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 discovered homemade kombucha-style drinks when searching for fun non-alcoholic options to serve at small gatherings. The gentle fizz and tangy flavor always impress guests, especially when I customize batches with fresh berries or herbs from my garden.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags: 8 bags (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf tea)
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter: 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 small knob ginger, sliced; 1 sprig 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 filtered water. Add tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain leaves.
- Add sugar:
- Stir in sugar while tea is hot until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour sweet tea into clean jar. Add SCOBY and starter liquid.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover jar with cloth or paper towel. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily until tangy and slightly fizzy.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and save starter for next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices.
- Bottle and carbonate:
- Pour into bottles with headspace. Seal tightly. Ferment for 1–3 days more.
- Refrigerate:
- Once carbonated, refrigerate bottles and strain flavorings before serving.
Save My kids love helping choose flavor add-ins for each batch, and watching the SCOBY grow over time has become a quirky tradition at our family table.
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 if using tea. Use gluten-free tea if sensitive. Check flavors for traces of nuts or other allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g
Save Enjoy tinkering with flavor blends and fermentation times to find your favorite homemade fizz. Each batch can be unique and fun to share.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use herbal or flavored teas as the base?
Yes, you can, but opt for certified gluten-free and caffeine-free teas if needed. Flavored teas may impact fermentation and taste.
- → How do I know when it's ready to bottle?
Once the brew tastes tangy and lightly fizzy, it's ready for bottling and flavoring. Taste daily after 5 days to find your preferred balance.
- → What kind of flavorings work best?
Fresh berries, citrus slices, ginger, herbs, fruit juices, and spices like cinnamon or hibiscus all make great flavoring options.
- → Is it necessary to use a SCOBY?
A SCOBY is traditional, but you can use plain store-bought kombucha as a starter for similar results.
- → How do I store the finished drinks?
Store bottled drinks in the refrigerator once desired carbonation is reached. Strain solids before serving for a smoother drink.
- → Are the drinks suitable for special diets?
These beverages are naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as gluten-free teas and pure flavorings are used.