Pin this 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 first explored homemade kombucha-style drinks seeking a fun way to enjoy complex, tangy flavors without alcohol. Every batch offers a unique taste depending on what fruits and herbs I have on hand.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea: 8 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Flavoring options: 100 g fresh berries, 1 lemon or lime (thinly sliced), 1 small knob fresh ginger (sliced), 1 sprig fresh mint or basil, 2 tablespoons fruit juice, 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals, 1 cinnamon stick or 3–4 whole cloves (choose 1–2 per batch)
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 (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 store:
- Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for 5–7 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 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly. Ferment at room temperature for 1–3 more days for extra carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- After desired carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Pin this One summer, I shared a batch with my family at a backyard dinner. Everyone had fun picking their own fruit combinations for mocktails, and it was a hit even with the kids.
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. Possible traces of gluten if using flavored teas; check for certified gluten-free tea if needed. Cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens may occur via flavorings; always check product labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 45, Total Fat 0 g, Carbohydrates 11 g, Protein 0 g
Pin this These kombucha-inspired drinks are sure to spark conversation at any gathering. Enjoy experimenting with flavor blends and sharing with friends.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure proper fermentation?
Maintain a clean environment, use non-metal containers, and keep your jar at room temperature away from sunlight. Taste daily after five days.
- → Can I customize flavorings?
Yes, add fruits, herbs, juices, or spices such as ginger, berries, mint, or cinnamon during the second fermentation to create unique blends.
- → Is this drink caffeine-free?
Base ingredients include black or green tea, which contain caffeine. Use herbal teas for caffeine-free variations as desired.
- → What is the ideal serving suggestion?
Serve chilled, optionally over ice, topped with sparkling water and garnished with fresh herbs or citrus slices for added flair.
- → How do I maintain carbonation?
After bottling, ferment your drinks for 1–3 days at room temperature before refrigeration to achieve gentle fizz and desired bubbles.
- → Are mocktails suitable for gluten-free diets?
Choose certified gluten-free teas and verify all added flavorings to ensure the drinks remain suitable for gluten-free dietary needs.