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 experimented with kombucha-inspired drinks to create a healthy alternative for festive gatherings. Discovering how simple and creative these mocktails can be was a real delight for me and my friends.
Ingredients
- Filtered Water: 2 liters
- Black or Green Tea Bags: 8 bags, or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf tea
- Granulated Sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY: 1, or 200 ml unflavored store-bought kombucha (as starter)
- 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 or 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:
- While the tea is hot, stir in sugar until fully dissolved. Let sweetened tea cool to room temperature. Important: hot liquid can kill the SCOBY.
- Combine and Ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a large clean glass jar. Add the SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
- Cover the Jar:
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 5 or 7 days.
- Check and Taste:
- After 5 days, taste daily. When tangy and slightly fizzy (not overly sour), it is ready for the next step.
- Flavor and Bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and 200 ml kombucha for your next batch. Add your chosen fruits, herbs, or spices.
- Bottle and Carbonate:
- Pour into clean bottles, leave 2 or 3 cm headspace, and seal tightly. Ferment at room temperature 1 or 3 days for extra carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- When carbonation is reached, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save When my family tried homemade kombucha mocktails for the first time, they loved experimenting with different fruits. It quickly became a favorite weekend project for us all.
Required Tools
Large glass jar (2 or 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 teas. Possible cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens if flavorings are added; check all labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 0 g
Save These mocktails are perfect for sharing and experimenting. Enjoy discovering your favorite combinations with each batch!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Yes, use 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf black or green tea as an alternative to tea bags for a richer brew.
- → How long does fermentation take?
Fermentation usually lasts 5–7 days; taste daily for tanginess. Extra carbonation requires 1–3 more days in bottles.
- → What flavor combinations work best?
Popular options include ginger-lime, berry-mint, or apple-cinnamon. Mix fresh fruit, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
- → Is caffeine present in these drinks?
Yes, tea provides natural caffeine. For less caffeine, use green tea or herbal blends with careful selection.
- → How should I serve these beverages?
Serve chilled, over ice, with a splash of sparkling water or garnish with citrus and herbs for mocktail flair.
- → Are these drinks suitable for a vegan, gluten-free diet?
Yes, they are vegan and gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free tea and appropriate flavorings.