What Is a Kratom Drink? A Real Guide to the Best Kratom Beverages

Kratom drinks are an accessible way to explore this traditional Southeast Asian botanical. They're relatively easy to find or make, quick, and convenient. Many kratom users prefer a liquid kratom drink over tossing and washing bitter kratom powders or taking capsules and tablets. 

From herbal teas brewed at home to pre-made shots lining store shelves, kratom drinks are versatile. Wellness seekers can now enjoy kratom drinks on the go or in the same spaces they frequent – coffee shops, kava bars, or a quick grab at the gas station.

We've prepared this guide to familiarize you with the best types of kratom drinks out there. Once you know what you want and how to vet for quality, you're ready to shop. We'll also share some tips for how to use kratom drinks and sort out the info on the labels so you can use them safely and have the best experience. 

What Is a Kratom Drink?

A kratom drink is any beverage that contains loose-leaf kratom, kratom powder, or extracts made from kratom’s active compounds called alkaloids. Kratom drinks suspend the alkaloids in an easy-to-drink formula. These drinks offer dosing control, faster onset, and may mask kratom’s natural bitterness. For a detailed look at the best kratom dosing, see our guidelines. 

For centuries, laborers in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia chewed fresh kratom leaves or brewed them into bitter teas. They reported energy and a positive mindset even as they toiled long hours in the fields. These traditional preparations formed the foundation of modern kratom use. In the West, the kratom plant is now available in teas, shots, smoothies, and ready-to-drink formulas. 

Learn more about why people are turning to liquid kratom for their wellness needs.

Why People Drink Kratom Instead of Taking Capsules or Powder

What makes a kratom beverage unique is how it delivers the plant’s active compounds. The two main alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). These interact with the body in different ways, producing a variety of effects. When suspended in a drinkable solution, they are more readily bioavailable and work quickly. 

The effects are often described as stimulating at the lower end of dosing to relaxing at the higher end. Each person reacts a little differently, so you may feel a blend of effects. If you value function and flavor, kratom beverages have a format and strength for your preferences. 

Why drink kratom instead of swallowing a tablet or kratom capsules? 

• User experience: Many people enjoy drinking kratom over using tablets or capsules. Fun flavors can brighten your routine.

• Easy and natural: Kratom drinks feel more natural, especially when compared to tossing and washing dry, gritty powders. 

• Onset and absorption: Quick absorption (15-30 minutes for most people) means you can feel better sooner. Capsules, tablets, and loose powder take a little longer to be absorbed, so the effects can be delayed, especially if you have a sluggish metabolism.

• Fits easily into daily routines: Brew a tea or mix up a smoothie before work. Grab a shot at lunch or after the gym. Or settle in with a red vein warm brew and a good book in the evening.

• Portable and discreet: Bottled kratom shots are often flavored and small, so they are a good choice for a busy day out. 

Kratom Drinks vs. Other Consumption Methods

This breakdown highlights why drinks are considered a balanced entry point. They provide a quicker onset than capsules and more flexibility than extracts.

Types of Kratom Drinks

Kratom drinks come in many forms, from simple teas to concentrated shots. Here are the most common ways people prepare and enjoy them.

Kratom Tea

Kratom tea is the traditional method of taking kratom. There are a couple of ways to make kratom tea. Warm the water to help extract the alkaloids into the liquid.

1. Warm some water, stir in the kratom powder. 

2. Brew, steep, and strain like regular tea. 

3. Add natural sweeteners, juice, or lemon (which improves alkaloid extraction) to taste.

You can also buy commercial, pre-made kratom teas.

Kratom Shots

These come in small bottles similar to energy drinks. The small, concentrated servings deliver fast, noticeable effects. These usually contain kratom extract and are much stronger than tea. See our list of the best kratom for energy and focus.  

Most kratom shots offer multiple servings per bottle, so be sure to carefully read each label before consuming. 

Powder Mixes

Kratom powder mixes often come in single-serve packets. They can be stirred into various liquids to create a flavorful drink. While not water-soluble, vigorous mixing helps suspend it in liquid. Since kratom alkaloids are lipophilic (fat-soluble), many people also add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk. 

Mix pre-flavored kratom drink mixes into:

• Water

• Fruit juices

• Coffee

• Black or green tea

• Coconut or nut milk

Do not mix kratom powders with carbonated or alcoholic beverages. Learn more about the difference between kratom extract vs powder.  

Novelty Blends & Kratom ‘Mocktails’

A kava bar often has these on the menu. Anything from kombucha and kratom blends to fun kratom mocktails. Other botanicals may also be added, like CBD or kava, functional mushroom coffees, or adaptogens.

Recommended Read: Kratom vs CBD: A Real Look at Benefits and Key Differences 

Kratom Extracts or Tinctures

Lastly, while kratom shots may contain extracts, read the label to be sure. You don’t want to inadvertently drink a kratom extract, not realizing it's much stronger than the flavored drink you’re used to. Kratom extracts and tinctures are very potent concentrations of the alkaloids and are often taken in minimal doses. Have you noticed the recent surge in interest in certain extracts? Learn everything you need to know about what is Hydroxie. 

DIY Kratom Drinks: How to Make Them Safely

Brewing your own kratom drink gives you control over serving size, strength, and flavor. 

Basic Kratom Tea Recipe

1. Add 2–3 grams of kratom powder to 2–3 cups of water. (Use dosing per your experience level and manufacturer instructions on dosing.)

2. Simmer gently for 15 minutes. (Avoid boiling, which may reduce potency.)

3. Add lemon or lime juice to enhance alkaloid extraction.

4. Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.

5. Sweeten with honey or mix with ginger tea to soften the taste.

Kratom can also be mixed into fruit juices like orange or cranberry, both of which reduce bitterness while improving absorption. Smoothies are another option. Blend kratom powder with banana, yogurt, or protein powder for an easy pre-workout boost.

DIY Kratom Drinks vs Bottled Kratom Shots or Teas

The biggest difference between DIY and store-bought is that you know exactly what you put into your homemade drink. You control dosing and flavor. Store-bought can be less time-consuming, however, so it’s important to understand how to read the labels. For the small kratom shots, especially, know the dosage and strength so you don’t overconsume. See our list of must-haves when it comes to finding the best kratom shots.  

Are Kratom Drinks Safe?

The safety of kratom drinks depends on two factors: the source and the serving. 

Source tips: Because kratom is not FDA-regulated, there is no standardized quality control across products. This creates room for contamination, adulteration, and inconsistent potency. The safest choice is to buy from brands that publish third-party lab results and detail their sourcing practices. See how to determine what makes the best 7-hydroxymitragynine vendor. 

Serving tips: Even clean kratom should be taken with care. Larger servings raise the risk of nausea, constipation, or dizziness, and long-term heavy use may lead to dependence. Beginners should start with 2-3 grams of powder, or less. Measure carefully and avoid mixing kratom with alcohol, sedatives, or prescription CNS depressants. Strong extracts are best left to experienced users.

For a more detailed look at powder usage, see our user guide: How to Take Kratom Powder: The Real Guide to Powdered Kratom Use 

How to Choose the Best Kratom Drink for You

The best choice depends on your goals, tolerance, and context. We’re a little biased, but we believe that all Real Botanicals kratom and kava products are crafted for transparency and trust. 

• Beginners: Try this 150mg Mood Boost kava kratom shot for small-dose support.

• Intermediate users: Often enjoy the Maximum Mood Boost Kratom Kava Shot (375mg). These offer clean convenience and intermediate support.

• Experienced users: Try our 7OH shot designed with just the right amount of real 7-OH kratom extracts. These offer more potent, faster effects in smaller volumes. Shop all 7-OH products here for a powerful, potent approach to full-body relief! 

Also consider the time of day. A citrus kratom tea in the morning can energize without coffee jitters, while an evening tea with ginger or chamomile may support relaxation. Social users may prefer bottled kratom-kava shots as an alternative to alcohol.

Staying Safe with Store-Bought Kratom Drinks: What You Should Know

There are many common brands of ready-made kratom shots. You’ll see these and dozens of others at gas stations and smoke shops. Because of their potency, you’ll need to vet the products before using them. 

Only buy brands you’ve researched and deemed reputable. Though pre-made kratom drinks are convenient, the burden of safety is often on your shoulders. Choose wisely so you can have the full effect of kratom, enjoyably so, without adding unnecessary risks.

Read the full product label, the COA (Certificate of Analysis), and visit the company’s website. If you cannot find the answers to the following questions, avoid using the product:

• Is it made with Mitragyna speciosa? The country of origin is also nice to know. This indicates the company's transparency about its sourcing.

• Is there clear information on the alkaloids that are present and how much? Clear dosing and ingredients indicate the company cares about your safe use of their product. 

• Is the COA available online for you to see? This will show you third-party lab testing for potency, consistency, and for microbes, pathogens, and heavy metals.

• Is the company using cGMP production? A simple “made in the USA" isn't enough. Look for AKA-level standards of production, called Current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP.

Kratom is not FDA approved for any kind of medical treatment, so if a product is making medical claims (like: reduces pain), avoid it. Do a quick Google search for product names and company names to see if the FDA has issued any warning letters about them.

If a product claims astronomically high levels of just one alkaloid (suggesting it is lab-made or adulterated), avoid it. Companies like Real Botanicals uses US-based labs to demonstrate their natural alkaloid content for consumers.

Choosing a trusted vendor ensures consistent potency and avoids the risks that come with poorly regulated products.

FAQs About Kratom Drinks

Do kratom drinks work?

Yes. The alkaloids in kratom are active whether taken as powder, a capsule, or a drink. Liquids simply allow quicker absorption.

Are kratom drinks legal in my state?

Kratom is federally legal but banned or restricted in certain states and counties. Check a current kratom legality map before purchasing.

How strong are kratom shots?

Some may be much stronger than an at-home tea. Shots often use concentrated extracts or offer higher potency levels. These should be approached with caution, especially by beginners. Read the full labeling and COA to determine alkaloid content and proper dosing for safe use.

What’s the best liquid to mix kratom with?

Citrus juices (orange, lemon, grapefruit) improve extraction and taste. Smoothies also work well for masking bitterness. Kratom is lipophilic, so adding a splash of a fatty liquid like coconut milk may provide a fuller experience.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Kratom Drinks the Safe Way

Kratom drinks are more than a trend. They are a modern extension of a centuries-old tradition. Modern extraction methods like ChromaPure produce alkaloid-rich liquids for convenient small doses.

Kratom drinks are varied, from teas to juice blends to the concentrated kratom shots people love. Kratom beverages and shots are a great way to experience kratom. They’re flexible, social, and effective. But choosing high-quality kratom drinks is the only way to ensure a safer and more robust experience. Choose lab-tested products and use mindful serving sizes for the best experience..

Real Botanicals offers kratom drinks in shot form. We cater to beginners all the way through the most advanced kratom users. To see all of our kratom shots, visit buy kratom and kava shots online and see how quality can transform your wellness journey.  

Start slow, find your rhythm, and enjoy kratom drinks as part of a balanced, mindful lifestyle!