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.
After experimenting with homemade kombucha-style drinks, I found that simple ingredients can yield vibrant flavors and fun bubbles without the need for fancy equipment.
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 unflavored store-bought kombucha: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml
- Fresh berries: 100 g (flavoring option)
- Lemon or lime: 1 thinly sliced (flavoring option)
- Fresh ginger: 1 small knob, sliced (flavoring option)
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig (flavoring option)
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons (flavoring option)
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon (flavoring option)
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3–4 cloves (flavoring option)
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 it's tangy and slightly fizzy (but not overly sour), it's ready for the next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and 200 ml of kombucha to use as a 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 to Pinterest Sharing these mocktails during family gatherings sparks curiosity and everyone asks to try new flavor combinations together.
Required Tools
Gather a large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean bottles with lids, and measuring cups/spoons for easy brewing and bottling.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains caffeine from tea. If using flavored tea or adding your own flavorings, check that all items are certified gluten-free and allergen-safe for your household.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Each glass has 45 calories, 0 g fat, 11 g carbs, and 0 g protein, making it a light and refreshing option for any occasion.
Save to Pinterest Customize your kombucha-style base with fruits and herbs for striking flavors. Enjoy sharing creative mocktail combinations with friends any time.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients create the kombucha-style base?
The base uses filtered water, black or green tea, granulated sugar, and a SCOBY or store-bought kombucha as starter culture.
- → How do I customize flavors for my mocktails?
Choose combinations like berries, citrus slices, ginger, fresh herbs, juices, or spices. Mix and match for unique taste profiles.
- → How do I achieve natural carbonation?
After flavoring and bottling, ferment at room temperature for 1–3 days. The sealed bottles produce gentle fizz.
- → Can I make these drinks gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, use certified gluten-free tea and plant-based flavorings. The drinks contain no animal products.
- → What's the ideal fermentation time for taste?
For a sweeter, lighter drink, ferment less. For complex, tangy flavors, extend fermentation up to 10 days before bottling.
- → What tools are needed for fermentation?
You'll need a large glass jar, mesh strainer, funnel, clean bottles with secure lids, and measuring tools.
- → Do these drinks contain caffeine?
Yes, if using tea leaves. Opt for caffeine-free tea for a decaf alternative.