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 experimenting with kombucha-style fermented drinks when searching for satisfying alternatives to sodas and mocktails. The simple process became a favorite, and the endless flavor options made it fun to share with friends.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea: 8 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf tea
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter kombucha: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Fresh berries: 100 g, optional for flavor
- Lemon or lime: 1 thinly sliced, optional for flavor
- Fresh ginger: 1 small knob, sliced, optional for flavor
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig, optional for flavor
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons, optional for flavor
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon, optional for flavor
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3–4 cloves, optional for flavor
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 it&s tangy and slightly fizzy (but not overly sour), it&s 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 ferment again:
- 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:
- After desired carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save Sharing homemade mocktails like these became a favorite part of our weekend gatherings, where everyone gets to pick their own fruity blend for fizz and fun.
Required Tools
Large glass jar (2–3 liters), fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with lids, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine (from tea). May contain traces of gluten if flavored teas are used. Check all flavoring labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g
Save With endless flavor possibilities, these fermented drinks are a vibrant way to enjoy refreshment and share something special with those you love.