Captain Cook's Kava

Premium Pacific Kava for Europe — Est. 1773

The Pacific's Best Kept Secret

"It creates not the noisy drunkenness of wine... but a placid and tranquil state"
— George Forster, Ship's Naturalist aboard HMS Resolution, 1773

While others sought gold, Captain James Cook found something more valuable. In 1773, aboard the HMS Resolution, Cook's expedition documented the ceremonial drink of Pacific royalty — Kava.

Our Kava Products

Our Story — Captain Cook's Kava

Continuing the voyage that began in 1773

The Voyage Continues

In 1773, aboard the HMS Resolution, Captain James Cook's expedition documented the ceremonial drink of Pacific royalty — Kava. George Forster, the ship's naturalist, wrote of a drink that created "not the noisy drunkenness of wine... but a placid and tranquil state."

Captain Cook's Kava was born from a simple idea: bring that same authentic experience to Europe. We source only Noble Kava varieties from the islands Cook himself explored — working directly with Polynesian farming families who have cultivated kava for generations.

Our Promise

  • 100% Noble Kava — Only the finest cultivars
  • Direct from Polynesia — Sourced from the same islands Cook explored
  • EU Compliant — Fully legal and lab tested
  • Free EU Shipping — Delivered across Europe

Shop Kava — Captain Cook's Kava

Premium Noble Kava, shipped free across Europe

Our Kava Blends

1773 — The Awakening Blend

A heady, uplifting kava perfect for social gatherings, creative sessions, and daytime relaxation. Effects: Heady, Uplifting, Energizing, Social.

1773 — The Awakening Blend

Named for the year that changed everything

The Awakening Blend

In 1773, aboard the HMS Resolution, Cook's naturalist George Forster first documented the remarkable effects of kava. This blend honours that moment of discovery.

Character: Heady & Uplifting — A cerebral, euphoric kava that lifts the mood.

Best for: Social gatherings, creative sessions, daytime relaxation.

Origin: 100% Noble Kava from Polynesia, lab tested for purity and potency.

Navigator's Reserve — The Evening Blend

Deep calm for the end of the voyage

The Evening Blend

After months navigating the Pacific, Cook's crew sought deep rest. Navigator's Reserve captures that same longing for calm.

Character: Heavy & Relaxing — A full-bodied kava that soothes muscles and quiets the mind.

Best for: Evening unwinding, meditation, restful sleep.

Origin: 100% Noble Kava from Polynesia, lab tested for purity and potency.

The Remarkable History of Kava

Three thousand years of tradition, discovery, and revival

Ancient Origins

Kava (Piper methysticum) was first domesticated by Melanesian farmers in what is now Vanuatu, roughly 3,000 years ago. From there, Lapita seafarers carried kava cuttings across the Pacific.

Captain Cook's Discovery

In 1773, during his second voyage aboard the HMS Resolution, Captain James Cook encountered kava ceremonies across Polynesia. His naturalist, Johann Georg Forster, gave kava its scientific name — Piper methysticum, meaning "intoxicating pepper."

"It creates not the noisy drunkenness of wine... but a placid and tranquil state." — George Forster, 1773

Modern Revival

Today, kava is experiencing a global revival as a natural alternative to alcohol, with kava bars spreading across the United States and renewed scientific interest in its anxiolytic properties.

How to Prepare Kava

The traditional method, perfected

Traditional Kava Preparation

  1. Combine: Add 5–6 tablespoons of kava root powder to a blender with 1–1.5 litres of hot water and a splash of milk.
  2. Blend: Blend thoroughly for a couple of minutes.
  3. Strain: Pour through a nut milk bag, muslin cloth, or fine mesh. Strain twice for best results.
  4. Cool: Add ice to bring the temperature down. Dilute with cold water to taste.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use hot but not boiling water — around 60–70°C is ideal
  • Don't skip the milk — the fats aid extraction of kavalactones
  • Drink on an empty stomach for stronger effects

Contact Captain Cook's Kava

We'd love to hear from you

Get in Touch

Whether you have questions about our kava, need help with an order, or just want to chat — we're here to help.

Email: captain@cookskava.com

We aim to respond within 24–48 hours.

Shipping Information

We ship to all EU countries with free standard shipping on every order.