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.
My first attempt at home-brewed kombucha-style mocktails felt like a small science project, and I loved watching the fizz gently develop day by day. Sharing creative flavor combinations with friends always leads to fun taste tests and lots of laughter over our favorite picks.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter kombucha: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Flavoring Option (choose 1–2): 100 g fresh berries
- Flavoring Option (choose 1–2): 1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced
- Flavoring Option (choose 1–2): 1 small knob fresh ginger, sliced
- Flavoring Option (choose 1–2): 1 sprig fresh mint or basil
- Flavoring Option (choose 1–2): 2 tablespoons fruit juice
- Flavoring Option (choose 1–2): 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals
- Flavoring Option (choose 1–2): 1 cinnamon stick or 3 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 (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 the jar:
- 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 ferment:
- 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.
Save My family loves experimenting with new flavors, especially berry-mint for a summer treat. We gather in the kitchen, pick our favorite fruits and herbs, and wait a few days for the delicious results.
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 using flavored teas (choose certified gluten-free tea if needed). Possible cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens if adding flavorings; check all labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g
Save Enjoy your naturally fizzy, flavorful mocktail cold. Each batch is a delicious adventure everyone can customize.
Common Questions
- → How long should fermentation last?
Usually 5–7 days for primary fermentation, plus 1–3 days in bottles for extra fizz. Taste daily for desired tang.
- → Can I use fruit juice for flavoring?
Yes, add fruit juice after fermentation for a vibrant touch. Try pomegranate, cherry, or apple for added depth.
- → Is this suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free tea if extra-sensitive and check labels on added flavorings.
- → What equipment do I need?
You’ll need a clean large glass jar, strainer, funnel, bottles with tight lids, measuring cups, and spoons.
- → How do I achieve more carbonation?
Seal flavored brew tightly in bottles and ferment 1–3 more days. Refrigerate promptly to preserve fizz.
- → Are there creative flavor combinations?
Try berry-mint, ginger-lime, or apple-cinnamon. Mix fruits, herbs, and spices for custom blends.
- → Can I make larger batches?
Scale all ingredients proportionally and use a larger container for brewing. Maintain hygiene to ensure safety.