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 kombucha-inspired mocktails for summer get-togethers and was amazed by how fun it was to mix-and-match flavorings for everyone to enjoy. The gentle tang and light carbonation make these especially popular with family and friends.
Ingredients
- Filtered Water: 2 liters
- Black or Green Tea Bags: 8 bags 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 per batch or create your own (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 filtered water. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain out leaves.
- Add Sugar:
- While tea is hot, stir in sugar until fully dissolved. Cool sweetened tea to room temperature; hot liquid can kill the SCOBY.
- Combine and Ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a large clean glass jar. Add SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
- Cover the Jar:
- Cover 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 daily. When tangy and slightly fizzy but not overly sour, ready for next step.
- Flavor and Bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha for your next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices.
- Bottle and Carbonate:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving headspace. Seal tightly and ferment 1–3 days for extra carbonation.
- Refrigerate and Serve:
- After carbonation, refrigerate bottles and strain solid flavorings before serving.
Save I love how this recipe brings the family together for taste tests after each batch, with everyone picking favorite flavor combinations and guessing when it's fizzy enough.
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 due to tea and may have gluten if flavored tea is used. Check all labels for cross-contamination, especially if adding nutty or other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g
Save This homemade kombucha-style mocktail is sure to spark new favorites in your kitchen. Share bottles with friends and enjoy the refreshing fizz!
Recipe FAQ
- → How long should the fermented drink sit for carbonation?
Allow the drink to carbonate at room temperature in sealed bottles for 1–3 days, then refrigerate and serve.
- → What fruits or herbs work best for flavoring?
Fresh berries, sliced citrus, ginger, mint, basil, and dried spices like cinnamon or hibiscus add vibrant flavor and aroma.
- → Can I use store-bought kombucha as a starter?
Yes, unflavored store-bought kombucha can replace a SCOBY for fermentation, giving similar taste and fizz.
- → What tools are needed for fermentation?
You’ll need a large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, and clean bottles with tight lids for proper preparation.
- → How do I control the drink’s sweetness or tang?
Shorter fermentation yields sweeter drinks; ferment longer for a tangier, more robust flavor profile.
- → Is caffeine present in these beverages?
Yes, since black or green tea is the base, these drinks contain caffeine; consider herbal tea for a caffeine-free version.