Save 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 experimented with these kombucha-style mocktails for gatherings when I wanted something festive, fresh and full of flavor. Each batch brings new exciting combinations and an effortless way to enjoy a homemade, gut-friendly beverage.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or unflavored store-bought kombucha: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml store-bought for starter
- Fresh berries: 100 g (e.g. raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- Lemon or lime: 1, thinly sliced
- Fresh ginger: 1 small knob, sliced
- Fresh mint or basil: 1 sprig
- Fruit juice: 2 tablespoons (e.g. pomegranate, cherry, apple)
- Dried hibiscus petals: 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon stick or whole cloves: 1 stick or 3 cloves
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.
- 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 sunlight, for 5 to 7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily. When tangy and slightly fizzy, its ready for the next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha to use as starter for next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs or spices to the kombucha.
- Bottle for carbonation:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving a few centimeters headspace. Seal tightly. Ferment at room temperature for 1 to 3 days for extra carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- Once carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save My family loves taste-testing each new flavor. Its become a tradition to share chilled bottles on warm afternoons, pairing different fruity blends with fresh homemade snacks.
Required Tools
Large glass jar (2 or 3 liters), fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with lids, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine from tea. May contain traces of gluten if flavored tea is used. If adding flavorings, check all labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g (per serving)
Save Elevate every mocktail moment with fun garnishes and experiment with seasonal produce for new tastes each time.
Ad10Recipe FAQ
- → What tea is best for brewing kombucha-style drinks?
Use black or green tea for a robust base. Loose-leaf or bags both work. Avoid flavored teas with additives.
- → Can I use fruit for flavoring these drinks?
Absolutely—fresh berries, citrus slices, and ginger are great. You can also try herbs or fruit juices.
- → How do I know fermentation is complete?
Taste after five days; when the drink is tangy and lightly fizzy, it's ready for flavoring and bottling.
- → Is this beverage suitable for vegans and those avoiding gluten?
Yes, the base is vegan and gluten-free, but use certified gluten-free tea if needed and check flavoring labels.
- → How can I serve these fermented drinks?
Serve chilled, over ice, with fresh herbs or citrus garnishes. Try adding sparkling water for extra fizz.
- → What tools are needed for home-brewing?
A large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, and sealable bottles—plus measuring cups and spoons—are essentials.