Fermented Drinks Kombucha Mocktails (Print version)
Create naturally fizzy, tea-based drinks with fruits and herbs for delicious, alcohol-free enjoyment.
# What You Need:
→ Basic 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 kombucha (starter liquid)
→ Flavoring Options (select 1–2 or mix and match)
05 - 3.5 ounces fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries
06 - 1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced
07 - 1 small knob 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
# How to Make:
01 - Bring 2 quarts filtered water to a boil. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain out leaves.
02 - While the tea is hot, stir in the granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Allow sweetened tea to cool to room temperature to protect the SCOBY.
03 - Transfer cooled sweet tea into a large, clean glass jar. Add the SCOBY and starter kombucha liquid.
04 - Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured by a rubber band. Place in a dark, room temperature location for 5–7 days.
05 - Beginning on day 5, taste daily until the beverage is tangy and lightly carbonated. For a milder flavor, stop fermentation earlier.
06 - Remove the SCOBY and 3/4 cup kombucha to start future batches. Add preferred fruit, herbs, or spices to the brewed kombucha.
07 - Pour flavored kombucha into clean bottles using a funnel, leaving 1 inch headspace. Seal bottles tightly and leave at room temperature for 1–3 days to increase carbonation.
08 - Once desired fizz is achieved, refrigerate bottles. Strain solids before serving.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- Alcohol-free & packed with probiotic potential
- Customizable flavors for every palate
02 -
- Always use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to prevent reaction during fermentation
- Fermentation time affects sweetness and tang – shorter for sweet, longer for tart mocktails
03 -
- For more mocktail character, serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water and fresh herbs
- Try unusual pairings like ginger-lime, berry-mint, or apple-cinnamon for creative flavor twists