Fermented Drinks Kombucha Mocktails (Print)

Naturally fermented, kombucha-style mocktails with customizable flavors and gentle fizz. Enjoy healthy refreshment.

# Components:

→ Kombucha-Style Base

01 - 2 quarts filtered water
02 - 8 black or green tea bags, or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf tea
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 kombucha SCOBY or 3/4 cup unflavored store-bought kombucha starter

→ Flavoring Options

05 - 1/2 cup fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries
06 - 1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced
07 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
08 - 1 sprig fresh mint or basil
09 - 2 tablespoons fruit juice, such as pomegranate, cherry, or apple
10 - 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus petals
11 - 1 cinnamon stick or 3–4 whole cloves

# Directions:

01 - Bring 2 quarts of filtered water to a boil. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and allow to steep for 10 minutes, then remove tea bags or strain leaves.
02 - Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar until fully dissolved while tea is hot. Let tea cool to room temperature to protect the starter culture.
03 - Pour cooled sweet tea into a sanitized large glass jar. Add the SCOBY and kombucha starter liquid.
04 - Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured by a rubber band. Store away from direct sunlight at room temperature for 5–7 days.
05 - After 5 days, begin tasting daily. When the brew is tangy and lightly effervescent without excessive sourness, proceed.
06 - Remove the SCOBY and 3/4 cup kombucha for your next batch. Add selected fruits, herbs, or spices to the jar.
07 - Transfer kombucha to clean bottles, leaving 1 inch headspace. Seal bottles tightly and ferment at room temperature 1–3 days for carbonation.
08 - Once carbonation reaches desired level, refrigerate bottles. Strain flavorings before serving cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Versatile flavor options for endless variations
  • Gentle carbonation and tang without alcohol
02 -
  • Always use glass or BPA-free plastic containers because metal may react with fermentation
  • Caffeine content comes from the tea; choose certified gluten-free tea if needed
03 -
  • Always cool your sweetened tea before adding the SCOBY or starter
  • Try creative mocktail combinations by mixing different fruits, herbs, and spices each batch

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