Save A refreshing collection of naturally fermented beverages inspired by kombucha, perfect for enjoying as healthy, alcohol-free mocktails with complex flavors and gentle fizz.
When I first started making kombucha-style mocktails at home, I was amazed by how easy it was to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Its a fun process that turns every batch into a new experience.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters, ensures a clean and pure base for fermentation
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 tea bags or 2 tablespoons, provides the traditional kombucha taste and caffeine
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup), food for fermentation process
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored kombucha, initiates fermentation
- Flavoring options: Use 1–2 per batch, such as 100 g fresh berries, 1 sliced lemon or lime, fresh ginger, mint or basil, fruit juice, hibiscus petals, cinnamon stick or 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 sweetened tea cool to room temperature.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a clean glass jar. Add the SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Store at room temperature for 5–7 days, away from sunlight.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily. When tangy and slightly fizzy, its ready for next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha for next batch. Add chosen flavorings to kombucha.
- Bottle and carbonate:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly. Ferment 1–3 more days for carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- Once desired fizz is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save My family loves gathering in the kitchen to try new batches. Its a ritual that brings us together and makes healthy choices so much more fun.
Required Tools
Large glass jar (2–3 liters), fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with tight lids, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine (from tea). May contain traces of gluten if using flavored teas. Possible cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens if adding flavorings; check all labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45 Total Fat: 0 g Carbohydrates: 11 g Protein: 0 g
Save This home-brewed kombucha-style mocktail is a festive and healthy way to celebrate any occasion. Enjoy experimenting and sharing with friends.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long does the fermentation take?
Fermentation usually takes 5–10 days, depending on your flavor preference and room temperature. Taste daily after 5 days.
- → Can I use different teas?
Yes, black or green tea works well. Avoid flavored teas unless they are certified gluten-free and not oily.
- → How do I know when the drink is ready?
It's ready when the flavor is tangy and lightly fizzy but not overly sour. Adjust fermentation time to taste.
- → Which flavor combinations work best?
Popular options include ginger-lime, berry-mint, and apple-cinnamon. Mix and match fruits, herbs, and spices as desired.
- → What bottles are safe for storage?
Always use clean glass bottles with tight lids. Avoid metal containers, which can react with acidity from fermentation.
- → Is this drink suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
Yes. Select certified gluten-free tea if needed and double-check added flavoring ingredients for allergens.