Fermented Kombucha-Style Mocktails (Print Version)

Vibrant kombucha-inspired drinks with gentle fizz, fresh fruit infusions, and refreshing, healthy flavor blends.

# Components:

→ Basic 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 (200 g)
04 - 1 kombucha SCOBY, or 3/4 cup unflavored store-bought kombucha as starter

→ Flavoring Options

05 - 3.5 ounces fresh berries (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 (pomegranate, cherry, or apple)
10 - 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals
11 - 1 cinnamon stick or 3 to 4 whole cloves

# Directions:

01 - Boil 2 quarts filtered water in a saucepan. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or use a strainer to remove leaves.
02 - Stir in granulated sugar while tea is hot until fully dissolved. Allow sweetened tea to cool to room temperature; do not add starter or SCOBY to hot liquid.
03 - Pour cooled sweet tea into a sanitized glass jar. Add kombucha SCOBY and starter liquid (store-bought or reserved from previous batch).
04 - Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel and secure with a rubber band. Leave at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 5 to 7 days.
05 - After 5 days, sample daily for fizz and acidity. Once tangy and lightly effervescent, proceed to next step.
06 - Carefully remove the SCOBY and 3/4 cup brewed kombucha for future batches. Add selected fruits, herbs, or spices to the kombucha.
07 - Transfer kombucha into clean glass bottles using a funnel, leaving 1 inch headspace. Seal tightly. Ferment at room temperature for 1 to 3 days for enhanced carbonation.
08 - Once desired carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solids before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Alcohol-free and packed with flavor
  • Easy to customize with your favorite fruits and herbs
02 -
  • Never use metal containers as they can react with fermentation and spoil your drink
  • Store bottles upright and open slowly to avoid overflow from excess fizz
03 -
  • For a more pronounced mocktail, serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water and fresh herb garnish
  • Try creative combos like ginger-lime, berry-mint, or apple-cinnamon for unique flavors

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