Pin Recipe 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 first started brewing these kombucha-style drinks for my family as a fun way to explore fermentation and create unique, refreshing beverages without alcohol. Every batch is a new adventure, from zesty ginger-lime to bright berry-mint, and they've become our favorite option for garden parties or quiet evenings at home.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags or loose-leaf tea: 8 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf
- 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 fresh mint or basil, 2 tablespoons fruit juice, 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals, 1 cinnamon stick or 3–4 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 tea is hot, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature (hot liquid can damage the SCOBY).
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a large, clean glass jar. Add SCOBY and starter liquid.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily. When tangy and fizzy (not overly sour), ready for next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha for future batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices. Pour into bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly.
- Ferment for carbonation:
- Let bottles ferment at room temperature for 1–3 days for added fizz.
- Refrigerate:
- After carbonation, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Pin Recipe Sharing a batch of homemade kombucha-style mocktails on a sunny afternoon has become a cherished family ritual. My kids love choosing creative flavor combinations, and everyone enjoys feeling included in making and tasting our latest creations together.
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). Possible traces of gluten if using flavored teas. Cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens can occur when adding flavorings; check all ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 45, Total Fat 0 g, Carbohydrates 11 g, Protein 0 g
Pin Recipe Make your next gathering special with these vibrant homemade fermented drinks. Serve chilled in glasses and enjoy the gentle fizz and creative flavors!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of tea works best?
Black or green tea, either bags or loose-leaf, both yield a robust base and support healthy fermentation.
- → How do I ensure proper carbonation?
Bottle the fermented base with chosen flavorings and let it sit at room temperature 1–3 days for a gentle fizz.
- → Can I use different fruits and herbs?
Absolutely! Try berries, citrus, ginger, mint, or spices for endless flavor combinations and creative blends.
- → What equipment is essential for brewing?
You’ll need a large glass jar, clean bottles with tight lids, mesh strainer, funnel, and accurate measuring cups.
- → How long does fermentation take?
Initial fermentation takes 5–7 days, with optional 1–3 extra days after flavoring and bottling for added carbonation.
- → Is this beverage vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, the base is vegan and gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free teas and safe flavorings. Check labels carefully.