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.
Experimenting with homemade kombucha-style drinks let me get creative in the kitchen without needing special equipment or worrying about alcohol content. The process is hands-on and rewarding, and even beginners can enjoy delicious results.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 bags or 2 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (about 1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Fresh berries: 100 g, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries
- Lemon or lime: 1, thinly sliced
- Fresh ginger: 1 small knob, sliced
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons, like pomegranate, cherry, apple
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3–4 cloves
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil 2 liters filtered water. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain leaves.
- Add sugar:
- While tea is hot, stir in sugar until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature before proceeding.
- Combine & ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a clean glass jar. Add SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
- Cover jar:
- Cover with a cloth or paper towel secured by a rubber band. Store at room temperature away from sunlight for 5–7 days.
- Check & taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily. When tangy and lightly fizzy, it's ready.
- Flavor & bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml of kombucha for your next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices to kombucha.
- Bottle:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly and ferment for 1–3 more days for carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- Once carbonated, refrigerate bottles and strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save My family loves picking out their favorite flavor combinations, like berry-mint or ginger-lime. Sharing these homemade mocktails at gatherings always sparks laughter and questions about fermenting at home.
Required Tools
Large glass jar (2–3 liters), fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with tight lids, and measuring cups and spoons are all you'll need to get started.
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine from tea and may contain traces of gluten if flavored teas are used. Check labels on all ingredients to avoid cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 45 calories, 0 g fat, 11 g carbohydrates, and 0 g protein.
Save Homemade kombucha-style mocktails are best enjoyed chilled and shared with friends. Sip slowly and enjoy the unique flavors you created yourself.
Recipe Help
- → Can I use different teas for the base?
Yes, black or green tea work well. You may experiment with flavored teas, but ensure they're gluten-free if needed.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Taste your brew daily after 5 days; it's ready when tangy and gently fizzy but not overly sour.
- → What flavorings can be added?
Fresh berries, citrus slices, ginger, mint, basil, fruit juice, hibiscus, cinnamon, or cloves are all excellent options.
- → Is a SCOBY required?
A SCOBY is ideal, but you can use unflavored store-bought kombucha as a starter in a pinch.
- → How should I store and serve mocktails?
Refrigerate after carbonation. Strain solids before serving, pour over ice, and garnish with fresh herbs or citrus.
- → Are these drinks suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free tea and plant-based flavorings. Check all ingredient labels for allergens.