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.
Kombucha was my gateway into the world of fermentation at home. Experimenting with different fruits and herbs for each batch, I discovered how easy it is to cater these drinks to everyone's tastes.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters for brewing & fermenting
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 bags or 2 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup) to feed the fermentation
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter kombucha: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Berries: 100 g fresh, choose raspberries, blueberries or strawberries
- Citrus: 1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced
- Ginger: Small knob, sliced
- Fresh herbs: 1 sprig mint or basil
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons, e.g. pomegranate, cherry or apple
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3 to 4 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 leaves.
- Add sugar:
- While tea is hot, stir in sugar until dissolved. Allow tea to cool to room temperature so the SCOBY stays healthy.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a clean glass jar and add SCOBY plus starter liquid.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover with cloth or paper towel secured by rubber band. Store at room temperature away from sunlight for 5 to 7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, begin tasting daily. Once tangy and lightly fizzy, move to the next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha for future batches. Add chosen fruits, herbs or spices to kombucha.
- Bottle and carbonate:
- Pour into clean bottles with 2 to 3 cm headspace. Seal tightly and ferment at room temperature 1 to 3 more days for more fizz.
- Refrigerate and serve:
- Once desired carbonation is achieved, refrigerate bottles. Strain out flavorings before serving.
Save My kids love guessing the flavor combinations from batch to batch and have even come up with their favorite blends like berry-mint and ginger-lime when we mix these mocktails for family game night.
Required Tools
Gather a large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, and clean bottles with tight lids to make these drinks at home.
Allergen Information
The drinks may contain caffeine due to tea and possible traces of gluten or nuts depending on your choice of teas and flavorings. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers about 45 calories, 0 g fat, 11 g carbs and 0 g protein, making it a light and healthy refreshment option.
Save Serve your fermented drinks chilled and enjoy experimenting with flavors for a vibrant, alcohol-free refreshment that impresses every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different types of tea?
Yes, both black and green tea work well. For unique flavors, try blends or infusions, just ensure they're caffeine-based for fermentation.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Taste your drink daily after day 5. It's ready when tangy with slight fizz, but can ferment longer for extra sourness.
- → What can I add for flavor variations?
Use fresh berries, ginger, citrus slices, herbs, or spices. Creative options include apple-cinnamon or berry-mint blends.
- → How do I safely bottle the drinks?
Pour into clean bottles, seal tightly, and let ferment 1–3 days for extra fizz. Refrigerate afterwards to slow fermentation.
- → Is it suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, use certified gluten-free tea if needed and always verify flavoring add-ins for allergens. Tea itself is naturally vegan.
- → How do I serve kombucha-style mocktails?
Serve chilled, over ice, or with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh herbs, berries, or citrus for extra refreshment.