Fermented Drinks Kombucha Home-Brew (Print)

Naturally fizzy kombucha-inspired drinks with fruit, tea, and botanicals. Refreshing alcohol-free options for any day.

# Components:

→ Basic Kombucha-Style Base

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

→ Flavoring Options (select as preferred)

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, e.g., pomegranate, cherry, or apple
10 - 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals
11 - 1 cinnamon stick or 3–4 whole cloves

# Directions:

01 - Bring 2 quarts filtered water to a boil. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags or strain out loose leaves.
02 - While tea is still hot, stir in the granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature, ensuring it is no longer warm before proceeding.
03 - Pour the cooled sweet tea into a clean, large glass jar. Add the SCOBY and starter liquid, or plain kombucha if using.
04 - Cover the jar securely with a clean cloth or paper towel fastened with a rubber band. Place the jar in a location away from direct sunlight. Allow to ferment at room temperature for 5 to 7 days.
05 - After 5 days, begin tasting daily. The beverage is ready when it is moderately tangy and exhibits a gentle effervescence, but not a pronounced sour note.
06 - Remove the SCOBY along with 3/4 cup kombucha to reserve as starter for your next batch. Add your chosen fruits, herbs, or spices as flavoring to the fermented kombucha.
07 - Pour the flavored kombucha into clean bottles, leaving 1 inch headspace. Seal containers tightly. Let bottles ferment at room temperature for 1 to 3 days to increase carbonation.
08 - After the carbonation phase, move the bottles to the refrigerator. Strain out solid flavorings before pouring. Serve chilled over ice and garnish to preference.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Naturally fizzy and packed with probiotics for gut health
  • Customizable flavor combinations for every occasion
02 -
  • Always use glass or BPA-free plastic containers since metal can react with fermentation.
  • For a sweeter drink, reduce fermentation time; for tangier flavor, ferment longer.
03 -
  • Experiment with creative flavor combinations such as ginger-lime, berry-mint, or apple-cinnamon.
  • For a mocktail feel, serve over ice with sparkling water and garnish with fresh herbs or citrus.
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