Fermented Drinks Kombucha-Style Home-Brew (Print View)

Discover kombucha-inspired fermented drinks with fruity, herbal twists and natural fizz. Great for lively gatherings.

# Components:

→ Kombucha-Style Base

01 - 2 quarts filtered water
02 - 8 black or green tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf tea
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 kombucha SCOBY or 3/4 cup unflavored store-bought kombucha for starter

→ Flavoring Options

05 - 1/2 cup fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries
06 - 1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced
07 - 1 small knob fresh ginger, sliced
08 - 1 sprig fresh mint or basil
09 - 2 tablespoons fruit juice such as pomegranate, cherry, or apple
10 - 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals
11 - 1 cinnamon stick or 3–4 whole cloves

# Method:

01 - Bring 2 quarts filtered water to a boil. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain out tea leaves.
02 - While tea is hot, stir in 1 cup granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Allow the sweetened tea to cool completely to room temperature.
03 - Transfer the cooled sweet tea into a large clean glass jar. Add the kombucha SCOBY and starter liquid or unflavored store-bought kombucha.
04 - Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Place the jar at room temperature away from direct sunlight for 5 to 7 days.
05 - Beginning on day 5, taste daily until the beverage is tangy and gently fizzy but not overly sour.
06 - Remove the SCOBY and 3/4 cup kombucha to reserve as starter for future batches. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices to the remaining kombucha.
07 - Pour flavored kombucha into clean glass bottles, leaving 1 inch headspace. Seal bottles tightly and ferment at room temperature for 1 to 3 days to increase carbonation.
08 - Refrigerate bottles once desired level of carbonation is achieved. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple ingredients and customizable flavors
  • Probiotic-rich and vegan-friendly for a healthy drink
02 -
  • Always use glass or BPA-free plastic containers when fermenting.
  • Fermentation times vary based on room temperature and desired taste.
03 -
  • For a pronounced mocktail, serve over ice and garnish with fresh herbs or citrus.
  • Experiment with creative flavor blends like ginger-lime or berry-mint for seasonal variety.

Return