Save to Pinterest 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 started making kombucha-style mocktails when searching for a fun drink that everyone in my family could enjoy. Testing out different flavor combinations became a weekend tradition.
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: 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 2 liters filtered water. Add tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain leaves.
- Add sugar:
- Stir in sugar while hot until dissolved. Cool sweet tea to room temperature (do not add SCOBY to hot liquid).
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled tea in a clean large jar. Add the SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
- Cover and store:
- Cover jar with cloth or paper towel and secure with a rubber band. Store at room temperature away from sunlight for 5 to 7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily. When tangy and slightly fizzy, it's ready for next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha for next batch. Add chosen flavorings to remaining kombucha.
- Bottle for carbonation:
- Pour into clean bottles with 2 to 3 cm of headspace. Seal tightly and ferment at room temperature for 1 to 3 more days.
- Refrigerate:
- Once desired carbonation is reached, refrigerate. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save to Pinterest Serving this fizzy homemade mocktail at family gatherings is always a hit, especially when we pour it over ice with a few mint leaves or citrus slices for garnish.
Required Tools
Large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with lids, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine from tea. If using flavored teas, check for gluten. Watch for possible cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens in flavorings.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45. Total Fat: 0 g. Carbohydrates: 11 g. Protein: 0 g.
Save to Pinterest Making your own kombucha-style mocktails at home turns a simple fermentation project into a centerpiece for fun and flavor. Enjoy experimenting with endless combinations and sharing with friends.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of tea works best for this drink?
Both black and green tea are excellent choices. Loose-leaf tea enhances depth of flavor, but tea bags work well too.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Taste daily after 5 days—once the drink is tangy, slightly fizzy, and not overly sour, it's ready for bottling.
- → Can I customize the flavorings?
Absolutely! Add fruits, herbs, spices, or juices. Try combinations like berry-mint or ginger-lime for unique twists.
- → Is it necessary to use a kombucha SCOBY?
You can use a kombucha SCOBY, or substitute 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha for fermentation.
- → How should I serve these drinks?
Pour over ice with a splash of sparkling water or garnish with fresh herbs and citrus for a mocktail feel.
- → Are these drinks suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, they fit both vegan and gluten-free diets when using certified gluten-free tea and checking flavoring labels.
- → Does the fermentation process add calories?
Each serving contains about 45 calories, mainly from sugar, with minimal protein or fat content.