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 brewing kombucha-style mocktails was surprisingly simple. I loved experimenting with various fruit and spice blends that really transformed the taste and experience each time.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters, for brewing the tea base
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 bags or 2 tablespoons, provides flavor and nutrients for fermentation
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup), fuels the fermentation
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored kombucha, initiates fermentation
- Fresh berries: 100 g, adds flavor and color
- Lemon or lime: 1, thinly sliced, for citrus notes
- Fresh ginger: 1 small knob, sliced, provides spice
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig, herbal freshness
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons (pomegranate, cherry, apple), boosts flavor
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon, tartness and color
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3–4 cloves, warm spices
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 and away from direct sunlight for 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily until tangy and slightly fizzy but not too sour.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and 200 ml of kombucha for starting your next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices for flavor.
- Bottle and carbonate:
- Pour kombucha into clean bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly and ferment at room temperature for 1–3 more days for extra fizz.
- Refrigerate and serve:
- Once desired carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save This is the perfect recipe for sharing with my family on warm afternoons. Everyone loves picking their own flavors and making a new batch together.
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 and may have traces of gluten if flavored teas are used. Check all labels for possible allergens when adding flavorings.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45. Total Fat: 0 g. Carbohydrates: 11 g. Protein: 0 g.
Save A homemade fermented drink is a fun and healthy way to enjoy flavorful, refreshing mocktails. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and share your favorites with friends.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of tea is best for the kombucha-style base?
Both black and green teas work well, adding depth and subtle tannins. You can use tea bags or loose-leaf, depending on preference.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Taste daily after 5 days. When the brew is lightly tangy and fizzy, it's ready for flavoring and bottling.
- → Can flavor combinations be customized?
Absolutely. Mix and match fruits, herbs, and spices like berries, ginger, mint, or cinnamon for unique results.
- → What containers should I use for fermenting?
Always use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to avoid unwanted reactions during fermentation.
- → How do I achieve more carbonation?
After bottling, ferment at room temperature for 1–3 extra days to develop additional fizz, then refrigerate.
- → Is this beverage suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
It's vegan and gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free tea and check all flavoring ingredient labels.
- → Can these drinks be served for special occasions?
Definitely. Serve over ice with sparkling water and fresh garnishes for delightful, festive presentations.