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.
The first time I tried making my own kombucha-style drinks at home, I was amazed by how easy it was to experiment with new flavors. Sharing these mocktails with friends and family became a fun ritual—everyone loves choosing their favorite combinations!
Ingredients
- Filtered water: Use 2 liters for brewing the tea base
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf provides balanced tannin and flavor
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup) to feed fermentation
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: A SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha helps start fermentation
- Flavoring Options: Choose 1-2 per batch; berries, citrus slices, ginger, mint or basil, fruit juice, dried hibiscus petals, cinnamon or cloves for creative customization
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil filtered water and steep tea bags or loose-leaf tea for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain leaves.
- Add sugar:
- Stir in sugar while tea is hot until dissolved then cool to room temperature.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a large glass jar; add SCOBY and starter liquid.
- Initial fermentation:
- Cover with cloth and secure. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 5-7 days.
- Check and taste:
- Taste daily after 5 days. Once tangy and lightly fizzy, proceed.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml starter for next batch. Add chosen flavorings.
- Bottle for carbonation:
- Pour into bottles, leaving 2-3 cm headspace. Seal and ferment 1-3 days longer.
- Refrigerate:
- After carbonation, chill bottles and strain out flavorings before serving.
Save My children love helping to choose flavors and decorate the bottles with homemade labels. Its a hands-on kitchen project that brings everyone together!
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, may contain traces of gluten if using flavored tea. Be sure to check labels if adding flavorings with potential allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g
Save These kombucha-style mocktails are perfect for parties or everyday refreshment. Even beginners will find success with each batch.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve good fizz in the drink?
Allow a short second fermentation in sealed bottles (1–3 days) after adding flavorings. This produces natural carbonation.
- → Can I use herbal teas instead of black or green tea?
Herbal teas may lack nutrients for fermentation, but blending with some black or green tea often works well for flavor.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Taste after 5 days; it's ready when tangy with mild fizz and not overly sour. Adjust based on sweetness and flavor preferences.
- → Is it necessary to refrigerate after fermentation?
Yes, refrigeration halts fermentation and maintains taste. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
- → What are some creative flavor combinations?
Try ginger-lime, berry-mint, apple-cinnamon, or pomegranate-hibiscus for unique and refreshing taste profiles.
- → Is this suitable for a vegan or gluten-free diet?
Yes, it’s vegan and gluten-free if using certified gluten-free tea and appropriate flavorings.