Pin it 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 started making kombucha-style mocktails during summer get-togethers, and was surprised by how easy it is to craft a delicious, probiotic-rich drink right at home. Experimenting with different flavor infusions has become a fun kitchen project that everyone wants to help with!
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 bags or 2 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Flavoring options: 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 whole cloves
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil filtered water. Add tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain leaves.
- Add sugar:
- Stir in sugar while hot until dissolved. Let cool completely to room temperature.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled tea into a clean jar. Add SCOBY and starter liquid.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover with a cloth or paper towel. Secure with a rubber band. Store at room temperature for 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, start tasting daily. It is ready when tangy and lightly fizzy.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and reserve 200 ml for future batches. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices. Pour into bottles, leaving space at top.
- Second fermentation:
- Seal bottles and ferment 1–3 days more for carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- Once carbonated, refrigerate and strain solids before serving.
Pin it Whenever my family gathers for brunch, we put out a tray of these colorful kombucha-style drinks, and even the kids ask for refills. It is the perfect non-alcoholic toast for birthdays or holidays!
Required Tools
Large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean bottles with tight lids, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine from tea. Check labels on flavored teas and added fruit or herbs for traces of gluten or nuts.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45. Total Fat: 0 g. Carbohydrates: 11 g. Protein: 0 g.
Pin it Homemade kombucha-style mocktails bring everyone together and deliver flavor and fizz with every sip. Raise a glass to creativity and feel-good refreshment!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long does fermentation take?
The first fermentation lasts about 5–7 days; after flavoring and bottling, a second fermentation adds 1–3 days for extra fizz.
- → Can I use any type of tea?
Black or green tea work best, either bags or loose-leaf. Use certified gluten-free tea if sensitivity is a concern.
- → How do I make the drinks sweeter or tangier?
For sweeter drinks, shorten fermentation; for tangier flavor, ferment longer and taste daily until desired profile is reached.
- → What flavor combinations are popular?
Try berry-mint, ginger-lime or apple-cinnamon. You can use fruit, herbs, spices, or combine several for unique results.
- → Is special equipment needed?
You'll need a large glass jar, mesh strainer, bottles with tight lids, funnel, and measuring cups. Always avoid metal containers.
- → Is it safe for gluten-free or vegan diets?
Yes, when using gluten-free tea and plant-based ingredients. Always check flavorings to ensure they're safe for your diet.