Fermented Kombucha Mocktail Drinks (Print Version)

Brew fruity, fizzy drinks with kombucha-inspired fermentation, fresh flavorings, and alcohol-free enjoyment.

# Components:

→ Basic Kombucha-Style Base

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

→ Flavoring Options

05 - 3/4 cup fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries
06 - 1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced
07 - 1 small piece fresh ginger, sliced
08 - 1 sprig fresh mint or basil
09 - 2 tablespoons fruit juice, such as pomegranate, cherry, or apple
10 - 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals
11 - 1 cinnamon stick or 3 to 4 whole cloves

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Bring 2 quarts of filtered water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan. Add black or green tea bags, or loose-leaf tea, and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves.
02 - Add the granulated sugar to the hot tea and stir until fully dissolved. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature before proceeding.
03 - Transfer the cooled sweet tea into a clean, large glass jar. Gently add the kombucha SCOBY along with the starter liquid or unflavored kombucha.
04 - Secure a clean cloth or paper towel over the jar opening with a rubber band. Place the jar out of direct sunlight at room temperature and ferment for 5 to 7 days.
05 - Start tasting the brew daily after 5 days. When it becomes tangy and lightly carbonated without excessive sourness, it is ready for flavoring.
06 - Carefully remove the SCOBY and reserve about 3/4 cup of finished kombucha for your next batch. Add your choice of fruit, herbs, or spices directly to the fermented kombucha.
07 - Using a funnel, pour the flavored kombucha into clean glass bottles, leaving 1 inch of headspace per bottle. Seal tightly and ferment at room temperature for 1 to 3 additional days for carbonation.
08 - Transfer bottles to the refrigerator once carbonation is sufficient. Strain out solid flavorings prior to serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Shares vibrant flavors with gentle fizz for a satisfying alcohol-free drink
  • Adaptable with your favorite fruits, herbs, or spices
02 -
  • Always use glass or BPA-free plastic containers because metal can react with fermentation
  • Contains caffeine from tea and may have traces of gluten if using flavored teas
03 -
  • Try creative combinations like ginger-lime, berry-mint, or apple-cinnamon
  • Serve mocktails over ice with sparkling water and fresh herbs for party-ready presentation
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