Pin 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 began crafting kombucha-style mocktails at home when searching for a flavorful alternative to classic sodas. The subtle fizz and tart fruitiness became a staple at gatherings, impressing friends and family with their complexity and health benefits.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters, for brewing and fermenting
- Tea bags or loose-leaf tea: 8 bags black/green, or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup), dissolves to fuel fermentation
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored kombucha
- Fresh berries: 100 g, for fruit-forward brews
- Lemon or lime: 1, thinly sliced, adds citrus tang
- Fresh ginger: Small knob, sliced, provides gentle spice
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig, fragrant and herbal
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons, e.g., pomegranate, cherry, apple
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon, creates vivid color and light tart notes
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3–4 cloves, for warming spice
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil filtered water. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain out leaves.
- Add sugar:
- While hot, stir in sugar to dissolve. Let cool to room temperature; hot liquid can damage fermentation starter.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled tea into clean glass jar. Add the SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover jar with cloth or paper towel held by rubber band. Keep at room temperature, away from sunlight, 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily until tangy and slightly fizzy. Once ready, proceed to next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha as starter for next batch. Add chosen flavorings to kombucha.
- Bottle and carbonate:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly and ferment 1–3 more days at room temperature.
- Refrigerate and serve:
- Once desired fizz is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain solids before serving.
Pin Sharing kombucha-style drinks after a long day has become a cherished ritual. Our kids love to help choose berries or herbs, and everyone enjoys sipping the colorful creations together on the porch.
Required Tools
Large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with lids, and measuring cups and spoons are essential for safe and successful fermentation.
Allergen Information
These drinks contain caffeine from tea. Choose certified gluten-free tea if sensitive and check all labels to avoid accidental allergen exposure from add-ins.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 45 calories, 0 g fat, 11 g carbohydrates, and 0 g protein, making this a light and refreshing choice for any occasion.
Pin Play with flavorings and serve these mocktails chilled for a lively addition to any gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use green tea or black tea?
Both green and black tea work well, providing authentic flavor and nutrients for fermentation.
- → How long does fermentation take?
Fermentation typically lasts 5–10 days, with extra time for added carbonation after bottling.
- → How can I make the drink sweeter or tangier?
Shorter fermentation yields sweetness; longer ferments create a tangier, more complex taste.
- → Which containers are best for fermenting?
Glass jars are preferred to ensure clean, safe fermentation and avoid unwanted chemical reactions.
- → Can I add my own flavors?
You can customize with berries, ginger, citrus, herbs, or spices to craft unique mocktail blends.
- → Is the drink suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
Yes, the beverage is naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free by carefully selecting your tea.