I tried a cup of kava, the magical South Pacific drink that some say could replace alcohol - here's what it was like

Of course, inside, the drinks are far from typical.

I met with the bartender, Moose, who helped me through my first kava experience. He's been drinking kava for well over a decade now, making him the perfect guide.

Moose explained to me that it may take a while to feel kava's effects. It's different for everyone, depending on how quickly your liver enzymes metabolize the kava juice.

The decor is tropical in homage to kava's island origins. You'll find customers working on their computers or socializing with friends at the bar.

I'd say the kava prices are comparable to typical Manhattan prices, but if you stop by during happy hour, you're guaranteed to get a deal.

Once the drinks are poured, everyone raises their shells and cheers with the Fijian word "Bula." This means "to live" and seemed fitting for how peaceful guests appeared to be at the bar.

If you're looking to cut some calories, you're in luck. Moose said that each kava serving has "next to nothing" when it comes to calories. The drink averages about 30 calories per serving.

Because the drink is natural, no flavoring or sugar is added to the traditional shells. Moose also said that kava is not addictive, however, he did recommend preparing for the drink like you would before drinking alcohol — have something in your stomach, and know your limits.

The recommended kava consumption depends on the individual. Moose explained that the root has a reverse tolerance effect, meaning that the more often you drink kava, the fewer drinks you need to feel its effects.

I began to worry about what I had gotten myself into.

The drink was light brown and looked like murky water. A layer of foam coated the top of the drink, and I soon realized that kava doesn't look or smell very appealing.

If I had to describe the taste in one word, it would be "earthy."

The drink was chalky and tasted the way I would imagine dirt to taste. I relied heavily on the pineapple for some sweetness to push the drink down. After the first round my lips started tingling, but despite the unique sensation, I found myself beginning to relax.

Moose said that customers come by for different reasons. Many are first-timers curious to see the drink's effects. Some are regulars stopping in for their daily fix. Moose said he has even met some people using kava to recover from alcohol or drug abuse. I found a few online forums where people discussed whether they found kava to be helpful or harmful in their recovery process.

Moose explained that this bar is much calmer than any bar he's ever worked at before. He said there are no bar fights here — only friendly conversation between customers.

The shots were more flavorful than the traditional liquid kava juice. They tasted similar to a blended fruit juice, with a slight medicine-like aftertaste.

You can choose from seven different $6 shots at KavaSutra.

I really felt kava's effects when I left the bar. I was moving at a much slower pace than I normally walk, and running seemed impossible.

Overall, I felt happy, but it wasn't the same feeling that an alcohol buzz gives you. While I had no desire to head to a club, I did feel stress-free and at ease.

Despite not having a hangover, I don't think I'll return any time soon. The taste was a little too strong for my liking. At the next happy hour I attend, I'd prefer to sip on something that doesn't taste so much like earth.