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 started brewing my own kombucha-style drinks when I wanted a fun alternative to soda that was still a little bubbly. The process soon became a kitchen ritual, and I loved experimenting with new flavor combinations each batch.
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 unflavored store-bought kombucha: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml
- Flavoring options (choose 1–2 per batch): 100 g fresh berries, 1 lemon or lime thinly sliced, 1 knob fresh 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 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 (hot liquid can kill the SCOBY).
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour the cooled sweet tea into a large glass jar. Add the SCOBY and starter liquid (or store-bought kombucha).
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover the jar with a 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 is tangy and slightly fizzy (but not overly sour), it is ready for the next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and 200 ml of kombucha to start your next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices to the kombucha.
- Bottle and ferment:
- Pour into 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 carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solids before serving.
Pin Brewing this recipe became a fun family project for weekends, and everyone tried their favorite flavors. Our best-loved is berry-mint, which quickly disappears from the fridge!
Required Tools
Large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with tight lids, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine if using tea. May contain traces of gluten if flavored teas are used. Cross-contamination possible with nuts or other allergens—always check labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g
Pin Pour your chilled mocktail over ice, garnish with fresh herbs or citrus, and enjoy a sparkling, homemade refresher!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I know when the fermentation is complete?
Taste daily from day 5, looking for a tangy and slightly fizzy profile—not overly sour—indicating readiness.
- → Can I customize the flavors?
Yes. Add fruits, herbs, or spices like berries, citrus, ginger, mint, or cinnamon for unique combinations.
- → What containers work best for fermentation?
Use large glass jars and clean bottles; avoid metal due to potential reactions during fermentation.
- → Is this suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, it fits vegan and gluten-free diets if certified ingredients and tea are chosen without additives.
- → How can I make the beverage less sweet?
Allow for longer fermentation. More sugar is converted, resulting in a tangier and less sweet flavor.
- → What safety tips should I follow?
Ensure all tools and containers are sanitized and choose BPA-free materials. Monitor fermentation to prevent off-flavors.