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.
I first experimented with home-brewed kombucha-style drinks to recreate the fizzy, flavorful mocktails I loved at cafes but with a fraction of the sugar and cost. Each batch becomes a fun creative project as you discover your favorite flavor combinations.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters for the base
- Black or green tea bags: 8, or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf tea
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Flavoring options (choose 1–2): 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
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 (important: 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 ferment:
- 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 carbonate:
- 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.
Save Fermenting drinks at home became a family activity for us, with everyone excited to taste the next round of quirky flavors. Its a delicious way to connect and experiment together in the kitchen.
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. May contain traces of gluten if using flavored teas. Cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens is possible if adding flavorings; always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains 45 calories, 0 g total fat, 11 g carbohydrates, 0 g protein
Save Enjoy your homemade fermented mocktails over ice and a splash of sparkling water for a refreshing final touch.
Recipe Guide
- → What tea works best for kombucha-style fermentation?
Black or green tea provides the best base flavor and nutrients for the fermentation process. Avoid flavored teas with additives.
- → How do you get natural fizz in these drinks?
Secondary fermentation with fruit or juice creates gentle carbonation as natural sugars feed the yeasts.
- → Can you customize the flavors and ingredients?
Absolutely! Try combinations like berry-mint, ginger-lime, or apple-cinnamon. Use fresh fruits, herbs, or spices for unique batches.
- → How do you store homemade fermented drinks?
Once desired carbonation is reached, refrigerate the bottles. Strain solids before serving for a smooth, fizzy beverage.
- → Are these drinks suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, when using certified gluten-free teas and plant-based ingredients. Check all labels for allergens or cross-contamination.
- → Do these beverages contain caffeine?
Most varieties use black or green tea, which is naturally caffeinated. Choose herbal teas for caffeine-free versions.