Fermented Kombucha Style Mocktails (Print Version)

Bubbly, kombucha-inspired mocktails with customizable flavors and gentle fizz. Refreshingly healthy, perfect for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 - 3.5 ounces fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries or strawberries
06 - 1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced
07 - 1 small knob 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 3–4 whole cloves

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring 2 quarts of filtered water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves.
02 - While tea is still hot, add 1 cup granulated sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature to protect fermentation culture.
03 - Pour the cooled sweet tea into a large, clean glass jar. Add the kombucha SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
04 - Cover jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Place the jar at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, to ferment for 5–7 days.
05 - Starting on the fifth day, taste the brew daily until it is tangy and slightly carbonated. Proceed once optimal flavor is reached.
06 - Lift out the SCOBY and reserve 3/4 cup kombucha as starter for next batch. Add your chosen fruits, herbs, or spices from the flavoring options to the brewed kombucha.
07 - Using a funnel, pour kombucha into clean glass bottles, leaving 1 inch headspace per bottle. Seal tightly and leave bottles at room temperature for 1–3 days for secondary fermentation and increased carbonation.
08 - Once desired carbonation is reached, transfer bottles to the refrigerator. Strain out solid flavorings before serving chilled.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Creates gently fizzy, complex drinks that feel festive without alcohol
  • Easy to customize with endless fruit and herb combinations
02 -
  • Always use glass or BPA-free containers because metal can react with fermentation
  • For a sweeter drink, reduce fermentation time; ferment longer for a tangier flavor
03 -
  • Let bottles carbonate for a day or two for extra fizz, but refrigerate promptly to avoid mess
  • Serve mocktails chilled, over ice, and with a splash of sparkling water for a festive touch
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