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.
My first batch of kombucha-style mocktails brought a joyful fizz to our table, showing how simple fermentation can yield vibrant flavors. I love experimenting with seasonal fruits and spices for a unique twist every time.
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 starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha
- Flavoring options: 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 and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain out leaves.
- Add sugar:
- Stir in sugar while the tea is hot until fully dissolved. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature because 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:
- 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 is tangy and slightly fizzy but not overly sour, it is ready for the next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and 200 ml of kombucha to use as 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 We gathered around the kitchen counter to taste each new batch: kids loved adding their favorite berries and everyone had fun guessing each flavor combination as the bottles bubbled gently.
Required Tools
Large glass jar, 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 teas. Possible cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens depending on added flavorings.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 45 calories, 0 g fat, 11 g carbohydrates, 0 g protein.
Save With simple steps and creative mix-ins, these mocktails bring fizzy joy to any gathering. Enjoy a healthy, homemade refreshment any time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What teas work best for this drink?
Black or green teas are ideal, as they provide nutrients for fermentation and a balanced flavor base.
- → How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Taste daily after five days; when the drink is tangy and gently fizzy, it's ready for bottling and flavoring.
- → Can I use bottled kombucha as a starter?
Yes, 200 ml of plain, unflavored kombucha works as a starter culture for initial fermentation.
- → What flavor combinations are recommended?
Try ginger-lime, berry-mint, or apple-cinnamon; mix fruits, herbs, and spices for your own creative blends.
- → How do I achieve more carbonation?
After flavoring, seal bottles tightly and ferment for 1–3 more days at room temperature for extra fizz.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free and vegan diets?
Yes, use certified gluten-free teas and plant-based ingredients to ensure it's vegan and gluten-free.