Save to Pinterest A refreshing collection of naturally fermented beverages inspired by kombucha, perfect for enjoying as healthy, alcohol-free mocktails with complex flavors and gentle fizz.
I began experimenting with kombucha-style drinks to offer my family an alternative to sugary sodas and store-bought options. These homemade brews brought vibrant fizz and fun flavor to our weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags: 8 (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf tea)
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Flavoring options: Choose 1–2 (100 g fresh berries, 1 lemon or lime thinly sliced, 1 knob fresh ginger sliced, 1 sprig mint or basil, 2 tablespoons fruit juice, 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals, 1 cinnamon stick or 3 whole cloves)
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil 2 liters of filtered water. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain out leaves.
- Add sugar:
- While the tea is hot, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature (hot liquid can kill the SCOBY).
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a large, clean glass jar. Add SCOBY and starter liquid (or store-bought kombucha).
- Cover:
- Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste your brew daily. When it's tangy and slightly fizzy (not overly sour), it's ready for the next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha to use as starter for your next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices to the kombucha.
- Bottle and ferment:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly. Ferment at room temperature for 1–3 more days for extra carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- When desired carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save to Pinterest My kids love picking new flavor combos, and it turns every batch into an edible adventure. Sometimes our kitchen smells like a berry patch and everyone gathers around to watch the bottles fizz up.
Required Tools
Large glass jar (2–3 liters), fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with lids, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine from tea. If using flavored teas or added ingredients, check for gluten or potential cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 45. Total Fat: 0 g. Carbohydrates: 11 g. Protein: 0 g.
Save to Pinterest With these kombucha-style mocktails, healthy fizz meets creative flavors to delight everyone at your table. Enjoy experimenting and sharing your favorites.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients can I use for flavoring?
Fresh berries, citrus slices, ginger, mint, basil, fruit juices, hibiscus petals, cinnamon, or cloves work well. Mix and match for unique blends.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
After 5 days, taste daily. When tangy and lightly fizzy, it's ready for flavoring and bottling. Shorter fermentation yields sweeter drinks.
- → Is this drink suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
Yes, just ensure all teas and flavorings used are certified vegan and gluten-free. Avoid flavored teas unless checked for allergens.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness and sourness?
Ferment for fewer days for a sweeter taste or longer for more tang. Sugar amounts can also be modified to preference.
- → What tools do I need for preparation?
You'll need a large glass jar, strainer, funnel, bottles with lids, and measuring cups and spoons. Use non-metal containers for safety.
- → How do I serve these fermented drinks?
Serve chilled over ice, optionally with a splash of sparkling water. Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus for extra flair.