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 homemade kombucha-style mocktails to offer fun and healthy options for gatherings. The process felt rewarding and added a flavorful twist to my beverage routine.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Kombucha SCOBY or store-bought kombucha: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml as starter
- Flavoring options: 100 g fresh berries, 1 lemon or lime thinly sliced, 1 knob ginger sliced, 1 sprig mint or basil, 2 tablespoons fruit juice, 1 tablespoon hibiscus petals, 1 cinnamon stick or 3–4 cloves
Instructions
- Brew the tea:
- Boil 2 liters 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 dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
- Combine and ferment:
- Pour cooled sweet tea into a large clean jar. Add SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
- Cover and ferment:
- Cover jar with cloth or paper towel secured with rubber band. Store 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 to use as starter for next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices.
- Bottle and carbonate:
- Pour into bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace. Seal tightly and ferment 1–3 more days for carbonation.
- Refrigerate and serve:
- After carbonation, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save My family loved crafting their own fruity mocktail blends for our weekend brunch. Watching bubbles form and flavors develop became a fun together activity.
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. Potential traces of gluten if using flavored teas. Check labels for cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 45, Fat 0 g, Carbohydrates 11 g, Protein 0 g
Save Enjoy your homemade fermented drinks chilled for a bright, fizzy mocktail. Each batch is a chance to explore new flavors and share the fun.
Kitchen Questions
- → How long does it take to ferment?
Initial fermentation takes 5–7 days. For added carbonation, leave bottled drinks at room temperature for 1–3 more days before chilling.
- → Can I use different teas?
Yes! Black or green tea works best. Herbal teas are not recommended for base fermentation but can add flavor in the second stage.
- → Is a SCOBY required?
You need a SCOBY or 200 ml of unflavored store-bought kombucha to start fermentation. Both provide the necessary culture.
- → What flavors can I add?
Mix fruits, citrus, ginger, herbs, spices, or fruit juices. Creative combinations like berry-mint or apple-cinnamon are excellent.
- → How do I know when it's ready?
Taste your brew daily after 5 days. It's ready when it tastes tangy, slightly fizzy, and not overly sour, before adding flavorings.
- → Does it contain alcohol?
Fermentation produces trace alcohol, but the drinks are considered non-alcoholic. Always ferment at proper temperatures for safety.