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 first became hooked on home-brewed kombucha mocktails after experimenting with different ingredients for my family. It is both fun to create and a great alternative to sugary sodas on a warm afternoon.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags: 8, 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 (choose 1–2): 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 3–4 whole cloves
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil 2 liters of filtered water. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Steep for 10 minutes and remove tea bags or strain out leaves.
- Add sugar:
- Stir in granulated sugar while tea is hot until fully dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a large, clean glass jar. Add SCOBY and starter liquid.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover jar with cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band and leave at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- Start tasting after 5 days; when tangy and fizzy it is ready for next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha for next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices. Pour into clean bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly.
- Second fermentation:
- Ferment bottled kombucha at room temperature for 1–3 days for carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- Refrigerate bottles and strain out solids before serving.
Save My kids love watching the fizz develop and getting creative with flavor combinations each batch. It quickly became a favorite activity we shared on weekends.
Required Tools
Large glass jar (2–3 liters), fine mesh strainer, funnel, clean glass bottles with tight lids, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains caffeine (from tea). For gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free tea. If adding flavorings, check labels to avoid cross-contamination with allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 45 calories, 0 g fat, 11 g carbohydrates, 0 g protein.
Save Home-brew kombucha mocktails make any gathering feel special. Enjoy your fizz safely and have fun exploring new flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you achieve the fizzy texture?
Secondary fermentation in sealed bottles naturally produces carbonation, giving drinks their effervescent finish.
- → Can I use flavored tea for brewing?
Yes, but check labels for gluten or allergens. Choose certified gluten-free teas when needed for safety.
- → How long should I ferment for a gentle tang?
Ferment 5–7 days for mild tang; longer fermentation yields sharper, more pronounced flavors.
- → What creative flavors can I add?
Combine fresh berries, ginger, herbs like mint, spices, or citrus for endless flavor pairs—try apple-cinnamon or berry-mint.
- → Is this suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely. All base ingredients, including the SCOBY and teas, are vegan-friendly and gluten-free if selected carefully.
- → What equipment do I need?
Prepare using a large glass jar, fine mesh strainer, funnel, tight-lidded bottles, and basic measuring tools.