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 experimented with home-brewed kombucha-style drinks when searching for tasty alternatives to sugary sodas and commercial mocktails. The gentle sparkle and complex tart-sweet notes quickly made these a favorite in our kitchen.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags: 8 (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf tea)
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 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 fresh ginger sliced, 1 sprig fresh mint or basil, 2 tablespoons fruit juice, 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals, 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 sweetened tea cool to room temperature. 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 store:
- Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Store at room temperature away from sunlight for 5 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste your brew daily. When tangy and slightly fizzy but not overly sour, its ready for the next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha to use as starter for your next batch. Add your chosen fruit, herb, or spice flavors to the kombucha.
- Seal and boost carbonation:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving 2 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.
Save Every summer, making these fizzy mocktails together is a tradition that brings the family into the kitchen. Kids love picking their favorite fruits to add for unique flavors.
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. Possible cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens if adding flavorings; check labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45. Total Fat: 0 g. Carbohydrates: 11 g. Protein: 0 g.
Save This simple fermentation process provides a fun way to make healthier, refreshing drinks at home. Enjoy your custom mocktail creations with every batch!
Common Questions
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Fermentation is complete when the drink tastes pleasantly tart with gentle fizz, usually after 5–10 days.
- → Can I use flavored teas for brewing?
Flavored teas can be used, but check for gluten and allergen info. Use certified gluten-free teas if needed.
- → What if I don’t have a SCOBY?
Substitute with unflavored store-bought kombucha as a starter to initiate fermentation effectively.
- → What containers are best for brewing?
Use glass or BPA-free plastic jars to avoid any chemical reaction or contamination during fermentation.
- → Are these drinks suitable for vegans?
Yes, they’re vegan and easily adapted for gluten-free diets by choosing appropriate teas and flavorings.
- → How do I enhance carbonation naturally?
Ferment bottled drinks an additional 1–3 days at room temperature for stronger natural fizz before refrigeration.