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 began my fermentation journey years ago, but nothing impressed my friends quite like a homemade kombucha mocktail, bubbling gently and brightened with fresh fruits. Its natural fizz and tang always remind me of summer afternoons experimenting in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters for brewing the tea base
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf): 8 bags or 2 tablespoons for authentic taste
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup) to feed fermentation
- Kombucha SCOBY or starter liquid: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml plain kombucha, ensures fermentation
- Flavoring options: Fresh berries, lemon or lime slices, fresh ginger, fresh mint or basil, fruit juice, dried hibiscus petals, cinnamon stick, or cloves (choose 1–2 per batch)
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil water and steep tea for 10 minutes, then remove tea bags or strain leaves.
- Add sugar:
- Stir in granulated sugar while tea is hot until dissolved, then cool to room temperature.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled tea into a large glass jar, add SCOBY and starter liquid.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover jar with cloth or paper towel secured with rubber band and leave at room temperature for 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily until tangy and slightly fizzy.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha, add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices, then bottle and seal.
- Ferment for carbonation:
- Ferment bottled kombucha at room temperature for 1–3 more days for extra fizz.
- Refrigerate:
- Once carbonated, refrigerate bottles and strain flavorings before serving.
Save Whenever my family gathers, someone asks for my fizzy homemade mocktails. They love adding their own flavors, especially ginger and lemon, turning it into a fun kitchen ritual everyone enjoys 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) and possible traces of gluten depending on tea selection. Cross-contamination is possible if adding extra flavorings; review all labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g
Save These kombucha-style drinks bring a gentle fizz and lots of fun to your table. Let creativity guide your flavor choices, and enjoy sharing healthy mocktails with family and friends.
Kitchen Q&A
- → What kind of tea works best for kombucha-style drinks?
Black or green tea is recommended, using either tea bags or loose-leaf for optimal fermentation and flavor.
- → Can I substitute the SCOBY with store-bought kombucha?
Yes, use 200 ml unflavored kombucha as a starter if a SCOBY is unavailable, but results may vary slightly.
- → How do I add flavors to the brewed beverage?
After primary fermentation, add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices before bottling and let ferment for extra carbonation.
- → What is the best way to achieve more fizz?
Allow bottles to ferment sealed at room temperature for 1–3 days after adding flavorings for natural carbonation.
- → Are these drinks suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, use certified gluten-free tea and natural flavorings to ensure suitability for vegan and gluten-free diets.
- → How can I serve these mocktails for best flavor?
Serve chilled over ice and garnish with fresh herbs or citrus slices for a lively, mocktail-style presentation.