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 was introduced to the world of home-brewed fermented drinks by a friend who loved experimenting with different flavors. It quickly became a favorite weekend project to try new combinations for summer gatherings.
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 liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Fresh berries: 100 g (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries; optional, for flavoring)
- Lemon or lime: 1, thinly sliced (optional)
- Fresh ginger: 1 small knob, sliced (optional)
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig (optional)
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons (pomegranate, cherry, or apple; optional)
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 cinnamon stick or 3 or 4 whole cloves (optional)
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 and ferment:
- 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 or 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 or 3 cm headspace. Seal tightly. Ferment at room temperature for 1 or 3 more days for extra carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- After desired carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save My family loves helping with the bottling step, and everyone enjoys choosing their favorite flavorings for our weekend batches. Some of our best combinations became instant favorites during birthdays and summer picnics.
Required Tools
Large glass jar (2 or 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
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g (per serving)
Save Enjoy your kombucha-style mocktail chilled, and share with friends for a healthy and flavorful twist at your next gathering.
Cooking Guide
- → How do I make the tea base?
Boil filtered water and steep tea bags or loose-leaf tea for 10 minutes, then remove the tea and dissolve sugar while hot.
- → What is a SCOBY and where can I get it?
A SCOBY is a culture of beneficial bacteria and yeast essential for fermentation. Find it online, at health stores, or use some unflavored store-bought kombucha.
- → How do I flavor the drinks?
Add fresh or dried fruits, citrus, herbs, or spices of your choice after initial fermentation. Creative combinations work well!
- → Can I control the sweetness and fizz?
Shorter fermentation time keeps drinks sweeter; longer time gives more tang and fizz. Bottle briefly for extra carbonation.
- → What containers are best for fermenting?
Use glass jars for fermentation and clean glass bottles for bottling. Avoid metal, which can react with ingredients.
- → How should I serve these beverages?
Serve chilled over ice, optionally with sparkling water, and garnish with herbs or citrus for extra flair.