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 first started brewing kombucha-style drinks in my own kitchen to enjoy a bright, bubbly alternative to sodas that also supported gut health. Experimenting with different flavorings became a fun weekend ritual for friends and family, with each batch fizzing up its own unique taste.
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 (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries; optional flavoring)
- Lemon or lime: 1, thinly sliced (optional flavoring)
- Fresh ginger: 1 small knob, sliced (optional flavoring)
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig (optional flavoring)
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons (pomegranate, cherry, apple; optional flavoring)
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon (optional flavoring)
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3 (optional flavoring)
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil 2 liters filtered water. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Steep 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain out leaves.
- Add sugar:
- While tea is hot, stir in sugar until completely dissolved. Let sweetened tea cool to room temperature before proceeding.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled tea into a large clean glass jar. Add SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover jar with clean cloth or paper towel secured with rubber band. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, begin tasting daily. Once tangy and lightly fizzy, proceed to next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha for future batches. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices to kombucha.
- Bottle and carbonate:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly. Ferment at room temperature for 1–3 days for extra fizz.
- Refrigerate and serve:
- Once desired carbonation is achieved, refrigerate bottles. Strain flavorings before serving.
Save Our kids love picking out new flavor combinations each batch, especially when their favorite berries and mint are involved. Sharing the fizzy finished drinks as a toast during outdoor picnics has become our new family tradition.
Required Tools
Large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with tight lids, measuring cups and spoons are necessary for smooth brewing and bottling.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains caffeine from tea, and may have traces of gluten if using non-certified tea. Additional flavorings may introduce cross-contamination risks – always check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 45 calories, 11 g carbohydrates, 0 g fat, and 0 g protein, making it a light and refreshing choice.
Save Enjoy these kombucha-style drinks as a nutritious alternative to sodas, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Let everyone experiment with their favorite flavors to create signature mocktails.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What tea works best for kombucha-style drinks?
Black or green tea provides a strong base and nutrients for fermentation; experiment with blends for extra flavor.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Taste daily after 5 days; it's ready when tangy and gently fizzy but not too sour. Adjust for desired sweetness.
- → Can I use alternative sugars or sweeteners?
Standard granulated sugar supports fermentation, but try coconut sugar or less-refined options for a unique profile.
- → Which flavors pair best in this drink?
Popular choices include fresh berries, sliced citrus, ginger, mint, basil, spices, and floral elements like hibiscus.
- → How much carbonation develops during fermentation?
Final in-bottle fermentation (1–3 days) produces gentle fizz. Longer times yield more bubbles; monitor for safety.
- → Is this suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
When using certified teas and carefully selected add-ins, the drink fits vegan and gluten-free dietary preferences.