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 started experimenting with home-brewed kombucha-style drinks to create something that felt festive and satisfying without any alcohol. The gentle fizz and layered flavors make these mocktails a standout at weekend brunches or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 2 liters, for brewing the tea base
- Black or green tea bags (or loose-leaf tea): 8 bags or 2 tablespoons, choose your preferred tea
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup), to feed fermentation
- Kombucha SCOBY or unflavored store-bought kombucha: 1 SCOBY or 200 ml starter, essential for fermentation
- Flavoring options: 100 g fresh berries, 1 lemon or lime (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 (choose 1–2 per batch)
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 the sugar until fully dissolved. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature. Hot liquid can harm 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 and ferment:
- Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel. Secure with a rubber band. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 5–7 days.
- Check and taste:
- After 5 days, taste your brew daily. When tangy and gently fizzy (not sour), its ready for the next step.
- Flavor and bottle:
- Remove the SCOBY and reserve 200 ml of kombucha for your next batch. Add chosen fruits, herbs, or spices to flavor the batch.
- Bottle and ferment:
- Pour into clean bottles, leaving 2–3 cm at the top. Seal tightly. Ferment at room temperature for 1–3 more days for gentle carbonation.
- Refrigerate:
- After carbonation, refrigerate bottles. Strain out solid flavorings before serving.
Save When my family first tried these fizzy drinks, everyone picked their favorite mix-ins. Kids loved berry-and-mint while adults reached for ginger-lime, and we all enjoyed tasting the subtle tang that built up each day.
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). Choose certified gluten-free tea and check all labels if sensitive to allergens from added flavorings.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 45. Total Fat: 0 g. Carbohydrates: 11 g. Protein: 0 g.
Save Give your homemade fermented mocktail a try and tweak flavors as you like. Share the fizz and flavor with friends for a cheerful, guilt-free sip.