Pin 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 experimented with kombucha-style home-brew drinks as an alternative to sugary sodas, and was amazed by the delightful fizz and complexity I could achieve with simple ingredients. Sharing these mocktails has become a fun tradition for friends and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters, serves as the base for brewing.
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf): 8 bags or 2 tablespoons, adds flavor and caffeine.
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup), fuels fermentation and balances tartness.
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha, starts fermentation.
- Fresh berries: 100 g, optional for fruity flavor.
- Lemon or lime: 1, thinly sliced, for brightness.
- Fresh ginger: 1 small knob, sliced, adds spice.
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig, optional for herbal notes.
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons, adds color and flavor.
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon, for floral tartness.
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3–4 cloves, offers warm spice.
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 (important: hot liquid can kill the SCOBY).
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour the cooled sweet tea into a large, clean glass jar. Add the SCOBY and starter liquid (or store-bought kombucha).
- Cover and ferment:
- 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 its tangy and slightly fizzy (but not overly sour), its ready for the next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and 200 ml of kombucha to use as starter for your next batch. Add your chosen fruits, herbs, or spices to the kombucha.
- Bottle and create carbonation:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving about 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly. Ferment at room temperature for 1–3 more days for extra carbonation.
- Refrigerate and serve:
- After desired carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Pin Kombucha-style drinks quickly became a favorite around our family table, especially when kids help choose their own flavorings and see the science unfold as bubbles appear.
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 flavored teas are used; opt for certified gluten-free tea if needed. Check labels for allergens if adding extra flavorings.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (approx. 250 ml) contains 45 calories, 0 g fat, 11 g carbohydrates and 0 g protein.
Pin Enjoy your homemade fermented drinks chilled and personalize each batch to create new favorite flavor blends. Simple fermenting can turn everyday teas into vibrant, healthy mocktails.
Recipe FAQ
- → What tea works best for the base?
Use black or green tea for traditional flavor and balanced fermentation. Avoid teas with oils or artificial flavors.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Taste after 5 days; it's ready when tangy and lightly fizzy, not overly sour. Continue if you prefer deeper flavor.
- → Can I customize the flavor combinations?
Absolutely! Mix fruits, herbs, and spices like ginger-lime, berry-mint, or apple-cinnamon for unique variations.
- → How can I ensure safety during fermentation?
Use clean glass jars, filtered water, and always cover securely. Avoid metal containers to prevent reactions.
- → Is this suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets?
Yes, choose certified gluten-free teas and check labels on added flavorings for allergens. The base is vegan.
- → Does this beverage contain caffeine?
If using black or green tea, there will be caffeine present. For caffeine-free versions, try herbal teas.