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.
I started making kombucha-style drinks at home when looking for healthier alternatives to soda and cocktails. The creative flavor infusions make every batch unique and fun to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 bags or 2 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Fresh berries: 100 g
- Lemon or lime: 1, thinly sliced
- Fresh ginger: 1 small knob, sliced
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3–4 cloves
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil filtered water. Add tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove or strain.
- Add sugar:
- Stir in sugar while hot until dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour tea into jar. Add SCOBY and starter. Cover with cloth; secure with rubber band. Ferment 5–7 days at room temperature.
- Check and taste:
- Taste daily after 5 days. When tangy and slightly fizzy, proceed.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha for next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices. Pour into bottles, leaving headspace. Seal tightly.
- Ferment for carbonation:
- Ferment bottled drink 1–3 days at room temperature for extra fizz.
- Refrigerate:
- Refrigerate bottles. Strain out solids before serving.
Save My kids love choosing new flavor combinations, and bottling day has become a fun weekend tradition for us. Everyone enjoys mixing and matching favorite ingredients.
Required Tools
Large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with tight lids, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine. May contain traces of gluten or other allergens depending on chosen flavorings. Check all labels for safety.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 45 calories. Total fat: 0 g. Carbohydrates: 11 g. Protein: 0 g.
Save Try experimenting with a splash of sparkling water or creative garnishes for a real mocktail vibe. These drinks are guaranteed to make your next gathering deliciously memorable.
Recipe Questions
- → What kind of tea works best?
Both black and green tea are ideal. Choose loose-leaf or bags, and ensure no added flavors for best fermentation.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Taste daily after five days; a tangy, lightly fizzy drink means it's ready. Longer fermentation gives a tarter flavor.
- → Can I use fruit juice for flavoring?
Yes, add small amounts of juice like pomegranate or apple during the second fermentation for variety and natural sweetness.
- → Is this beverage suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, it suits both. Use certified gluten-free teas and check all ingredients for allergens before flavoring.
- → How can I make my drink fizzier?
Seal bottles tightly and let them ferment for 1–3 days after adding flavorings. Refrigerate when desired carbonation is reached.
- → What is a SCOBY and where can I get it?
A SCOBY is a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, essential for fermentation. Use store-bought kombucha as starter if needed.