcohol and overstimulating nightlife. But not all kava experiences are the same.

Traditional kava preparation intentional. The root is mixed with water in a way that helps preserve naturally occurring compounds called kavalactones, which are responsible for kava’s calming and relaxing effects. Different varieties of kava can create different experiences. Some feel more uplifting and social, while others are heavier and better suited for winding down at the end of the night.

One of the things we love most about kava is that it creates a different kind of atmosphere. People tend to slow down. Conversations become more present. The pressure to perform, rush, or escape softens a little. That’s why kava bars and kava lounges have become increasingly popular for people looking for alcohol-free social spaces centered around connection, creativity, and community.

At Oasis at the Mill, our approach to kava is rooted in experience, atmosphere, and intention. We serve crafted kava drinks alongside botanical teas, ceremonial matcha, and wellness experiences in a space designed to help people reset and reconnect. Whether you’re completely new to kava or already familiar with it, our Winston-Salem kava bar is a place to explore something different from the usual coffee shop or nightlife scene.

Kava isn’t about getting wild. It’s about unwinding. Grounding. Gathering.

Taking a breath.

And honestly, in today’s world, most of us could probably use a little more of that.