Sparkling kombucha-inspired drinks with fruit, herbs, and gentle fizz. Customizable, healthy options for any occasion.
# What You'll 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 store-bought kombucha as starter
→ Flavoring Options (choose 1–2 per batch)
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 to 4 whole cloves
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Bring 2 quarts of filtered water to a boil. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain out tea leaves.
02 - While the tea remains hot, stir in granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature; using hot liquid can damage the SCOBY.
03 - Transfer the cooled sweet tea into a large, sanitized glass jar. Gently add the SCOBY and starter liquid or store-bought kombucha.
04 - Secure the jar opening with a clean cloth or paper towel fastened by a rubber band. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for 5 to 7 days.
05 - After 5 days, begin tasting the brew daily. Proceed once the beverage is tangy with a gentle fizz, avoiding excessive sourness.
06 - Remove the SCOBY and 3/4 cup of kombucha for starting future batches. Introduce desired fruits, herbs, or spices into the kombucha.
07 - Pour flavored kombucha into sanitized bottles, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Seal tightly and allow to ferment at room temperature for 1 to 3 days for added carbonation.
08 - Once preferred carbonation is achieved, move bottles to the refrigerator. Strain out solid flavorings prior to serving.
